Birthstones
Gemstones for Birth Months in Traditional & Southwestern Jewelry
Birthstones are more than just gems; they're cherished tokens of personal identity and connection. Each gem represents a month of the year, with some months boasting several stones, each with its own story to tell. For instance, while January's garnet exudes warmth and passion, its secondary birthstone, the captivating coral, whispers tales of tranquility and clarity. Moreover, for collectors of southwestern jewelry, the allure of semi-precious stones like turquoise, revered for its earthy hues and timeless beauty, adds an enchanting dimension to the narrative. From January to December, each birthstone carries with it unique traits, characteristics, and significance, making it a meaningful adornment for those who wear it.
January | Red Coral
Traditional:
Garnet
Southwestern
Red Coral
Significance
Garnet's deep red signifies trust and friendship, while the Southwestern addition of Red Coral represents the lifeblood of Mother Earth, offering tranquility and clarity.
View All January JewelryFebruary | Charoite, Purple Spiny Oyster Shell, Sugilite
Traditional:
Amethyst
Southwestern
Charoite, Purple Spiny Oyster Shell, Sugilite
Significance
While Amethyst brings wisdom, the rich purples of Charoite, the deep hues of Purple Spiny Oyster Shell, and the protective qualities of Sugilite offer a February palette that’s deeply rooted in royalty.
View All February JewelryMarch | Light Colored Turquoise
Traditional:
Aquamarine
Southwestern
Light Colored Turquoise (e.g., Sleeping Beauty, Dry Creek Turquoise, Golden Hills Turquoise)
Significance
Aquamarine's serenity is complemented by the sky-blue of light-colored turquoise varieties, each with a serene presence said to embody clear skies and tranquility.
View All March JewelryApril | White Buffalo Turquoise
Traditional:
Diamond
Southwestern
White Buffalo Turquoise or Wild Horse Turquoise
Significance
Beyond the brilliance of diamonds and topaz, April in the Southwest is represented by the sacred and rare White Buffalo Turquoise, a stone of purity and significant spiritual importance to Native American people.
View All April JewelryMay | Green Colored Turquoise
Traditional:
Emerald
Southwestern
Green Colored Turquoise (e.g., Royston Turquoise, Lander Blue Turquoise, Green Kingman Turquoise)
Significance
The vivid green of emeralds parallels the earthy green turquoises of the Southwest, a stone that resonates with the renewal of life that comes with the springtime and embodies the enduring spirit of nature's bounty.
View All May JewelryJune | Wild Horse Turquoise
Traditional:
Pearl or Moonstone
Southwestern
Wild Horse Turquoise
Significance
Alongside the purity of pearls and the mystical play of color in moonstone, June is graced with Wild Horse Turquoise, whose striking brown and white patterns echo the free spirit of wild mustangs.
View All June JewelryJuly | Spiny Oyster Shell
Traditional:
Ruby
Southwestern
Red and Orange Spiny Oyster Shell
Significance
The passion of rubies is met with the vibrant red and orange Spiny Oyster Shell, mirroring the fiery sunsets that paint the Southwestern horizon.
View All July JewelryAugust | Gaspeite
Traditional:
Peridot
Southwestern
Gaspeite
Significance
August’s bright peridot aligns with the lime green of gaspeite, a rare stone that offers a modern twist on Southwestern motifs, embodying the zest and vitality of late summer.
View All August JewelrySeptember | Lapis Lazuli
Traditional:
Sapphire
Southwestern
Lapis Lazuli
Significance
The wisdom of sapphires finds its match in the deep celestial blues of lapis lazuli, a stone that has adorned Southwestern jewelry for centuries with its night-sky allure that captivates the imagination of anyone who glimpses at it.
View All September JewelryOctober | Pink Coral
Traditional:
Opal or Pink Tourmaline
Southwestern
Pink Coral, Pink Conch Shell
Significance
Opals reflect the spectrum of desert blooms, while pink coral and the soft hues of pink conch shell infuse October with a gentle warmth reminiscent of the setting autumn sun, offering comfort and serenity in its embrace.
View All October JewelryNovember | Bumblebee Jasper
Traditional:
Yellow Topaz or Citrine
Southwestern
Bumblebee Jasper
Significance
The golden warmth of topaz and citrine blends with the bold patterns of Bumblebee Jasper, celebrating the changing seasons and the rich mineral wealth of the Southwest.
View All November JewelryDecember | Deep Blue Turquoise
Traditional:
Turquoise or Blue Zircon
Southwestern
Deep Blue Turquoise (e.g., Bisbee Turquoise, Kingman Turquoise, Number 8 Turquoise, Lone Mountain Turquoise, Morenci Turquoise)
Significance
In December, the allure of Southwestern turquoise reaches its zenith, with mesmerizing shades of deep blue enchanting the senses. From the legendary Bisbee Turquoise to the illustrious Kingman Turquoise, each variant embodies the rugged splendor of the Southwest's winter terrain. As December unfolds, the rich hues and earthy tones of these prized stones evoke the essence of the season, adding a touch of timeless elegance to every adornment.
View All December Jewelry