THE EMILY BURLINGTON JOURNAL

Birthstones by Month

From garnet’s rich red tones to turquoise’s distinctive blue, every birthstone carries its own character, history and symbolism. Discover the gemstone most closely associated with your month.

A Personal Connection

More Than a Beautiful Colour 

Birthstones have long been worn as symbols of identity, protection and good fortune. Their traditional healing associations form part of gemstone folklore and personal belief rather than established medical science.

What Does the Hardness Score Mean?

MADE TO BE WORN

The Mohs scale measures a gemstone’s resistance to scratching, from 1 to 10. It is helpful when considering everyday wear, but it does not measure every aspect of durability. Setting, toughness and careful handling remain equally important. 

HARDNESS: 6.5–7.5 / 10

January — Garnet

Properties
A richly coloured gemstone family, best known for its deep red varieties and warm, distinctive lustre.


Traditional belief

Believed to restore energy, confidence and emotional balance.


Symbolism

Protection, friendship and devotion.

HARDNESS: 7 / 10

February — Amethyst

Properties
The purple variety of quartz, ranging from soft lilac to deep, saturated violet.


Traditional belief

Associated with a calm mind, restful sleep and clearer thought.


Symbolism

Clarity, peace and inner strength.

HARDNESS: 7.5–8 / 10

March — Aquamarine

Properties
A blue to greenish-blue variety of beryl, admired for its fresh colour and crystalline transparency.


Traditional belief

Believed to soothe stress and encourage clear communication.


Symbolism

Serenity, courage and safe passage.

HARDNESS: 10 / 10

April — Diamond

Properties
Celebrated for its exceptional brilliance, fire and unmatched resistance to scratching.


Traditional belief

Associated with clarity, strength and positive energy.


Symbolism

Enduring love, purity and commitment.

A birthstone transforms a beautiful jewel into something unmistakably personal.

The Emily Burlington Approach

HARDNESS: 7.5–8 / 10

May — Emerald

Properties
The vivid green variety of beryl, prized for its colour and naturally occurring internal characteristics.


Traditional belief

Believed to encourage emotional harmony, renewal and compassion.


Symbolism

Hope, rebirth and fidelity.

HARDNESS: 2.5–3 / 10

June — Pearl

Properties
An organic gem formed within a mollusc, treasured for its soft lustre and gentle iridescence.


Traditional belief

Associated with calm, balance and accumulated wisdom.


Symbolism

Purity, wisdom and new beginnings.

HARDNESS: 9 / 10

July — Ruby

Properties
The red variety of corundum, coloured by chromium and admired for its intensity and rarity.


Traditional belief

Believed to encourage vitality, motivation and self-confidence.


Symbolism

Passion, courage and protection.

HARDNESS: 6.5–7 / 10

August — Peridot

Properties
A distinctive green variety of olivine, ranging from yellow-green to a richer olive tone.


Traditional belief

Associated with releasing negativity and encouraging emotional renewal.


Symbolism

Prosperity, protection and happiness.

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HARDNESS: 9 / 10

September — Sapphire

Properties
A variety of corundum most closely associated with blue, although naturally found in many colours.


Traditional belief

Believed to promote focus, tranquillity and personal insight.


Symbolism

Truth, loyalty and wisdom.

HARDNESS: 5–6.5 / 10

October — Opal

Properties
A hydrated silica gemstone celebrated for its flashes of spectral colour and individual patterns.


Traditional belief

Associated with creativity, inspiration and emotional expression.


Symbolism

Hope, imagination and individuality.

HARDNESS: 7 / 10

November — Citrine

Properties
The yellow to orange variety of quartz, known for its warm, sunlit colour.


Traditional belief

Believed to encourage confidence, optimism and abundance.


Symbolism

Joy, prosperity and success.

HARDNESS: 5–6 / 10

December — Turquoise

Properties
An opaque blue-to-green gemstone, sometimes marked by a distinctive natural matrix.


Traditional belief

Associated with protection, calm and honest communication.


Symbolism

Good fortune, friendship and safe travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all birthstone lists use the same stone for each month?

No. Birthstone traditions vary, and some months have more than one recognised stone. This guide features one popular choice for each month.

Are the healing properties of gemstones scientifically proven?

No. Healing associations belong to gemstone folklore and personal belief; there is no robust clinical evidence that crystals treat medical conditions. 

Can I wear my birthstone every day?

That depends on the gemstone, its setting and how you wear it. Softer stones such as opal and pearl need extra care, while a protective setting can help reduce the risk of damage. 

How should I clean birthstone jewellery?

Care depends on the stone. Opal can be cleaned with warm, soapy water; pearls should be wiped gently with a soft cloth; and emeralds should not be cleaned with ultrasonic or steam cleaners.

Does a high Mohs hardness score mean a gemstone cannot chip?

No. Mohs measures resistance to scratching. A stone’s toughness—how well it withstands knocks and chips—is another part of its durability.

Can I wear someone else’s birthstone or combine several stones?

Of course. You might choose a stone for its colour or meaning, or combine birthstones to represent family members or important dates. Birthstone jewellery is a personal choice.

Made Personal

A Birthday, Beautifully Remembered

A birthstone is a thoughtful way to personalise a piece of jewellery and mark a special birthday. Chosen for its colour, symbolism or connection to someone you love, it transforms a beautiful jewel into something uniquely meaningful.

Create Something Personal

Personally Sourced

Finding the Right Gemstone

Through our established network, we source and personally select gemstones for their colour, character and quality, helping you find the right stone for a truly individual piece.

The House of Emily Burlington