In the cold, dark winter month of January we should spare a thought for Persephone – Zeus’ daughter in ancient Greek mythology – who, when picking flowers, was abducted by the ruler of the underworld Hades eager to keep her for his wife.
Although rescued by her sibling Hermes, Hades tempted her with delicious, sweet pomegranate seeds before her departure, guaranteeing Persephone’s return every winter. It’s probably no surprise then, that January’s birthstone should be a garnet which not only resembles those seductive pomegranate seeds but also has its name derived from the Phoenician term for pomegranate.
But what are birthstones? They are precious gems with a different one assigned to every month and zodiac sign. Early astrologers attributed healing powers to each so Persephone had she worn a garnet, would have benefited from consistency and loyalty.
A gem for every month
But what about the other gemstones? Here’s the Martin & Co rundown:
January (Capricorn): Garnet
Typically red, garnets are also available in an array of colours.
February (Aquarius): Amethyst
Another ancient Greek connection here deriving from the Greek word methustos, which translates roughly to ‘intoxicate’. An Ancient Greek myth said that if you wore amethyst it would protect you from being drunk.
March (Pisces): Aquamarine
A combination of two words; aqua meaning water, and marina, meaning the sea. Sailors used aquamarine to give them good luck on the seas and to ensure a safe voyage.
April (Aries): Diamond
Many people don’t know that although much rarer, diamonds are not just colourless but also available in many other colours.
May (Taurus): Emerald
This member of the beryl family deserves its placement among the traditional “Big Four” gemstones, along with diamond, ruby, and sapphire. An emerald is symbolic of happiness and fertility.
June (Gemini): Pearl
An organic gemstone formed within a living creature, pearls represent wisdom, power and purity.
July (Cancer): Ruby
The red variety of the mineral corundum which is the same family as sapphires, rubies are symbolic of nobility and beauty.
August (Leo): Peridot
Peridot is part of the mineral family called olivine and has even been found in outer space. They are symbolic of felicity and protection.
September (Virgo): Sapphire
Available in a huge array of colours – blue being the most popular – sapphires portray wisdom and calmness.
October (Libra): Opal
Derived from the Greek word opallios which roughly translates as "to see a change in colour” which is the perfect description for an opal.
November (Scorpio): Citrine
Citrine’s warm and autumnal tones reflect friendship, strength, and healing.
December (Sagittarius): Tanzanite
The name tanzanite showcases the geographical location of the stone – Tanzania and is symbolic of wealth and wisdom.
Celebrate a birthday with a birthstone
Why not buy a piece of jewellery for yourself or a loved one featuring their birthstone? Cheltenham based family jeweller Martin & Co stocks a beautiful and extensive selection including beautiful green Tsavorite garnets – a true rival to any emerald! – and some stunning yellow diamond pieces.
