Original version posted on June 29th, 2015.

Celebratory Gemstones

What better way to celebrate one's birth month then with beautiful jewels & gemstones!? There are ancient, traditional, and modern versions of which stones represent the twelve different months. Being that these are beautiful vintage & antique pieces, they could have very well been worn by someone for that reason! Marvel at these timeless treasures, learn about your alternative birthstones, and commemorate and appreciate the beauty of life with these glittering, sparkling, classic beauties! 

January

Ancient ~ Garnet, Ruby, Amethyst
Traditional ~ Amethyst Crystals, Garnet 
Modern ~ Garnet

 

 

"...By her who in this month (January) is born
No gem save garnets should be worn;
They will ensure her constancy,
True friendship, and fidelity.
  

February

Ancient ~ Clear or White Topaz
Traditional ~ Amethyst Crystals 
Modern ~ Amethyst
  
  
...The February-born shall find
Sincerity and peace of mind,
Freedom from passion and from care,
If they an amethyst will wear.

 

March

Ancient ~ Bloodstones 
Traditional ~ Diamond 
Modern ~ Aquamarine   

 

...Who in this world of ours their eyes
In March first open shall be wise,
In days of peril firm and brave,
And wear a bloodstone to their grave.

 

April 

Ancient ~ Diamond, Sapphire 
Traditional ~ Diamond 
Modern ~ Diamond
...She who from April dates her years,
Diamonds shall wear, lest bitter tears
For vain repentance flow; this stone,
Emblem of innocence, is known.
  

May

Ancient ~ Rose Quartz, Azurite, Chrysoprase
Traditional ~ Emeralds, Agate
Modern ~ Emerald 

 

...Who first beholds the light of day
In spring's sweet flowery month of May
And wears an emerald all her life
Shall be a loved and happy wife.

 

June 

Ancient ~ Agate
Traditional ~ Citrine Crystals 
Modern ~ Pearls, Moonstone, Alexandrite 

 

...Who comes with summer to this earth,
And owes to June her hour of birth,
With ring of agate on her hand
Can health, wealth, and long life command.

 

July 

Ancient ~ Moonstone, Carnelian
Traditional ~ Ruby 
Modern ~ Ruby, Onyx

 

...The glowing ruby shall adorn,
Those who in July are born;
Then they'll be exempt and free
From love's doubts and anxiety.

 

August 

Ancient ~ Carnelian, Sardonyx 
Traditional ~ Green Tourmaline 
Modern ~ Peridot, Sardonyx
 
...Wear a sardonyx or for thee,
No conjugal felicity;
The August-born without this stone,
`Tis said, must live unloved and lone.

 

 September

Ancient ~ Zircon 
Traditional ~ Lapis Lazuli, Sapphire 
Modern ~ Sapphire

 

...A maiden born when September leaves
Are rustling in September's breeze,
sapphire on her brow should bind
`Twill cure diseases of the mind.

 

October

Ancient ~ Aquamarine
Traditional ~ Pink Tourmaline
Modern ~ Opal, Tourmaline

 

 

October's child is born for woe,
And life's vicissitudes must know,
But lay an opal on her breast,
And hope will lull those woes to rest.

 

November

Ancient ~ Golden Topaz
Traditional ~ Beryl 
Modern ~ Topaz, Citrine

...Who first comes to this world below
With drear November's fog and snow,
Should prize the topaz's amber hue,
Emblem of friends and lovers true.
  

December

Ancient ~ Ruby, Turquoise 
Traditional ~ Blue Topaz, Garnet 
Modern ~ Turquoise, Tanzanite, Zircon

 

...If cold December gave you birth,
The month of snow and ice and mirth,
Place on your hand a turquoise blue;
Success will bless whate'er you do."

—Gregorian Birthstone Poem

 

Most may be aware and more accustomed to the modern versions of birthstones, but why not use this as another reason to embellish oneself in even MORE celebratory jewels! It truly makes it all the more special when they happen to be vintage & antique, because of it tying in with the ancient & traditional editions of birthstone jewelry. Indulge in all of your birthstones, or find a new way to personalize a birthday gift for someone with a soft spot for historical jewelry!

Please feel free to "heart" this, comment, share, & tell us what topics you would like covered in the antique & vintage jewelry world, happy reading! xo - Dahlia Jean

Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/?title=Birthstone

http://www.matchdoctor.com/blog_103438/BIRTHSTONES_AND_THEIR_MEANINGS.html

http://www.healing-crystals-for-you.com/birthstone-list.html

http://www.gia.edu/gia-news-research-Beauty-Birthstones-Connects-Us-All

http://www.americangemsociety.org/birthstones

Dahlia Jean