Birthstones

Those born in January are lucky to have the beautiful and versatile garnet as their birthstone. The name 'garnet' comes from the Latin granatus, meaning 'pomegranate', referring to its red colour.

Garnets are usually red, but also exist in an extraordinary range of beautiful colours. Garnet is actually a group of different minerals. Five of them are important as gemstones. Pyrope and almandine range from purple to red. Spessartine is found in intense orange and yellow, while andradite is mostly yellow to green. Grossular has perhaps the widest range, from colourless through yellow to reddish orange and orange-red, as well as a strong vibrant green called tsavorite. 

Some believe the garnet's real value is its power to bring good health, wealth and happiness to the wearer.

If you were born in February, your birthstone is amethyst. This is the purple variety of quartz that has captivated mankind for thousands of years. Its lilac to deep purple hues can be cut in many shapes and sizes.

The name 'amethyst' is derived from the Greek amethystos, meaning 'remedy against drunkenness'. Whether this actually works, we wisely leave up to you.... If your birthday is in February, wearing an amethyst symbolises personal empowerment and inner strength.

This birthstone can be found in the collections of royal families across Europe and Asia. An amethyst for the king or queen of your heart? Or are you treating yourself to a royal gift?

The birthstone aquamarine evokes the colours of the sea. In fact, the name aquamarine comes from the Latin aqua marina. Sailors of ancient times claimed that this gemstone calmed waves and kept them safe at sea.

From deep teal to light, sky blue hues, faceted aquamarines are often free of inclusions and as clear as water. The rarest colour of aquamarine is intense dark blue, also called Santa Maria. 

It is said that aquamarines symbolise purity of spirit and soul. This birthstone also brings happiness in marriage. Ready for a dip in the aquamarine blue water?

Full of fire and brilliance, the diamond is one of the world's most exclusive gemstones. Those born in April are lucky to have this sparkling gemstone as their birthstone. Diamond are the symbol of clarity and strength. In fact, it is so strong that its name comes from the Greek word adamas, meaning 'invincible' or 'unbreakable'. And above all, the diamond engagement ring has become the universal symbol of love and fidelity.

Did you know that diamonds are not only colourless to pale yellow (from D to Z), but also exist in other colours? Fancy colour diamonds come in almost every colour you can imagine. Red, green, yellow and orange are the rarest, followed by pink and blue.  

Visit us and we'll tell you all about the 4 Cs so you can choose the perfect diamond for yourself or your loved one.

Emerald is May's birthstone, and it is a perfect choice. This gemstone has been loved for millennia. From Egyptian pharaohs to Inca emperors, emerald enchanted royalty. This gemstone represents rebirth & renewal and relieves stress.

Emerald is like the definition of green, the enchanting colour like the splendour of spring. These rich green hues are reminiscent of lush gardens. Emeralds usually have inclusions that you can see with the naked eye. This is why they are often described as mossy or garden-like, 'Le Jardin d'émeraude'. Pure emeralds are very valuable because they are so rare and extremely hard to find.

May's birthstone is perfect for celebrating budding and blossoming life. Symbolise a birth or special milestone in your life with emerald.

If you were born in the month of June, you even have a choice of three birthstones: pearls, alexandrite and moonstone. The best known of these is the lustrous pearl.

Pearls are sourced from oceans, lakes and rivers all over the world. It is a timeless jewel in your collection and loved by women throughout the generations. The origins of pearls have caused fascination for centuries. In the Middle East, they used to believe that pearls were tears that fell from heaven. Today, we rather think of the timeless glamour of Audrey Hepburn and Coco Chanel.

Pearls are 'living' gemstones that grow in salt- or freshwater oysters and mussels. When an irritant such as a grain of sand enters the shell, the oyster will coat that grain of sand with mother of pearl. And so the pearl is formed which is then transformed into a beautiful jewel.

Pearls have long been associated with purity and innocence. Traditionally, this is why a bride wears a pearl on her wedding day.

Ruby is July's birthstone and it is one of the most coveted gemstones. Its name is derived from the Latin word ruber meaning 'red', the colour of love. Ruby is also called the 'King of gemstones' thanks to its rarity, hardness (second only to diamonds), beauty and mystical powers.

Few gemstones stand out as much as the ruby. The most beautiful colour of this birthstone is deep red with a hint of purple, also called 'pigeon's blood'. Colour is the most important factor influencing the value of a ruby: the most beautiful rubies are pure and vivid red to light purplish red.

To whom would you gift this passionate gemstone?

Peridot, spinel and sardonyx are the three birthstones for August and they come in many different shapes and colours. The best known is the intense green peridot.

The birthstone peridot is formed under extreme conditions, as the gemstone is mined in hardened lava that has carried the gem deep from the Earth's mantle to the surface.

The most beautiful colour for peridot is pure 'grass green' with no shades of yellow or brown. A real eye-catcher and very original to combine with other colours. Peridot has been used for centuries as a protective talisman. And what could be better than giving a protector of your love as a gift?

September's birthstone comes in surprisingly many colours. Sapphire exists in all colours of the rainbow except red. Sapphire usually refers to the blue colour, but can range from very light to very dark green, yellow, orange, pink, purple and all shades in between. The rarest sapphire? That's the Padparadscha sapphire, with an intense orange-pink colour.

In ancient times, the Persians believed that the earth rested on a giant sapphire that coloured the sky blue. Sapphires have long been associated with wisdom, generosity and romance. They also symbolise loyalty and devotion.

To whom would you wish these beautiful qualities in all their colourful variations?

Tourmaline and opal are the two birthstones for October. Both gemstones are known for their endless colour combinations.

Opal is the traditional birthstone for October. Most opals are prized for their spectrum of colours in rainbow hues, a phenomenon known as play-of-colour. The dramatic play of colours of opal is poetically compared to fireworks, galaxies and volcanoes. The hardness of this gemstone varies between 5 and 6.5. We therefore advise against wearing this gemstone as a ring. Hundreds of years ago, opal was believed to reflect the qualities and powers of all gemstones.

Tourmaline is the contemporary birthstone of October. Few gemstones can match its dazzling colour palette. It is believed that this birthstone inspires creativity and artistic expression. The most popular are the pink and red rubellites, the emerald green 'chrome' tourmalines, and the neon green and blue-violet 'Paraiba' tourmalines. 

The different colours of tourmaline have their own healing properties. For instance, pink tourmaline symbolises love and is associated with compassion and gentleness, while green tourmaline promotes courage, strength and endurance.

Topaz and citrine are the two birthstones for November. Known for their calming energies, these two gemstones bring happiness and warmth. They can be found all over the world, from Australia, Brazil, Nigeria and Madagascar to Sri Lanka, Pakistan and the US.

Topaz exists in all the colours of the rainbow, while citrine is prized for its charming yellow and orange hues. The exceptionally wide colour range of topaz includes brown, all shades of blue, green, yellow, orange, pink, violet, colourless and very rarely red. The most sought-after variety is the 'Imperial topaz', with its rare pink-orange colour.

If you had to choose a birthstone for December, which would it be: tanzanite, turquoise or zircon? From the blue-purple of tanzanite to the intense neon blue of zircon, these gemstones have their own unique take on the colour blue, so you can choose the birthstone that best suits your style. 

Tanzanite is a relative newcomer to the world of gemstones. This blue stone was eventually named tanzanite, in honour of its country of origin: Tanzania. Tanzanite is often described as 'velvety', thanks to its deep and saturated colour. That colour ranges from purple to pure blue. The most valuable tanzanites have a pure deep blue colour.

Natural zircon is found in a wide range of colours: bright red, orange, yellow, brown, green and blue. Do not confuse colourless zircon with the synthetic cubic zirconium that has been used for centuries as an imitation for diamonds. Did you know that natural Australian zircon is the oldest mineral on earth? It is 4.4 billion years old!

Turquoise, tanzanite and zircon, what a choice! Have fun finding the perfect birthstone that reflects your personality.