A Guide to Birthstones

Discover birthstone jewellery inspiration - learn the properties, hardness and how to use each gemstone to best effect. AUTUMN September October November

Birthstone: Sapphire Birthstone: Opal Birthstone: Topaz

Hardness: 9 Hardness: 5.5 - 6.5 Hardness: 8 How to use it: Due to How to use it: The How to use it: Topaz its hardness rating, the opal should be worn by occurs in cavities in sapphire is used for rings the wearer as often as rhyolites and granite, as an individual stone, as possible, as opals will formed by the vapours pairing with other gems show fissures if they are given off in the may result in scratching. stored in places too dry. crystallisation of igneous They can gain humidity rocks. Its hardness makes from the air and the skin of topaz a wise choice for the wearer. rings. WINTER December January February

Birthstone: Turquoise Birthstone: Garnet Birthstone: Amethyst

Hardness: 5.5 - 6 Hardness: 6.5 - 7.5 Hardness: 7 How to use it: Brings How to use it: Garnet is a How to use it: Amethyst protection to whoever durable stone very popular was often found in rings wears it and is often in jewellery making – it and on the rosaries worn stabilised before it's cut tends to be designed into by bishops and priests. and set in a jewellery piece smooth cuts, such as oval Note that this gem is due to its soft natural state. or cushion cuts, making it sensitive to heat – when ideal for pendants. heated to 400/500 °C, the colour changes to brown- yellow or red.

How were the birthstones chosen for each month? Experts believe it spans back to the Bible in Exodus 28, when the breastplate belonging to Aaron, High Priest of the Hebrews was covered in 12 coloured gems, initially representing 12 tribes of Israel. Later, these gems became associated with the zodiac and months connected to it. SPRING March April May

Birthstone: Aquamarine Birthstone: Diamond Birthstone: Emerald

Hardness: 7.5 - 8 Hardness: 10 Hardness: 7 How to use it: A subtle How to use it: Known How to use it: A member blue semi-precious stone. as the hardest mineral of the beryl family, Combine this stone with and therefore the most emeralds are known diamonds for a stunning desirable, Diamonds are the for their exquisite green piece. Heat treatment is symbol of love. Beyond their colour. However, they are commonly used to remove obvious use in engagement very brittle and prone to any green tinge seen within rings, use diamonds to inclusions making flawless a stone. create jewellery pins for specimens very rare. clothes or for decorative hair ornaments. SUMMER June July August

Hardness: Pearl Hardness: Ruby Hardness: Peridot

Hardness: 2.5 - 3.5 Hardness: 9 Hardness: 6.5 - 7 How to use it: Naturally How to use it: Rubies are How to use it: Peridot occurring pearls are perfect for every day wear often appears greener incredibly rare - with due to their hardness. under artificial light. Fairly only one in ten thousand Heat treating the stone robust and easy to care molluscs able to produce can clarify and improve the for, it’s often used as them. That's why most on tone of the colour. faceted stones in earrings the market will be cultured or bracelets. pearls - created by placing a piece of tissue inside the mollusc with which it will form a pearl.

Discover our latest range of gemstones, from amethyst to the diamond, and add birthstones to your jewellery making repetoire.