At Robin Haydock Antiques, we believe that the most meaningful treasures are those that carry a personal story. Birthstone jewellery, with its rich history and unique symbolism, offers just that—a beautiful blend of timeless style and individual significance.
Whether you're looking for a special gift for a loved one or a piece to cherish yourself, birthstones have long been admired for their connection to one's birth month and the unique qualities they are said to bestow on the wearer. More than just a stylish accessory, birthstone jewels bring a sense of identity, personal connection, and even a touch of ancient mysticism.
Read on to discover which antique and vintage jewels we have chosen for each month of the year and learn about what each gemstone has been said to symbolise throughout history.
January: Garnet
Featured piece: Garnet and 18 Carat Yellow Gold Ring, Circa 1936.
Garnets are often believed to be a protective stone, shielding the wearer from injury. This made them particularly popular amongst warriors and royalty.
They are connected with love, vitality, light and friendship. Some cultures believe they inspire devotion and strengthen relationships.
February: Amethyst
Featured piece: Amethyst and 18 Carat Yellow Gold Seed Pearl Ring, Circa 1900.
Amethysts are used to enhance intuition and calm the mind, also aiding in physical healing and emotional balance.
Traditionally, the colour purple has been associated with royalty, making amethysts a favoured stone by the ruling class.
Amethysts are now greatly affiliated with spirituality, healing and clarity.
March: Aquamarine
Featured Piece: Pear Shaped Aquamarine and 18 Carat Yellow Gold Pendant, Circa 1905. (Chain sold separately)
The name ‘Aquamarine’ comes from the Latin word for “seawater” and the stones were thought to protect seafarers. The gemstone promotes emotional balance, reduces stress, and enhances creativity. Known for aiding communication and courage, it also has physical healing benefits for the respiratory system and vision.
The stone is symbolic of superior intellect, inner peace and courage.
April: Diamond
Featured Piece: 1.18 Carat Pear Shaped Diamond Pendant Necklace.
Due to their extreme hardness, durability and undeniable beauty, diamonds are associated with strength and eternal love, hence the popularity of diamonds for engagement rings. They therefore represent lasting love, resilience and strength.
In many cultures, diamonds are seen as symbols of purity and innocence. This is likely due to their colourless appearance.
May: Emerald
Featured Piece: 18 Carat Yellow and White Gold, 1.40 Carat Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring.
Legend has it that wearing emeralds will imbue the wearer with heightened intelligence and allow them to think objectively.
The stone has also been used for healing purposes and has been claimed to allow its wearer to predict the future.
It is symbolic of love, wisdom and abundance.
June: Pearl
Featured Piece: Natural Pearl and Diamond Plaque Ring, Circa 1925.
The finest pearls display unblemished surfaces with even colouring, therefore giving them a natural association with honesty, purity and wisdom.
Some cultures associate pearls with the divine, believing they were tears shed from heaven.
July: Ruby
Featured Piece: 18 Carat Yellow Gold, Ruby and Diamond Half Eternity Ring.
Rubies have long been associated with physicality and strength, favoured by warriors as they were thought to be connected with the human body.
They represent calmness, passion, love and strength.
August: Spinel
Featured Ring: 3.00 Carat Natural Pink Spinel and Diamond Custer Ring, Circa 1900.
Spinel gems are said to help set aside egos. They are also believed to encourage passion, devotion and longevity.
Spinels are considered the gem of revitalisation, helping the wearer to de-stress and re-energise themselves in all aspects.
Its healing properties are known to have a calming effect on the wearer.
September: Sapphire
Featured Piece: Sapphire and Diamond ‘Knife Edged Style’ Bangle, Circa 1890.
Sapphires are considered a protective gemstone. They are believed to shield the wearer from physical harm as well as bad intentions and envy.
Blue Sapphires are considered a highly spiritual stone and are often worn by priests.
They are symbolic of wisdom, kindness, strength and wise judgement.
October: Opal
Featured Piece: Edwardian Opal and Diamond Ring, Circa 1905.
Due to their incredible colours and dynamic appearance, opals are associated with light and magic. People therefore credit opals with healing properties, especially for the eyes.
Throughout history, some even believed that opals could make the wearer invisible.
Opals are symbolic of hope, purity and truth.
November: Topaz
Featured Piece: Imperial Topaz and Diamond Dress Ring, Circa 1960.
In Medieval Europe, topaz was thought to heal physical and mental ailments. It was also believed to bring wisdom and prevent bad dreams.
Although topaz’s popular mystical association is wealth, it also represents health, love and astrology.
December: Turquoise
Featured Piece: Yellow Gold Cannetille Work, Turquoise and Rose Cut Diamond Pendant, Circa 1820. (Chain sold separately)
Throughout history, turquoise has been attributed with a range of meanings and symbolism. The stone is often associated with protection, luck and abundance.
In many cultures, it is believed that turquoise can ward off negative energies and bring good fortune.
It is also believed to bring connection to the divine.
As you may be able to tell, birthstone jewellery carries a deep, personal significance, however when it's antique or vintage, it becomes even more special. Each piece in our collection tells a unique story from the past, making it a true one-of-a-kind treasure. By choosing vintage or antique birthstone jewellery, you're not only celebrating individuality and tradition but also embracing the beauty of craftsmanship from a bygone era. These timeless pieces serve as both meaningful tokens and enduring works of art, making them an unforgettable investment to be cherished for generations.
Please email robinhaydockantiques@outlook.com or call us on 020-7491-4948 if you are interested in any of the jewellery featured in this blog post.