When giving a personalized gift, birthstone jewelry is symbolic but can offer a more subtle look that’s ideal for both special occasion and everyday wear. These pieces can incorporate the recipient’s birthstone or reflect another special date, such as a child’s birthday or anniversary month. To gift something truly meaningful, get started with the following tips.
Consider the Symbolism
First determine what the jewelry is meant to symbolize, including the stones selected and the occasion. Common arrangements include:
- For a Birthday: You’re celebrating the recipient with a piece of jewelry including a stone associated with their birth month or zodiac symbol. You may have a choice of multiple gems but are advised to select something modest and subtle.
- To Symbolize Family: Birthstone jewelry can commemorate your relationship with a spouse, parents, siblings or children through a combination of multiple gems for each individual. Look for a piece that can accommodate the number of stones you will need.
- To Commemorate a Birth: When giving jewelry to a parent with their child’s birthstone, it may be worn to celebrate the date or kept as an heirloom to highlight the occasion.
- For Other Occasions: For anniversaries and other important dates, subtly highlight your memories with a stone that corresponds to that point in time.
Know Which Birthstone to Use
The story behind birthstones is somewhat complex and leads to arrangements including and going beyond the typical monthly pairings. Birthstones are said to originate with the Book of Exodus, particularly the 12 gemstones symbolizing the tribes of Israel. The list was later expanded by combining symbolism from The Foundation Stones of Christianity, The Twelve Apostles and the Twelve Signs of the Zodiac into a list of gemstones associated with each Apostle and their individual virtues.
Commercially, Tiffany & Co. revived this list in the 19th century and the National Association of Jewelers, along with the National Association of Goldsmiths in the U.K., followed this up by creating a list of birthstones corresponding with the 12 months of the year. While variations existed during the 20th century, these lists eventually merged. Today, the result is a mix of primary and secondary birthstones for each month of the year.
Along with these developments, stones also correspond with Zodiac signs, as well as particular days of the week. In the case of Zodiac signs, the stones are said to have more protective properties and are recommended for select pieces of jewelry.
Consider Personal Style
The purpose of purchasing birthstone jewelry is for the recipient to enjoy the gift and wear it when they want. As such:
- Look at the pieces they tend to wear. If they have an affinity for bangles, consider a band with their birthstone.
- Pay attention to quality. For precious birthstones, keep the 4Cs in mind – particularly cut and clarity.
- Think about the metal. Once you’ve decided on a stone, select a metal that complements it.
From necklaces to earrings, browse our fine jewelry pieces featuring common birthstones. Look for ideas online, then visit one of our convenient Hannoush Jewelers locations.
