A birthstone is a gemstone traditionally assigned to the month you were born in. People wear them as jewelry, give them as birthday and new-baby gifts, and often choose them because of the history, symbolism and color attached to each stone. This guide explains where the tradition came from, how today’s lists were put together,…
Have you ever looked at a sapphire, ruby or amethyst and wondered why it looks the way it does? The exact shade of purple or red is not random. Gemstone color comes from chemistry, physics and geology, and understanding it makes choosing or gifting birthstone jewelry even more interesting. This guide explains what gives gemstones…
Color is the first thing most people notice about a gemstone, and it is usually the biggest factor in its price. But why is a ruby red, an amethyst purple and an aquamarine blue? The answer is a mix of chemistry, crystal structure and the way light behaves inside a stone. This guide explains the…
A month-by-month birthstone color chart with color ranges, what to look for, durability notes, treatments and buying tips for every birthstone, plus how hue, tone and saturation work.
Your guide to finding quality birthstone rings, necklaces and earrings online Birthstone jewelry is a personal, meaningful gift. But when you shop online, it can be hard to tell which stores sell stones that are accurately described, fairly priced and made to last. This guide compares seven popular places to buy birthstone jewelry online, explains…
A complete guide to how birthstones began, evolved, and became the jewelry tradition we know now Birthstones feel timeless. Most people grow up knowing their month’s gemstone — maybe as a childhood bracelet, a pendant gifted on a birthday, or a ring passed down in a family. But the story behind birthstones goes far deeper…
Gems That Tell a Story Ever wonder why people say a certain gemstone is “your birthstone”? Or why some people wear garnets for January, emeralds for May, or sapphires for September? The short answer is that birthstones are a mix of ancient religious symbolism, astrology, folklore and, in the last century or so, jewelry-trade standardization….