Have you every wondered which birthstone relates to which month, or what each stone means? Accessory experts Bish Bosh Becca are here to help you choose the perfect birthstone jewellery and reveal what it could mean for you and your day…
A good place to start when choosing traditional birthstone jewellery is a brilliant set of poems that give a birthstone for each month. The author is unknown but it is part of the Gregorian calendar and the poems were first published by Tiffany & Co in 1870.
By her who in this month (January) was born
No gem save garnets should be worn;
They will ensure her constancy,
True friendship, and fidelity.The February-born shall find
Sincerity and peace of mind,
Freedom from passion and from care,
If they an amethyst will wear.Who in this world of ours their eyes
In March first open shall be wise,
In days of peril firm and brave,
And wear a bloodstone to their grave.She who from April dates her years,
Diamond shall wear, lest bitter tears
For vain repentance flow, this stone,
Emblem of innocence, is known.Who first beholds the light of day
In spring’s sweet flowery month of May
And wears an emerald all her life
Shall be a loved and happy wife.Who comes with summer to this earth,
And owes to June her hour of birth,
With ring of agate on her hand
Can health, wealth, and long life command.The glowing ruby shall adorn,
Those who in July are born;
Then they’ll be exempt and free
From love’s doubts and anxiety.Wear a sardonyx or for thee,
No conjugal felicity;
The August-born without this stone,
`Tis said, must live unloved and lone.A maiden born when September leaves
Are rustling in September’s breeze,
A sapphire on her brow should bind
`Twill cures diseases of the mind.October’s child is born for woe,
And life’s vicissitudes must know,
But lay an opal on her breast,
And hope will lull those woes to rest.Who first comes to this world below
In dreary November’s fog and snow,
Should prize the topaz’s amber hue,
Emblem of friends and lovers true.If cold December gave you birth,
The month of snow and ice and mirth,
Place on your hand a turquoise blue;
Success will bless whate’er you do
Modern meanings
Now let’s have a look at the modern meanings of birthstones – something to bear in mind when looking for gifts for you and your bridesmaids…
January
Born in January? Garnet, is thought to keep the wearer safe during travel. This romantic red stone could also be the inspiration for your wedding colour scheme if you’re planning a winter celebration.
February
Amethyst is said to strengthen relationships and give its wearer courage, so perfect for your bridesmaids!
March
Aquamarine, as explained above, endows the wearer with courage and happiness. Why not treat yourself to an aquamarine accessory before you set off on honeymoon?
April
Diamond, in addition to being a symbol of everlasting love, was once thought to bring courage. This sparkling detail is also the perfect starting point for a glamorous wedding theme.
May
Spring brides wanting a bright and beautiful scheme that’s a little bit different should consider their birthstone of Emerald. Signifying wisdom, growth and patience, it’s the perfect starting point for a country or rustic theme.
June
Pearl has long been a symbol of purity, making it the perfect accessory to use on the big day. Pearl earrings work well as bridesmaid gifts for those born in June.
July
Ruby signifies love and passion and so you could use this as a starting point for a bright and bold summer colour scheme. Use other bright shades like orange and fuchsia for a contemporary reception look.
August
Brides or bridesmaids born in August should try to wear Peridot on the big day. This light green semi-precious stone has an olive tone and works beautifully as part of a classic olive and white colour scheme in late summer.
September
Born in September? Sapphire is your stone! Symbolising purity and wisdom, this might be a great jewellery gift idea for a mum if she was born in this early-Autumn month.
October
Opal is the birthstone for October, meaning faithfulness and confidence. Got a particularly nervous bridesmaid who was born in this month? This Opal stone would be perfect for her.
November
Topaz, the birthstone for November, symbolises love and affection so it’s an ideal stone to include in your big day. It is believed to give the wearer increased strength and intellect, too.
December
Turquoise is regarded as a love charm. It is also a symbol of good fortune and success, and it is believed to relax the mind and to protect its wearer from harm. Turquoise jewellery also looks amazing against a tan, so if the bride was born in December, a turquoise bracelet or necklace could be the perfect gift to present to her on honeymoon! Grooms, take note!
Why not have your bridesmaids initial hand stamped onto a sterling silver charm and choose a crystal representing her birthstone? Just one of the amazing new jewellery ideas from Bish Bosh Becca for 2014 – find out more on the website! For more accessory ideas, take a look at our Real Wedding gallery to see what the real brides wore on their big day.
