Whether you believe in astrology, find it an amusing pastime, or plain silly, we thought we’d give you an excellent excuse to add new pieces to your jewellery collection this year (if you ever needed one!). In short, each of the twelve Zodiac signs has its own gemstone, called the birthstone. So, keep reading to discover which gemstone goes with your Zodiac sign and why.
Capricorn Birthstone
Born between 22 December and 20 January, Capricorns are naturally competitive and hard-working, sometimes even too much. The birthstone that helps this Zodiac sign remember to find a balance to enjoy life is the Garnet. This deep, rich red stone symbolises happiness, sincerity, friendship and love, and is full of meaning. For example, for Christians, it represents the blood of Jesus and Noah used a lamp made in this translucent gem to light the arc. People in ancient Egypt and Greece, the Roman Empire, and the medieval also used garnets as amulets. Signet rings with garnets were very popular among aristocrats.
Aquarius Birthstone
For those born from 21 January to 19 February, consider wearing Amethyst. The purple gemstone brings inner peace, inspiration, and wisdom to the Zodiac sign Aquarius. Purple is the colour of nobility and means wisdom and elegance as well as the Holy Spirit and sacredness; thus, symbolising eternal and pure love. In other words, it’s the perfect birthstone for the most humanitarian and unconventional sign of the Zodiac.
Pisces Birthstone
Among the most sentimental Zodiac signs, Pisces can get easily hurt, so they need a gemstone to protect and heal them; the Aquamarine. Having a colour that goes from sky blue to greenish-blue and white, the Aquamarine was called the Mermaid Stone. Ancient Greeks and Romans believed it could calm the sea. The stone of sailors and sea gods symbolises courage and peace, bringing self-confidence to those born between 20 February and 20 March. Additionally, it is said to help the wearer better express and communicate emotions.
Aries Birthstone
Diamonds are Aries’ best friends. Considered the gemstone of power, prestige and bravery, this birthstone brings luck and inner peace to the Zodiac sign of Aries. Born between 21 March and 21 April, Aries are fearless and sometimes impulsive, so wearing a diamond can stop them from excessive behaviours. Before becoming the symbol of eternal love and engagement rings, ancient Romans wore diamonds on the left hand because they believed the stone would protect them against evil powers. Read here how to choose a diamond.
Taurus Birthstone
Born from 21 April to 21 May, Taurus is known to be quiet and sometimes isolate themselves. Emerald is the gemstone that brings enthusiasm and dispels any negative thoughts this Zodiac sign may have. This stunning green precious stone has been a favourite of Queens, from Cleopatra to Queen Elizabeth II. There are many legends about this stone. For example, people said that putting an emerald under your tongue would force you to tell the truth. But it would also protect you against evil spirits. You may like to see the stunning emerald and diamond tiara Princess Eugenie wore to her wedding.
Gemini Birthstone
Pearl is the gemstone for the Zodiac sign of those born from 22 May to 21 June. Gemini is flexible and constantly on the move, which can cause some lack of concentration and impatience. Pearls help Geminis focus on the essential things by keeping their minds clear. Symbol of purity, longevity, wealth and health, pearls have been used in jewellery since ancient times and are known as the “Queen of Jewels”.
Cancer birthstone
Rubi is the gemstone of the Zodiac sign of people born between 22 June and 22 July. The vivid red stone symbolises hope, passion, strength and dignity, helping the sentimental Cancer not dwell on the “good old days” and instead be filled with hope for the future. Rubies were already precious in ancient times because of their rarity, and they appear in the Bible as the most precious of all gemstones.
Leo Birthstone
Ancient Egyptians first discovered Peridot around 3500 years ago, wearing them as talismans. Since then, the bright green stone has appeared in medieval churches and priestly jewellery like signet rings, representing the purity and piousness of the wearer. Moreover, Peridot is a good gemstone for the Zodiac sign of those born between 23 July and 23 August, as this birthstone is said to calm the plentiful nature of Leo, helping them remain modest.
Virgo Birthstone
The overly organised and cautious Zodiac sign of Virgo has a unique gemstone that helps them be more laid-back; Sapphire. So, if you were born between 24 August and 23 September, the sparkling blue precious stone that symbolises wisdom, honesty, nobility, and peace will relax you. Additionally, as sapphires also embody love and purity, you can find engagement rings with this gemstone, as Princess Diana’s iconic ring, now on the finger of her daughter-in-law Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge.
Libra birthstone
People born from the 24 September to the 23 October have a little help in their quest for peace and harmony and to minimise their indecision by wearing Opals. The Zodiac sign of Libra’s gemstone stands for hope, purity and peace. In fact, opals are among the luckiest stones as they come in all colours. This kaleidoscope-like stone has a beautiful colour-changing effect and can come in five categories; white, black, fire, boulder and crystal opal.
Scorpio Birthstone
The mysterious Scorpio, born between 24 October and 22 November, can sometimes seem cold and overly strong-minded. Bright and warm Citrines are good gemstones to lighten and brighten up the mood of this Zodiac sign. The vivid hue of this popular gem brings happiness and self-confidence to the wearer.
Saggitarius Birthstone
Turquoise is the gemstone for the Zodiac sign of people born from 23 November to 21 December. The adventurous Saggitarius will get luck and protection from this gem that gives its name to the colour turquoise blue. It’s been considered a protective and sacred stone throughout history; Egyptian kings, Apache shamans and religious leaders have worn the gem that decorates mosques’ domes. And lastly, horse riders have decorated bridles with turquoise to protect both rider and horse.
Photo by Johann Daniel Mylius, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons and LMJ Constellation ring.