If you’re like us, you’ve got a few people in your life that are impossible to shop for. Even when you do manage to find a present for your loved one, how do you know it’s something they would have bought for themselves? Nearly a quarter of Americans buy gifts for themselves instead of waiting for somebody to buy them, making gift-giving even more of a challenge.
When in doubt, the best route to take is a personal one. Read on for how birthstone gifts could be the sentimental treasure that makes their birthday this year.
Types of Birthstones
There are twelve distinct birthstones that vary depending on when you were born. They are most commonly set inside of jewelry as a way to personalize a favorite piece.
January Birthstone – Garnet
The garnet is typically a red gemstone. It’s so commonly red that its name actually derives from the 14th century Middle English word gernet. It’s an incredibly durable symbol of life that has been historically used as a warrior talisman for special protection.
February Birthstone – Amethyst
The February birthstone is a lovely purple quartz gemstone. Interestingly, wearers believed amethyst had the power to protect them from drunkenness.
March Birthstone – Aquamarine or Bloodstone
Both the aquamarine and bloodstone gemstones make lovely pieces for March babies. Aquamarine gives off the beautiful hues of the sea. Even the name is derived from both the Latin word aqua, meaning water, and marina, meaning the sea.
In contrast, bloodstone is a dark green gemstone usually flecked with red spots of iron oxide. This stone is most often found in the riverbeds of India, Brazil, and Australia.
April Birthstone – Diamond
Diamond is a highly valuable gemstone made of carbon. It is both beautiful and tough, the hardest mineral known to man.
Rather than just coming in the traditional clear or silver color, diamonds can be found in colors like brown, yellow, red, pink, blue, and green.
May Birthstone – Emerald
The May birthstone, emerald, comes as a brilliant green stone. It is a symbol of rebirth, foresight, good fortune, and youth.
The gemstone was extremely popular amongst Ancient Egyptians, the Muzo Indians of Colombia, and elite social circles of the rich and famous.
June Birthstone – Pearl, Alexandrite or Moonstone
Pearls are gemstones actually made by living creatures! This stunning ornament is made by layers of calcium carbonate built up around microscopic irritants inside of mollusks.
Alexandrite, the second birthstone of June, was discovered as late as 1834. It varies in color depending on the light, including bluish-green in daylight to purplish-red under the right kind of artificial light.
The final June birthstone, moonstone, is primarily found with thick white layers, but can include soft colors like yellow, gray, green, blue, peach, and pink. It can be sensitive to cracking and must be treated with care.
July Birthstone – Ruby
Rubies are actually the red variety of a mineral called corundum. It’s known as the “king of precious stones,” and can be as valuable as a diamond– depending on the size. They are a rare gemstone, and glow like a well-burning fire.
August Birthstone – Peridot, Sardonyx, and Spinel
August is another one of those months represented by three gemstones. These include Peridot, sardonyx, and spinel.
The Peridot is a pretty lime gemstone of unknown origin.
The sardonyx is actually a combination of sard and onyx—two types of layered mineral chalcedony that create lovely tiger stripes.
Spinal can often be mistaken for a ruby or sapphire. They are most often vivid red, but can be cobalt blue, bright pink, and bright orange.
September Birthstone – Sapphire
Though most recognized and coveted as a rich blue, sapphires can actually come in a variety of different colors. They symbolize loyalty, nobility, sincerity, and integrity– perfect for your September friend.
October Birthstone – Tourmaline or Opal
The first birthstone of October, tourmaline, comes from a word that means “stone of mixed colors.” Because it’s not just one stone, but a complex group of minerals, tourmaline comes in a spectrum of different colors.
Similarly, the name of the gemstone “opal” originates from the Greek word opallios– meaning “to see a change in color.” Rather than coming in a spectrum of colors (like tourmaline), opals reflect and simulate different colors depending on the light and conditions.
November Birthstone – Topaz or Citrine
Topaz and citrine are two gemstones that look very much alike. They vary in color from pale yellow to brownish orange in color.
December Birthstone- Tanzanite, Zircon, or Turquoise
All three of the December birthstones (tanzanite, zircon, and turquoise) come in stunning shades of blue. They are relatively inexpensive for the budget-conscious shopper.
Birthstone Gifts for Your Loved Ones
Not sure where to start? We recommend taking a look at both assorted necklace and stud options as birthstone mothers day gifts, birthstone gifts for grandma, or birthstone gifts for mom.
Birthstone Necklaces
Laura Janelle offers both dainty birthstone necklaces and plated designs with uplifting descriptions.
If you’re interested in the dainty birthstone necklace style, look forward to gold-tone plating over brass with glass crystal colored in the color of your desired birthstone.
Both necklaces are available on a 16-16.5″ chain.
Birthstone Studs
If you think earrings are a better route for the wearer, crystal stud earrings are clear winners with silver-toned plating, colorful crystals, and optional glass crystal ear jackets. Find a pair for every month.
Gifts for Every Occasion
Whether you need a birthday gift, a holiday gift, or just something to let your loved one know you’re thinking of them, birthstone gifts add a beautiful, personal touch.
Even if a birthstone isn’t the best fit this time around, Laura Janelle offers modern, affordable gifts for today’s woman. Browse our entire gift section to find the perfect way to say you care.