Birthstones

GARNET

JANUARY

Loyalty, honesty and passion

The garnet takes its name from the Latin word for pomegranate 'malum granatum', as the fruits rich red jewel like seeds bear a striking resemblance to the gemstone.

AMETHYST

FEBRUARY

Calm and serenity

It's often referred to as the 'Royal Jewel' as amethysts were used in royal collections all over the world, they were once believed to be more valuable than rubies and emeralds.

AQUAMARINE

MARCH

Happiness and courage

The name aquamarine originates from the Latin for water and sea 'aqua marina' and it was once believed to offer protection to sailors.

DIAMOND

APRIL

Strength and radiance

Diamonds are believed to bring a sense of radiance, energy and light to the soul.

EMERALD

MAY

Serenity and peace of mind

The name emerald is derived from the Greek word 'smaragdos' meaning green. To the ancient Egyptians the emerald was known as the 'lovers' stone and is believed to be Cleopatra's favourite gemstone.

PEARL

JUNE

Faithfulness and friendship

Known as the 'Queen of Gems' as it was a symbol of wealth and power. In Greek mythology it was believed that pearls were the tears of gods, while an ancient Arab legend says pearls were created when dew drops filled with moonlight fell into the ocean.

RUBY

JULY

Love and strength

Known as the 'King of Gems' as it was the gemstone of choice for kings and warriors because it symbolised strength and nobility and offered protection and good luck.

PERIDOT

AUGUST

Success and good luck

Peridot is formed deep within the earth and is brought to the surface by volcanic eruption. According to ancient legend, the green peridot crystals found in volcanic ashes represented the tears of Pele, the Hawaiian Goddess of Volcanoes.

SAPPHIRE

SEPTEMBER

Loyalty and trust

Sapphire's have always been considered sacred stones believed to bring peace to the soul.

PINK TOURMALINE

OCTOBER

Healing and kindness

Known as the 'Rainbow Gemstone' due to the range of colours it comes in. In fact the word tourmaline is believed to have been derived from the Sinhalese word 'turmali' which literally means stone with various colours.