Learn more and explore gemstones and birthstone jewelry. Featuring ruby jewelry, emerald jewelry, and sapphire jewelry for your wedding day and beyond. Plus, learn all about unique gemstone engagement rings! Shop gemstone rings, gemstone necklaces, gemstone bracelets, gemstone earrings, and loose gemstones on JamesAllen.com.
December’s birthstone, blue topaz, is cool, chic, and a perfect way to light up the holiday season…and every day after! This gemstone is as meaningful as it is beautiful, and versatile too.
Read on to learn everything from its symbolism to how to style it and get yours today. Because whether or not you were born in December, you’re gonna want one of these gorgeous gemstone pieces.
What Is December’s Birthstone?
December, similar to other months of the year, actually has multiple birthstones. However, the most popular, or at least our favorite, is blue topaz. This beautiful gemstone is made up of aluminum and fluorine and known for its beautiful blue hues.
The Symbolism and Meaning of Topaz
Similar to other birthstones and gemstones, blue topaz is brimming with beautiful symbolism. Originally thought to bring protection, this gemstone is now also thought to bring love and affection and is often given as a symbol of one’s love.
Unique to blue topaz, it is also associated with the fourth wedding anniversary. But it doesn’t stop here, blue topaz is also thought to help with insomnia, indigestion, and in ancient times failing, eyesight.
Have you lost your creative edge or motivation? Well, many believe blue topaz can help with this too!
What Color is the December Birthstone?
Blue topaz is, you guessed it, blue. This birthstone comes in shades from light blue to dark, and is commonly sold in three different shades known as London blue, Swiss blue, and sky blue, with the first two being the most popular.
This gemstone is incredibly rare and is frequently created by heating a topaz stone in its natural, colorless state, and using trace elements to give it that beautiful blue hue.
A Brief History of the December Birthstone
December’s birthstone can be found throughout history. Multiple ancient civilizations prized blue topaz for its protective properties, including the Aztecs and ancient Egyptians, who thought the gemstone could help prevent injuries and other illnesses.
Understanding Topaz’s Sensitivity and Fragility
The December birthstone is quite durable, ranking 8 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness. This durability makes it a great choice for jewelry, particularly jewelry you wear on a frequent basis. However, blue topaz is hard yet brittle, and some color variations like London blue are more easily scratched, so you should still be careful.
Practical Tips for Cleaning and Preserving Topaz Jewelry
Blue topaz is hard yet sensitive, so it is important to care for it and clean it properly. Follow these tips below to keep your December birthstone pieces shining all year long.
Store it separately from other pieces in original, soft, & protective packaging
Store it away from strong sunlight & high temperatures
Avoid using harsh cleaners
Wash in warm, soapy water
Clean gentle with a soft bristle brush
Dry with a soft, lint-free cloth
What Are the Other December Birthstones?
December is unique when it comes to birthstones because it has so many! While blue topaz may be your favorite (it’s certainly ours!), there are others to choose from including blue zircon, tanzanite, and turquoise.
Blue Zircon
First of all, blue zircon is not cubic zirconia, despite the similarities in their names. Blue zircon is one of the oldest gemstones ever discovered. The sparkle and shine of blue zircon have been compared to that of diamonds.
This gemstone is also available in multiple colors, but it is the blue variety that is a birthstone for December. This gemstone is thought to bring good luck and positivity.
Tanzanite
Tanzanite became a birthstone for December in 2002 after being discovered decades earlier in Tanzania. This gemstone is named for the country where it was first found and is increasingly popular in jewelry today. It is associated with tranquility and compassion.
Turquoise
Deriving its name from the French word for Turkish, because French traders purchased the stone from Turkish traders, this gemstone is on the softer side, rating a 5-6 on the Mohs hardness scale. This gemstone is thought to bring good luck, friendship, and patience, and was even used in ancient healing practices.
FAQs
What is the actual birthstone for December?
December has four birthstones. Blue topaz, blue zircon, tanzanite, and turquoise. It is one of the few months to have so many birthstones.
What is the origin of blue topaz?
Blue topaz was discovered in the 1960s in Brazil by British explorer Max Ostro.
Why does December have four birthstones?
It is not known exactly why December has so many birthstones. It is most commonly believed that it was to add more affordable options.
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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.
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.
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.
January Birthstone Gifts: Garnet Necklaces
Garnets affordable luxury and fiery red color make garnet necklaces a popular gift choice for any occasion.
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.
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.
While popping the question, and the engagement ring that goes with it, can get the bulk of the attention, the wedding ring is just as important. A crucial part of the wedding ceremony and a symbol of your everlasting love and commitment, you want to make sure the wedding ring you choose is perfect.
From different delicious metals, sparkling diamonds and gemstones, and numerous styles, choosing the right wedding ring can be overwhelming. That’s where we come in! Read on to find out everything you need to know about getting the perfect wedding ring.
What Is A Wedding Ring?
So what IS a wedding ring? While the engagement ring is what you wear when you are intended to be married, the wedding ring is what you exchange during the ceremony and what you wear once you are officially married.
What Does A Wedding Ring Symbolize?
A wedding ring marks the love between you and your partner and is a symbol to the world of your commitment to each other that you wear and see everyday.
Your wedding ring is emblematic of your wedding vows, a beautiful reminder of the meaningful words you said to your partner on that special day.
The Difference Between A Wedding Ring And a Wedding Band
This one is easy, there isn’t one! Wedding rings and wedding bands are the same things. The terms are used interchangeably and both refer to the ring you exchange during your wedding ceremony to symbolize your commitment to your partner.
Wedding Rings For Women
Simple wedding rings
Many people prefer a simple wedding ring for women, such as a plain gold band style or a dainty wedding ring. This can be due to religious customs, personal style, or simply to match their engagement ring. This classic, clean style is also great if you have smaller hands.
Diamond Wedding Rings
A diamond wedding ring is the perfect way to increase the sparkle of your engagement ring and show off your personal style. Eternity rings are a great way to go if you love endless sparkle!
Just as the name says, eternity rings offer eternal shine through diamonds that go all the way around the band, giving you the ultimate bling from every angle.
If you opted out of an engagement ring or opted for a simpler engagement ring, then a diamond wedding ring is the perfect opportunity to add bling to your symbol of love.
Gemstone Wedding Rings
Gemstones are a great way to add sparkle and shine to your wedding ring while also getting a burst of color. Choose your favorite color, your birthstone, or maybe the stone of the month you got married in; whichever gemstones you choose, these are a great way to showcase your personal style.
Simple Engagement And Wedding Ring Combinations
Simply sparkling, if you sport a channel set or pavé engagement ring, a diamond wedding ring will seamlessly and flawlessly add the perfect amount of dazzle.
Prefer a more traditional look? Pair a wonderfully minimalist solitaire with a clean, cool wedding ring like these two, which were simply made for each other…just like you and your love.
No matter which style you prefer, James Allen has the matching set for you. Let us take the guesswork out of it!
Popular Metals Used In Wedding Rings
The choices when it comes to wedding rings for women are available in platinum, yellow gold, white gold, and of course, rose gold.
Platinum
Platinum is popular because it is strong, pure, and rare. It is also hypoallergenic, so it is a great choice for anyone with allergies or skin sensitivities. And while platinum carries a higher price point, it wears well over time, so it is a good investment.
White Gold
If you love the look of platinum but prefer a lower price point, or simply prefer to be adorned in gold, then white gold is the metal for you.
Yellow Gold & Rose Gold
Love gold but want some color in your band? Go for classic yellow gold! Want color but prefer something with a bit more romance? Rose gold is the perfect choice. Not sure if platinum or white gold is for you? Find out here!
Just like engagement rings, metals for wedding rings vary in popularity, and many factors must be considered. Make sure to take the following into consideration when choosing the metal for your wedding ring:
Matching to your engagement ring
Matching to your partner’s ring
Personal style
Budget
How to Wear Your Wedding Ring
Many cultures see women wearing their wedding ring on the ring finger, on the left hand. This originated in ancient Greece with the belief that a vein there that leads to the heart is the vein of love. However, in other cultures, women wear the wedding ring on the ring finger on the right hand.
Still, others wear it on either hand, but not on any particular finger. Ultimately, there are no hard and fast rules for this. Where you wear your wedding ring is entirely up to you.
Should You Get Matching Wedding Rings?
Once again, this is entirely personal to you and your partner. You may opt for a more simple, classic wedding ring while your partner may prefer something more alternative and modern. Or perhaps you want a ring that perfectly matches your engagement ring, while your partner wants a style all their own.
Many couples now also shop for both engagement and wedding rings together. This can allow you to match your wedding rings to your engagement ring and each other. Matching wedding rings can be a beautiful way to symbolize your commitment, but don’t forget this is a ring you will wear every day.
So whether you match it to your partner’s ring, your engagement ring, or showcase your individual style, make sure it is a ring you love.
How To Find Your Wedding Ring Size
Here are a few easy ways you can find your wedding ring size:
Professional Jeweler: Visit a reputable jeweler and have them professionally measure your ring size.
Ring Sizing Kit: Use a ring sizing kit, available online or in jewelry stores, which provides a range of ring sizers for accurate measurement.
Existing Rings: If a ring fits well, place it on a ring sizing chart to determine the size.
Finger Measurement: Wrap a strip of paper or string around the intended finger and mark where it overlaps, then measure the length in millimeters.
Online Ring Sizing Tools: Many jewelry websites offer online tools to help you measure your ring size accurately at home.
Ring Size Chart Conversion: Convert the measured circumference or diameter into a ring size using a ring size conversion chart.
Simply click here to order your free James Allen ring sizer directly to your home. And hey, don’t worry! Even if you still get it wrong, James Allen will resize your ring once for free within one year of your purchase.
How Much Should Your Wedding Ring Cost?
Just like how much you should spend on an engagement ring, the amount you spend on your wedding ring is very personal. If you prefer a classic, plain metal band, then your costs will be lower. However, if your style is a blinged out eternity ring, then you will need to budget a bit more for all those dazzling diamonds.
Whether you choose to start with a classic and move to sparkle for an anniversary, there is no should here. The amount you spend will be related to your budget and style.
FAQs
Who buys the man’s wedding ring?
Traditionally, the bride buys her groom’s wedding ring, and he buys his bride’s wedding ring. However, more and more couples are splitting these costs and avoiding the whole you buy him and he buys yours. Other couples make this a family affair. Maybe your family will buy your future husband his ring. Like so many things, who pays for the ring is a personal decision.
Can a woman just wear a wedding ring?
Of course! You can wear whatever you want! And in fact, many women are hopping on this trend. Go for a glorious anniversary or eternity ring to get a wedding ring with all the bling.
Which hand do you wear my wedding ring on?
Traditionally, many wear their wedding ring on the ring finger on their left hand, the same as their engagement ring. However, some cultures wear the wedding ring on the right hand, separate from the engagement ring. Where you choose to wear your wedding ring is entirely up to you. Just think about it before, so you are sure to get the right size.
Do you still wear your engagement ring after you get married?
Most people wear their engagement ring together with their wedding ring. This is why so many women match their wedding ring to their engagement ring, even picking them out at the same time to ensure continuity in style. However, this is totally your decision. If you want to save your engagement ring for only special occasions, then you do you boo!
Conclusion
Buying a wedding ring can be a daunting process. Luckily James Allen is here to take the guesswork out of it. Whatever your style and budget, we have the ring for you! Choose your metal, choose your look, check your size, and rock a ring that shines as bright as you!
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.
Getting the ring of your dreams may sometimes seem impossible, but we’re here to answer one very important question. How much should you really spend on an engagement ring? We’ve got all the tips and tricks to ensure you get the perfect ring for your buck!
Shopping for engagement rings can be stressful, time-consuming, and even a little confusing at times. We know the assumption is that an engagement ring will cost a pretty penny, but most people don’t know all the ways they can get their dream ring without breaking the bank.
We’ll discuss unrealistic engagement ring cost myths and share all the clever ways to avoid them and still get the best ring for your buck. From diamond hacks to where you should shop for your ring, our tips and tricks are sure to help you avoid unnecessary ring costs.
What’s the Average Cost Of An Engagement Ring?
Today, the average price of an engagement ring ranges between $2,500 to $5,000. However, plenty of people purchase rings that are both below and beyond that price.
As you plan to buy your engagement ring, it’s important to remember that there is no one size fits all way of doing things. Each person has their own income, ring budget, and, of course, ring preference.
Engagement Ring Cost Myths
Outdated myths about engagement ring shopping and societal expectations can lead you down an expensive path. Let’s take a look at some of those assumptions and how you can avoid them.
Spending Three Month’s Worth of Your Salary
Spending three months’ worth of your salary was a campaign started by De Beers in the 1930s. It was traditional until it wasn’t. It changed to two months’ salary as time passed, and then the diamond needed to cost one month’s salary. Slowly but surely, those ideas changed with time, and now there are no ironclad rules about what to spend on an engagement ring.
The Bigger the Better
The bigger, the better- we must politely disagree. While the idea of a big and brilliant diamond sounds incredible, there are so many other ways to maximize your diamond’s appearance without having to purchase a huge diamond.
For one, most jewelry retailers have a large selection of diamond shapes and ring settings. So how do you go bigger without breaking your budget?
Try out an elongated diamond center stone, like emerald, oval, marquise, or pear. These diamonds can give off the idea of being larger than other round or square diamonds of the same carat weight.
Or you could invest in a setting that adds more sparkle to your ring. Side stone, halo, and pavé settings can give you the extra diamond accents you want without having to invest in a bigger diamond.
As Brilliant and Colorless as Possible
Color grading for diamonds isn’t as tricky as it seems- especially when picking a center stone for your engagement ring.
As you can see on the chart below, near-colorless diamonds barely have any yellow tint and are often cheaper than colorless diamonds. The diamonds below are exactly the same except for the color grade. The slight tint of color in these diamonds is almost impossible to detect with the naked eye.
For faint yellow diamonds, if cut in a flattering diamond shape and set with the right metal color, their slight color will also be disguised. In that case, you can walk away with a stunning diamond engagement ring for a fraction of the price you would’ve paid for a colorless diamond.
How Much Is Too Much to Spend On An Engagement Ring?
There is no correct answer to this question. How much you spend on an engagement ring depends on your personal budget and your partner’s expectations. If you are looking to save costs and get the absolute best ring for your budget, then you need to shop smart and do your research.
Overspending on an engagement ring can mean anything from picking a colorless diamond instead of a near-colorless diamond that would’ve looked just perfect in your chosen ring setting. But you won’t know which mistakes to avoid if you don’t utilize all the information at your disposal. Many ring shoppers use free online jewelry consultants- like our diamond consultants at JamesAllen.com.
How To Cut Costs On An Engagement Ring
Manipulate the 4Cs
Cut
The cut of the diamond is the first, arguably most important, C. Here you can decide between several fancy shapes like pear, oval, marquise, and cushion-cut, to name a few. If your partner wants their diamond to really sparkle and shine, spend some extra time choosing which cut might match their preference best.
Color
The color grade of your diamond can range from D-K. Most diamonds have a visible trace of yellow in their body color, whereas white diamonds are colorless.
Clarity
The clarity of your diamond may differ depending on whether it has any natural external blemishes or internal inclusions. Here, you may be looking for a diamond with zero imperfections or maybe one with a bit of character to it. The clarity of a diamond is directly impacted by its cut, something for you to keep in mind.
Carat Weight
The final C is carat, referring to the standard weight of your diamond or gem. One carat is 0.20g, and most couples are comfortable choosing an engagement ring with a center stone from 0.50 to 1.5 carats.
So, how do you manipulate the 4Cs? Here are our top tips:
Find a balance between color and clarity. While that balance varies by diamond shape, you can save money without sacrificing quality by staying on the high end of the color scale but the lower end of the clarity scale, as long as there are no visible inclusions.
With round, emerald, and asscher cut diamonds; you can typically go as low as a J color grade without seeing any incredibly noticeable color.
Cuts such as oval, cushion, radiant, pear, princess, marquise, and heart require quality a bit higher on the scale (G and up) so as not to see any color.
Well-cut diamonds like round and princess shapes have an incredible firey brilliance, no matter the size of the diamond.
Opt For Lab Created Diamonds Instead
When buying an engagement ring online, you’ll find a wider variety of diamond and gemstone center stones. While some people prefer the traditional natural diamond, the perks of investing in lab created diamonds are growing.
Lab grown diamonds and earth-created diamonds are optically and chemically identical. If you were to have both diamonds professionally inspected, you would find no differences. The only noticeable difference is the price tag. A lab created diamond is by far the more budget-friendly option.
Ditch The Diamond Altogether
If you’re on the fence about gemstones, remember this. All gemstones are rare, like diamonds, but more affordable per carat. They certainly put an alternative twist on a classic engagement ring, and they can be a more budget-friendly option compared to diamonds.
Gemstones can be set in ring settings with diamond accents or on their own in solitaire bands and still produce that show-stopping effect you want in your engagement ring.
If you want a larger yet inexpensive center stone on your ring, try a classic gemstone from sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and even morganite.
Buy Your Engagement Ring Online
We know shopping online comes with many what if’s, and we’re sure you’ve been left with some trust issues. However, if you find a known and trustworthy online jewelry retailer, you can end up getting the most incredible engagement ring for much less.
Pros of shopping for your ring online:
Special services and technology (education center, 360° HD diamond viewing)
Lab created diamonds in all shapes, sizes, and colors
Affordable gemstones alternatives
Great shipping and return policies
24/7 customer service
Ethically sourced diamonds
Jewelry insurance assistance
0% interest payment options
Wait For Sale Periods
The holiday season is an excellent time to shop for your engagement ring. This is a promotional time for many jewelry and diamond retailers, and you could end up saving a significant amount on your engagement ring.
Once you’ve researched and found your potential go-to retailers, subscribe to their newsletter to get regular updates on upcoming sales.
Customize Your Ring Online
Customizing your ring online is not only an incredibly personal experience but one that can ensure you get a ring within your budget that meets all of your wants and needs.
Our Ring Studio offers online customization on a whole new level. You are the leading designer instead of telling someone in a store what you like and having them create it for you. You don’t need to settle for an engagement ring that doesn’t quite suit your or your partner’s style because you can design one that is the exact representation of what you want down to every minute detail.
Trends Shaping Engagement Ring Spending
Engagement ring spending has changed significantly due to how millennials and older couples who are remarrying have shifted the dynamic of buying engagement rings.
Many individuals and couples choose to marry later in life after they’ve had their personal, professional, and worldly development. As a result, these people are more sure of what they want in an engagement ring regarding style, originality, price, ethics, and how they make their purchase.
These expressions of individuality and broader consumer awareness have manifested in several trends like unusual center stones, settings, colors, shapes, and styles. More couples opt for gemstones or lab grown diamonds because they are often more socially responsible, unique, and affordable.
We’re Here To Help
Finding the perfect engagement ring comes with stress, questions, and a lot of second-guessing. At James Allen, we offer you 100% free advice and will assist you in understanding the best diamond quality for your budget and unique preferences.
Contact our customer service team and chat with non-commissioned diamond and jewelry experts 24/7 regarding any questions you have about buying an engagement ring online and the process around it.
Happy shopping!
Subscribe to our email list for access to secret sales, practical ring-buying tips, and $100 off your first purchase!
Jessica is a seasoned content writer with four years of experience and a qualified gemologist. She enjoys educating new shoppers on the best practices for buying jewelry.
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 SymbolismAnd 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 Ball’s 40-carat aquamarine ring
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Don royal purple with the February birthstone: amethyst! This unusually-hued gemstone will make any wearer into an instant queen.
Amethyst jewelry is the go-to purchase for February birthdays and Valentine’s gifts. The February birthstone is stunning yet graceful, rewarding those bold enough to wear it with plenty of turned heads!
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.
The Value of AmethystBirthstone
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.
“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.
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!
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.
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.
