BIRTHSTONES

MARCH ∙ AQUAMARINE

Cherished for its captivating pale blue to bluish-green hue, reminiscent of the sea.; translated from Latin, aquamarine means "waters of the sea". This gemstone symbolizes tranquillity, clarity, and courage, and has been a favourite among sailors who believed it could calm ocean waters. With a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, aquamarine is relatively durable and suitable for everyday wear, particularly in rings, pendants, and earrings. Its serene colour and subtle brilliance make it a timeless choice, evoking the calming beauty of the ocean and the renewal of spring. Bloodstone is also considered a secondary birthstone for March, though with a different look of typically a sark-green cabochon, it still shares a similar reputation for protection one's well-being. 

MAY ∙ EMERALD

Treasured for its rich, vibrant green colour, symbolising renewal, growth, and prosperity. Known as the "stone of successful love," emeralds have been cherished for centuries for their beauty and association with fertility, rebirth, and nature. With a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, emeralds require gentle care to prevent chipping or scratching. Often used in statement rings, necklaces, and earrings, these gemstones captivate with their deep, lush colour, making them a stunning choice for any occasion. In ancient times, emeralds were believed to possess mystical powers, granting the wearer the ability to foresee the future and see the truth. 

JULY ∙ RUBY

A vibrant stone known for its striking red hues and association with love, passion and vitality. Rubies are one of the hardest gemstones, ranking 9 on the Mohs scale, which makes them highly durable and suitable for everyday wear. Their rich colour and brilliance have made them a symbol of love and power throughout history. Often set in various types of jewellery including rings, necklaces, and earrings, rubies are cherished for their deep, captivating beauty and enduring significance. Rubies were a favourite adornment of warriors and English royals, seen as symbols of freedom, courage, and divine strength.

SEPTEMBER ∙ SAPPHIRE & LAPIS LAZULI

Celebrated for its rich and vibrant hues. While blue sapphires are the most iconic and sought-after, these gemstones also come in a range of other colours, including pink, yellow, and green. Sapphires are cherished not only for their stunning colours but also for their remarkable durability, scoring 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This makes them an excellent choice for everyday wear. Throughout history, sapphires have symbolised wisdom, loyalty, and nobility, adding a touch of elegance and meaning to any piece of jewellery. Whether set in engagement rings, necklaces, or earrings, sapphires continue to captivate and enchant, making them a timeless choice. Lapis lazuli, a second birthstone, is a deep blue gemstone with golden flecks, is renowned for its striking colour and historical significance in art and jewellery.

APRIL ∙ DIAMOND

Renowned for its unmatched brilliance, and timeless beauty. As the hardest naturally occurring material on Earth, with a perfect 10 on the Mohs scale, diamonds symbolise eternal love, strength, and purity. Their dazzling sparkle and durability make them an ideal gemstone for all types of jewellery. Available in various shapes and sizes, diamonds are admired not just for their beauty but also for their ability to refract light, creating the famous "fire" that has captivated wearers for centuries. A product of extreme pressure and temperature. Derived from the Greek word "adamus" meaning invincible, the name diamond reflects its symbolic association with strength, unity, and eternal bonds. Ancient Greeks believed they were splinters of stars that had fallen to Earth.

JUNE ∙ PEARL & MOONSTONE

Symbolising purity, wisdom, and serenity. Pearls are unique among gemstones as they are formed inside living molluscs, rather than through mineral processes. Known for their soft lustre and classic beauty, pearls come in a variety of colours, from traditional white and cream to pink, black, and even gold. Commonly used in necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. With a hardness of 2.5 to 4.5 on the Mohs scale, pearls are more delicate and require special care to maintain their lustre and beauty over time. Each pearl is unique, telling its own story through its shape, size, colour, and imperfections. Moonstone is considered a second birthstone for March; thought to be a stone of destiny, mystery, and change.

AUGUST ∙ PERIDOT

Celebrated for its vibrant green colour that ranges from pale lime to deep olive. Known for its unique clarity and brightness, peridot is one of the few gemstones that occur in only one colour. With a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, peridot is reasonably durable and suitable for daily wear. It symbolises strength and protection and is often associated with positive energy and renewal. Peridots make stunning additions to various jewellery pieces, including rings, earrings, and necklaces, bringing a fresh and lively touch to any collection. A cosmic gemstone found in volcanic lava in Hawaii and pallasite meteorites.

OCTOBER ∙ OPAL & TOURMALINE

Opal and tourmaline, each bring their own unique beauty and symbolism. Opal is celebrated for its mesmerising play-of-colour, where flashes of red, blue, green, and yellow dance across its surface, making each opal uniquely captivating. Scoring between 5.5-6 on the Mohs scale, opal is relatively soft compared to other gemstones, so best suited for jewellery that doesn’t see daily wear. Opal symbolises creativity and emotional expression, adding a touch of ethereal charm to any piece. Tourmaline, on the other hand, is valued for its wide array of colours, from vivid pinks and greens to deep blues and browns. With a hardness ranging from 7-7.5 on the Mohs scale, tourmaline is more durable and suitable for everyday wear. It embodies versatility and elegance, making it a stunning choice. Both opal and tourmaline reflect a sense of mystery and allure.