Mar 22, 2016
According to julep.com we find out that most of us know our primary birthstone, but fewer are familiar with the idea of “alternative” or “secondary” birthstones. Throughout time, precious gems have been sought after for their beauty and virtue. They were seen as signs of power and wealth, and thought to transmit certain positive qualities and good luck to the wearers. Many cultures all over the world, some dating back to ancient times, have assigned precious and semi-precious gems to parts of their calendars, with certain birthstones rotating in and out according to availability and the styles of the time. It was only relatively recently that these traditions were consolidated into what we now consider the modern, “standard” birthstone calendar, which was established by the National Association of Jewelers in 1912—however, this list has continued to change and shift over time.
Some secondary birthstones are remnants from ancient cultural calendars around the world, while others are new additions, added because of their similarity or complementary nature to the primary stones. Because many standard birthstones are incredibly rare, and therefore quite expensive, some alternative birthstones reflect the jewelry industry’s desire to give people a wider range of options, both in terms of budgets and tastes. Because of these varying origins, secondary birthstones can be hard to nail down, but we’re so glad they exist—because they also gave us inspiration to create another run of gem-inspired polishes for 2015.
How well do you know your birthstones? Here’s a list of each month’s designated primary and secondary gems, and what they are said to represent:
January: The primary birthstone is garnet, known as the stone of health, and said to promote love, passion, sensuality, and intimacy. The secondary stone is rose quartz, known as the stone of warmth and love.
February: During medieval times, February’s primary birthstone, amethyst, was put under someone’s pillow to cure insomnia and bring pleasant dreams. Amethyst is said to promote peace and balance, strengthen relationships, and give courage. The month’s secondary birthstone is considered to be onyx, which is said to ward off grief, encourage wise decisions, and deflect negativity.
March: Aquamarine is the primary stone, and is said to release fear, calm nerves, and bring clarity, as well as protect sailors and sea travelers during their voyages. The secondary stone is bloodstone, also called heliotrope, which is considered the stone of courage.
April: Lucky, lucky April babies get diamond as their birthstone, which symbolizes purity, perfection, and authority, as well as everlasting love. The alternative birthstone for April is white topaz, which is said to improve mental clarity and inspire personal success.
May: The emerald, May’s primary birthstone, has long been associated with fertility, rebirth, and love, as well as enhanced memory and eyesight. Both agate and chrysoprase are accepted as secondary birthstones for May, the latter of which has gained more traction in recent years because of its emerald-like green color. Chrysoprase is said to promote joy, new love, and abundance.
June: Pearl, this month’s standard birthstone, is a symbol of purity, charity, integrity, truth, and loyalty, while its most common alternative, moonstone, is said to be the stone of wishes, promoting balance, reflection, and new beginnings. Alexandrite is another alternative, said to promote prosperity and longevity.
July: The primary birthstone for July is ruby, regarded by the ancient Hindus as the “king of gems” and said to protect the wearer from evil, as well as signify love, devotion, and passion. July’s alternative stone is the carnelian, called the stone of ambition and drive.
August: Pretty peridot is the classic birthstone for this month, considered a symbol of abundance, strength, and friendliness. There are varying ideas about August’s alternative birthstone, with sardonyx and green aventurine both staking a (mostly unknown) claim on the title.
September: Sapphire, the primary stone, is thought to guard against evil, signaling both purity and wisdom, as well as creative expression. Its alternative birthstone is lapis lazuli, which is said to encourage integrity, honesty, practical wisdom, and good judgment.
October: Both opal and pink tourmaline are considered primary birthstones for October. Opal symbolizes faithfulness and confidence, while pink tourmaline is said to signify unconditional love and compassion.
November: Topaz and citrine have fairly equal footing as November’s primary birthstone—perhaps because they are so easily confused for their similar coloring. Topaz is called the stone of the sun and joy, bringing emotional balance and protection from greed. Citrine is considered the stone of wealth, success, optimism, and personal power.
December: Turquoise and blue topaz are also considered primary birthstones for December. Turquoise, the more traditional choice, has multiple meanings across many cultures, including that of a love charm, healing stone, and a symbol of good fortune and relaxation. Traditionally, blue topaz was believed to have healing powers and the ability to dispel sadness and even ward off death, while today it’s said to aid in better communication.
According to julep.com we find out that most of us know our primary birthstone, but fewer are familiar with the idea of “alternative” or “secondary” birthstones. Throughout time, precious gems have been sought after for their beauty and virtue. They were seen as signs of power and wealth, and thought to transmit certain positive qualities and good luck to the wearers. Many cultures all over the world, some dating back to ancient times, have assigned precious and semi-precious gems to parts of their calendars, with certain birthstones rotating in and out according to availability and the styles of the time. It was only relatively recently that these traditions were consolidated into what we now consider the modern, “standard” birthstone calendar, which was established by the National Association of Jewelers in 1912—however, this list has continued to change and shift over time.
Some secondary birthstones are remnants from ancient cultural calendars around the world, while others are new additions, added because of their similarity or complementary nature to the primary stones. Because many standard birthstones are incredibly rare, and therefore quite expensive, some alternative birthstones reflect the jewelry industry’s desire to give people a wider range of options, both in terms of budgets and tastes. Because of these varying origins, secondary birthstones can be hard to nail down, but we’re so glad they exist—because they also gave us inspiration to create another run of gem-inspired polishes for 2015.
How well do you know your birthstones? Here’s a list of each month’s designated primary and secondary gems, and what they are said to represent:
January: The primary birthstone is garnet, known as the stone of health, and said to promote love, passion, sensuality, and intimacy. The secondary stone is rose quartz, known as the stone of warmth and love.
February: During medieval times, February’s primary birthstone, amethyst, was put under someone’s pillow to cure insomnia and bring pleasant dreams. Amethyst is said to promote peace and balance, strengthen relationships, and give courage. The month’s secondary birthstone is considered to be onyx, which is said to ward off grief, encourage wise decisions, and deflect negativity.
March: Aquamarine is the primary stone, and is said to release fear, calm nerves, and bring clarity, as well as protect sailors and sea travelers during their voyages. The secondary stone is bloodstone, also called heliotrope, which is considered the stone of courage.
April: Lucky, lucky April babies get diamond as their birthstone, which symbolizes purity, perfection, and authority, as well as everlasting love. The alternative birthstone for April is white topaz, which is said to improve mental clarity and inspire personal success.
May: The emerald, May’s primary birthstone, has long been associated with fertility, rebirth, and love, as well as enhanced memory and eyesight. Both agate and chrysoprase are accepted as secondary birthstones for May, the latter of which has gained more traction in recent years because of its emerald-like green color. Chrysoprase is said to promote joy, new love, and abundance.
June: Pearl, this month’s standard birthstone, is a symbol of purity, charity, integrity, truth, and loyalty, while its most common alternative, moonstone, is said to be the stone of wishes, promoting balance, reflection, and new beginnings. Alexandrite is another alternative, said to promote prosperity and longevity.
July: The primary birthstone for July is ruby, regarded by the ancient Hindus as the “king of gems” and said to protect the wearer from evil, as well as signify love, devotion, and passion. July’s alternative stone is the carnelian, called the stone of ambition and drive.
August: Pretty peridot is the classic birthstone for this month, considered a symbol of abundance, strength, and friendliness. There are varying ideas about August’s alternative birthstone, with sardonyx and green aventurine both staking a (mostly unknown) claim on the title.
September: Sapphire, the primary stone, is thought to guard against evil, signaling both purity and wisdom, as well as creative expression. Its alternative birthstone is lapis lazuli, which is said to encourage integrity, honesty, practical wisdom, and good judgment.
October: Both opal and pink tourmaline are considered primary birthstones for October. Opal symbolizes faithfulness and confidence, while pink tourmaline is said to signify unconditional love and compassion.
November: Topaz and citrine have fairly equal footing as November’s primary birthstone—perhaps because they are so easily confused for their similar coloring. Topaz is called the stone of the sun and joy, bringing emotional balance and protection from greed. Citrine is considered the stone of wealth, success, optimism, and personal power.
December: Turquoise and blue topaz are also considered primary birthstones for December. Turquoise, the more traditional choice, has multiple meanings across many cultures, including that of a love charm, healing stone, and a symbol of good fortune and relaxation. Traditionally, blue topaz was believed to have healing powers and the ability to dispel sadness and even ward off death, while today it’s said to aid in better communication.
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