Tag: birthstones

Learn more and explore birthstones for the perfect personalized jewelry gift!

January Garnet Birthstone Jewelry – February Amethyst Birthstone Jewelry – March Aquamarine Birthstone Jewelry – April Diamond Birthstone Jewelry – May Emerald Birthstone Jewelry – June Pearl Birthstone Jewelry – July Ruby Birthstone Jewelry – August Peridot Birthstone Jewelry – September Sapphire Birthstone Jewelry – October Opal Birthstone Jewelry – November Citrine Birthstone Jewelry – December Blue Topaz Birthstone Jewelry

Shop gemstone engagement rings and gemstone jewelry online at JamesAllen.com!

Gorgeous Garnets: The January Birthstone

January 1, 2023January 1, 2023Education, Fine Jewelrybirthstones, fine jewelry, garnet, garnet birthstone, gemstone earrings, gemstone necklaces, gemstone rings, gemstones, gift ideas, january birthstone

Time to be well-red! Find the perfect jewelry gift with garnet, the January birthstone.

Start off the new year by shining in garnet’s fierce red. Garnets get their name thanks to their resemblance to pomegranate seeds. In face, the name derives from the Latin granatum, meaning seed. While garnet comes in multiple hues, red is the most popular color, and perfect for someone born in January…or anytime!

What Is The January Birthstone?

January’s birthstone is garnet, which can be found in mines and streams, where the water has worn away the rock and exposed the gem. They naturally occur in green, yellow, and even colorless, but the vibrant and deep red option is its most popular color.

While the garnet we are most familiar with is the gemstone found in fine jewelry, it can also be mined for its industrial abrasive version, which is used to polish glass and metal.

At James Allen, our collection of garnet fine jewelry is strictly for looking fabulous. In this case, garnets are for fashion…not function.

Garnet Birthstone Facts

The sparkle from garnets is so extraordinary it is often described by gemologists as fire. The best sparkle can be seen in soft, romantic lighting, such as candles.

The hardness of garnets is not as impressive as their sparkle and they should be handled with care. However, rating between 6.5 and 7.5 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, out of a maximum of 10, garnets are still quite strong.

Garnet Birthstone Symbolism

Garnets are thought to bring blessings, love, wellness, friendship, and devotion to those lucky enough to be born in January. It certainly worked for Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge.

Prior to marrying her now-husband, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Kate was gifted a gorgeous ring with her garnet birthstone, as well as pearls, her now-husband’s birthstone. The ring was a sign of the Prince’s commitment to his now-wife.

Garnets are always a great choice because, as the epitome of affordable luxury, they make for a great birthday gift….or anniversary, Christmas, Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, or just a day ending in a day!

Kate Middleton isn’t the only celebrity sporting garnet, some other famous faces such as Kristen Bell and Sofía Vergara have rocked this gorgeous gem. Check out James Allen’s collection of luxurious garnet earrings and receive all the good energy garnet has to offer.

Garnet Birthstone History

Once believed to offer protection from poison and even nightmares, garnets have a long and storied history.

Garnets have been found in the tombs of pharaohs in Egypt and in ancient Persia, where only kings were allowed to own or wear the gem.

In ancient Rome, garnets were typically worn by noble patriarchs, in the form of carved signet rings. They also believed the gem provided protection to travelers and that sparkles were a sign of impending danger.

Children in ancient Greece thought they were protected from drowning by the gem and in ancient China, it was believed that the gems were the incarnation of a tiger’s soul. The Navajo use the gem to bring luck and protection. Navajos also believe, similar to ancient Romans, that garnets bring protection to travelers.

Numerous famous historical figures are thought to have been adorned by this famous gem, including Plato and the King of Saxony, who is said to have had a garnet of over 465 carats!

How to Wear Your Garnet

The deep red brilliance of garnets makes it a beautiful choice to wear as earrings, necklaces, rings, and bracelets. They can glamorize an easy-going day look, accessorize a night on the town, or compliment a black-tie outfit.

The hues of garnet are complementary to all skin tones, allowing everyone to achieve that royal look.

Garnets look exceptionally spectacular when paired with black or white outfits, however, they also go great with more neutral tones like deep greens and browns.

January Birthstone Gifts: Garnet Rings

Garnets are the perfect January birthstone. As the gem of love, they are an ideal romantic prelude to Valentine’s Day. Garnets are often given as signs of intimacy and romance, and their rich color makes them a meaningful and gorgeous gift to receive.

14K White Gold Fairy Garnet And Diamond Ring By Brevani

14K Yellow Gold Bypass Duo Garnet And Diamond Ring By Brevani

14K Yellow Gold Oval Garnet And Diamond Accent Birthstone Ring

14K Yellow Gold Infinity Garnet Birthstone Ring

January Birthstone Gifts: Garnet Earrings

Garnets are said to have healing properties, in addition to their protective ones. Many people believe that the gems bring peace, passion, and can help cleanse and balance energy. These are just some of the many reasons that garnets have retained their popularity, from ancient times to today.

14K Yellow Gold Elongated Cushion Halo Garnet And Diamond Drop Earrings (8.0x5.0mm)

14K Yellow Gold Garnet Birthstone Earrings

14K Yellow Gold Oval Garnet Birthstone Earrings

14K Yellow Gold Garnet Beaded Hook Earrings

January Birthstone Gifts: Garnet Necklaces

Garnets affordable luxury and fiery red color make garnet necklaces a popular gift choice for any occasion.

14K Rose Gold Garnet And Diamond Floating Halo Necklace (6.0x4.0mm)

14K Yellow Gold Garnet Birthstone Necklace

Dress up any outfit, add a pop of color to your outfit, or become known as “the gift whisperer,” a garnet necklace will get you where you need to go and is a must-have for any accessory collection.

Rock That Red

Garnets, which can symbolize both love and friendship, makes a considerable and personal gift to a romantic partner, good friend, family member, or yourself!

So find that perfect piece (or let’s be real, pieces!) of gorgeous red garnet and release that royal shine.

Check out our other birthstone guides

December Blue Topaz ♦ November Citrines ♦ September Sapphires ♦ February Amethysts ♦ March Aquamarines ♦ April Diamonds ♦ May Emeralds ♦ July Rubies.

Check out celebrity engagement rings and looks:

Sofia Vergara * Hailey Bieber * 2020 Oscars * Royal Engagements * Pippa Middleton * Miranda Kerr * Gwen Stefani, Demi Lovato, & More!

Subscribe to our email list for access to secret sales, practical ring-buying tips, and $100 off your first order!

Sarah Axelrad

With over 10 years of experience writing and editing on a wide variety of subjects, Sarah is a veteran of the content world. Since joining James Allen, she has focused on all things diamonds and fine jewelry with the goal of educating and empowering consumers.

Aquamarine Jewelry feat. the March Birthstone

February 28, 2022May 10, 2022Fine Jewelryaquamarine, aquamarine birthstone, aquamarine earrings, aquamarine necklaces, aquamarine rings, birthstones, fine jewelry, gemstones, gift ideas, march birthday, march birthday gifts, march birthstone

Hey, what are you waiting for? Aquamarine jewelry, that’s what! Learn more about the meaning behind these March birthstone jewelry pieces and find the perfect aquamarine gift for a March birthday.

What Is The March Birthstone?

Aquamarine, the March birthstone, evokes the clarity and serenity of ocean waters – literally. Its name comes from the Latin “aqua marinus,” which means “water of the sea.” Aquamarine is a blue variant of the beryl family, which includes other distinctly colored gemstones like pink morganite, golden heliodor, and green emerald. Why the spectrum of hues?

Each color variation is thanks to specific trace mineral and metal content; in the case of aquamarine, iron ions (Fe2+ and Fe3+, to be precise) tint the otherwise colorless beryl to a clear, watery blue. This blue gemstone ranges in color across the spectrum, from pale to deep azure. What’s consistent, however, is this gemstone’s exceptional clarity.

Aquamarine Birthstone Symbolism And History

What better way to celebrate the first month of spring than with a slice of clear blue sky? Aquamarine jewelry symbolizes tranquility, serenity, and good luck. Ancient Greek sailors used to carry aquamarine aboard their ships to ensure smooth journeys at sea – and protect them against drowning. Nowadays, it’s still a symbol of protection, with many people carrying it with them for good health. They’re perfect for those days when you need to shout, “SERENITY NOW!” That’s because the March birthstone has historically been worn in order to soothe the wearer’s temper and to nurture love.

What Is The March Birthstone Color?

Aquamarine naturally occurs in hexagonal facets, which catch a spectacular amount of light. Its blue is exceptionally bright. Plus, it’s a 7.5–8 on the Mohs scale, making it a perfect choice for strong, durable birthstone jewelry that stands up well to daily wear. So whether or not you’re a March baby, the aquamarine is a stunning blue gemstone that deserves to be a centerpiece of any jewelry collection.

Celebrity Aquamarine Jewelry

And don’t forget about the celebrity endorsements. Celebs have been rocking aquamarine jewelry since – forever! Lucille Ball flaunted a 40-carat multi-faceted aquamarine ring from Desi Arnaz. Jessica Biel’s now-husband Justin Timberlake proposed with a whopping 6-carat center diamond accented with two aquamarine side stones. And Princess Diana was an ardent fan of the March birthstone. She had a jaw-dropping collection of aquamarine jewelry, whose standouts included pear-cut aquamarine earrings, a huge emerald-cut aquamarine ring, and a pearl and aquamarine bracelet.

Lucille Bill aquamarine ring — Lucille Ball’s 40-carat aquamarine ring

Princess Diana aquamarine diamond earrings — Princess Diana’s pear-cut aquamarine earrings

Aquamarine is a beautiful accent stone, but it deserves to take center stage in its own right. At James Allen, we believe people don’t wear aquamarine enough! Its “pale blue” hue, despite its name, is anything but lackluster. It’s radiant! Aquamarine’s distinct color, combined with its characteristic light-grabbing hexagonal faces, means that this bright and vibrant jewel is perfectly suited to be worn as a center stone.

So here are just a few of our most eye-catching, aquamarine-forward pieces. Happy March!

Aquamarine Rings

Infinity Aquamarine
Birthstone Ring

This simple aquamarine ring makes for an exceptionally sweet gift for your favorite March birthday. It leans into the marine theme with a rippling white gold band. Can you even look at this birthstone ring without dreaming of ocean surf crashing on a white sand beach? No, no you can’t.

East-West Aquamarine
and Diamond Ring

This ring is the definition of understated glitter. An elegant oval-cut aquamarine is set in the sideways “east-west” position, which though less common than a vertical setting, is not at all less lovely. Two tiny diamonds, nestled in the crooks of the split shank, beautifully set off the brilliance of the center aquamarine.

Yellow Gold Aquamarine
Birthstone Ring

There’s a reason that the simple pleasures in life are enjoyed more often. And this simple pleasure comes in yellow gold! This is a piece that’s classic enough to match with any of your existing rings, perfect for stacking, and will handle anything your life throws at it. The double-floored basket allows light to hit this 0.25-carat round-cut aquamarine center stone from every angle: top, side, and bottom. Meaning, this delicate blue gemstone will positively glow on your finger.

Slender Aquamarine
Birthstone Ring

Place this slender, goes-with-anything 0.10-carat aquamarine birthstone ring on your finger for some extra confidence before you head out the door in the morning. Its thin band makes it ideal as a stacking ring. Mix and match it up with other metals, stones, and styles for an impressive ring stack.

Aquamarine Stud Earrings

Aquamarine and
Diamond Stud Earrings

These round 0.5 carat aquamarine studs get their extra pop of sparkle from two delicate diamond pavé halos. Their rounded-back lotus mountings are extremely comfortable, allowing you to look fabulous all day without even noticing you’re wearing them.

Aquamarine Birthstone
Stud Earrings

These earrings bring out the sparkle in any eye, especially baby blues and gorgeous greens. The gentle blue of the gemstones perfectly complements cool-toned eyes. Wear aquamarine on your lobes whenever you want to bring out the marine undertones of your irises.

Aquamarine Necklaces

Oval-Cut Aquamarine
Birthstone Necklace

This necklace is all aquamarine. Simply set in white gold, this oval-cut gemstone is the star of the show. And simply put, aquamarine jewelry makes for an unforgettable March birthday gift. This pendant’s split bail ensures that its center stone lies flat around the wearer’s neck. Pretty and stable, this necklace is utterly wearable.

Aquamarine Floating
Halo Necklace

Why be shy about it? Your aquamarine is stunning and you know it. This necklace shows off this blue gemstone as it deserves to be seen – front-and-center and surrounded by a floating halo of diamonds! This is a pendant necklace that’s covered in sparkle. And it’s not afraid to flaunt it.

The March Birthstone & More

January Garnets * February Amethysts * March Aquamarines * April Diamonds * May Emeralds * June Pearls * July Rubies * August Peridots * September Sapphires * October Opal * November Citrines * December Blue Topaz.

What is the Birthstone for February?

It’s amethyst! Amethyst is a violet type of quartz, the crystalline mineral silicon dioxide. This is a great jewelry gemstone, as it’s not only gorgeous, but also sufficiently resilient to withstand day-to-day wear. It rates a 7 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, indicating that it’s pretty difficult to scratch. Amethyst is a jewel that’s ready to keep up with your active lifestyle.

The History of Amethyst

Amethyst isn’t only good in the form of birthstone jewelry. This gemstone takes its name from the ancient Greek belief that it could protect its bearer from poison and drunkenness: a- (not) + methysko (intoxicating). Not only was amethyst worn as talismanic jewelry, but it was also carved into cups to prevent over-tipsiness.

With all due respect to the ancient Greeks, we disagree. Amethyst is positively intoxicating!

How to Style Amethyst

Purple can be a tricky color to style, and a trickier one to style well. When it comes to amethyst, it looks best when paired with certain colors of clothes.

similar shades of purple
neutral shades: black, white, gray, silver or gold.

As for who can wear amethyst, everyone’s in luck. Amethystian purple hedges both cool and warm tones, and as such it complements any complexion. Jewelry-wearers of the world, rejoice! This is your sign to rock amethyst jewelry.

Who Wears Amethyst?

Perhaps because of its royal connotations, but most certainly because of its beauty, amethyst is a solid favorite among red carpet celebrities. And as you can see, stars like Diane Kruger and Zoe Saldana are also fans of pairing their jewels with purple fabrics.

Diane Kruger- Amethyst February Birthstone

Zoe Saldana - Amethyst February Birthstone

The Value of Amethyst Birthstone

Amethyst is valued primarily by the quality of its color rather than its carat weight. Meaning that you can score a heftily-sized gemstone for a much more reasonable price than other jewels.

Amethyst Stone Meaning

The February gemstone is also rife with meaning. In the past, Tibetan Buddhist monks considered it holy and carved prayer beads from it and English royalty reserved it for themselves due to its sacred properties. And amethyst became the February birthstone thanks to the legendary St. Valentine, who donned an amethyst ring as he performed illicit marriages; this eventually led to the modern-day practice of gifting amethyst jewelry on Valentine’s Day. Modern-day lore claims that it is a powerful protective stone with cognitive and emotional stimulating properties.

Amethyst Rings

Deck your digits with a purple ring or two (or three), so you can punctuate every gesture with lavender. Choose a small stone for everyday wearing and stacking, or pump up the purple and go crazy with an oversized amethyst cocktail ring.

Petite Amethyst
Birthstone Ring

“Perfect in every way. I chose this for my 9 year old daughter, and she was beyond bedazzled with it. The metal and the gemstone are beautiful.”
– Johanna T.

Doubled Amethyst
and Diamond Ring

“A beautifully designed ring! The few diamonds on the ring next to the amethyst are a subtle compliment overall.”
-Marcin B.

Emerald-Cut Amethyst
Cocktail Ring

Fairy Amethyst
and Diamond Ring

Amethyst Earrings

Frame your face with two delicate purple gemstones. Amethyst earrings look particularly lovely on wearers with blue and brown eyes. And of course, they’re absolutely plum-colored stunning on those with violet-colored irises!

Cultured Pearl
and Amethyst Earrings

“The earrings were well made and delicate. My wife loved it as a birthday gift.”
– Felipe S.

Oval-Cut Amethyst
Stud Earrings

“This was a gift for my daughter-in-law and she was very happy.”
– Josette B.

Baroque Diamond
and Amethyst Earrings

Framed Amethyst
Leverback Earrings

Amethyst Necklaces

A single amethyst worn around the neck is known to protect its wearer from boring jewelry choices. Flaunt your unique personal style with a unique purple gemstone, set in precious metal.

Amethyst Birthstone
Necklace

“The birthstone necklace was stunning; the perfect birthday gift for my wife; she was mesmerized by it.” – Jonathan O.

Victorian Diamond
and Amethyst Necklace

“I bought this to celebrate the birth of our daughter and my wife loves it!” -Jason K.

Diamond and Amethyst
Halo Necklace

White Gold Amethyst
Station Necklace

The February Birthstone: Purple Reign

If you’re a February baby, or you’re looking for the perfect February gift, you are in luck! Amethyst is strong, affordable, and complements every complexion. Take your pick of any of the amethyst fan favorites listed above.

January Garnets * February Amethysts * March Aquamarines * April Diamonds * May Emeralds * June Pearls * July Rubies * August Peridots * September Sapphires * October Opal * November Citrines * December Blue Topaz.

Read up on more birthstone beauties

Subscribe to our email list for access to secret sales, practical ring-buying tips, and $100 off your first purchase!

Rachel Hoar

Rachel is an unabashed linguistics fanatic who can identify the ancient Greek root of any word. She promises not to spray you with Windex.