How to Elevate Your Birthstone Jewelry

What (Not) to Wear

Before we take a deep dive, let’s get some wearability questions out of the way. Because not all gemstones are created equal. Diamond is great for everyday wear in any style of jewelry because it’s very, very hard. But other gemstones, not so much. There’s this little thing called the Mohs Scale of Hardness that can help ya out, though. Diamond is a 10 on the scale, and everything else is, well, lower. 

Corundum (sapphire and ruby) is a 9, topaz an 8, quartz a 7…you get the idea. Well, if you’re looking below an 8, which includes many semi-precious gems, we don’t recommend wearing those gemstones in an everyday ring or bracelet, which take harder wear. Necklaces and earrings are fair game though! Are there exceptions to the rule? Sure. If it’s a special occasion-only piece of jewelry, or well protected, then you can go a bit lower in hardness. Just keep in mind that the result of wear will be scratching (maybe even chipping) and wear to its crisp, bright facets, resulting in a dull stone that’s no fun to anyone and cannot be easily repolished.

And now, on with the show:

February: Amethyst

Amethyst is the purple or violet variety of the mineral quartz and a 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. Comparatively, it’s a readily available semi-precious gemstone so amethyst is quite affordable, but it only comes in one color: purple. Other colors of quartz have different names, like rose quartz, citrine, or even tiger’s eye. But amethysts are always purple! We love choosing a super modern setting for amethyst, which balances out its slightly more feminine associations. Try a sleek bezel setting, maybe, which would also help protect this softer stone if you want to wear it in a ring. We also love an elongated amethyst oval or emerald cut pendant set east-west style in the metal of your choice.

March: Aquamarine

Aquamarine is a pale blue to pale green variety of beryl (the same mineral as emerald!) and gets a 7.5-8 Mohs. While still considered a semi-precious stone, aquamarine have gained popularity for engagement rings as well. We love the clear, water-like hue of this stone, which looks extra icy accompanied by diamond side stones. A stunning aquamarine set in a diamond halo oughta do the trick. Or pair them with pearls for a gorgeous drop earring! Our designers can help you customize aquamarine jewelry to suit your style, whether that’s classic, edgy, or anything in between.

April: Diamond

Do we really need to go into detail here, darling? Of course! Diamonds are the hardest gemstone and suitable to any style of jewelry. Diamond birthstone jewelry should reflect your personality. Scatter a few sparkling diamonds on a wide gold band, maybe. Or go with pave diamond hoop earrings. Want a classic birthstone jewelry gift? You literally cannot go wrong with diamond stud earrings or a diamond tennis bracelet. Choose a diamond shape you like and a metal color you love and you’re good to go.

May: Emerald

Emerald is the green variety of beryl, and a 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale. Along with diamonds, rubies, and sapphires, emerald is considered a precious gem for its unique qualities and rarity, which also means it’s a bit pricier than other gemstones. But we think it’s worth it once you get a glimpse of its gorgeous green hue. Rich emeralds look best set in bright yellow gold, which enhances their color, but if you love white gold or platinum you can choose a two-tone emerald setting that gives you the best of both worlds. A dainy bar-set emerald ring would be a stunning birthstone gift. As would an emerald drop pendant to layer into your necklace stack.

July: Ruby

Rubies are a 9 on the Mohs scale, and the red variety of corundum (the same mineral as sapphire). They’re suitable for any type of jewelry so ruby birthstone babies, you’re in luck! Rubies are really only one color, like amethyst, but you can pair them with diamonds or other gemstones if you want some variety for a cluster style ruby ring, perhaps? Or try a ruby cut in a unique shape for some stud earrings or a ruby pendant. Our gem experts can work with you to source beautiful rubies and make sure they’re perfectly matched if you want a set. Since ruby is a very classic stone, we love amping up the edge with unique, modern settings. An east-west set ruby pendant, a ruby signet ring, or even an eternity band will do the trick.

September: Sapphire

September’s birthstone is the super classic sapphire, which comes in tons of different colors, not just the popular deep blue. Think: pink, yellow, white, purple…the list goes on. And like it’s corundum cousin, ruby, sapphire is a 9 on the Mohs scale, making it ideal for all types of birthstone jewelry. We love taking advantage of the wide range of sapphire colors for an ombre effect cluster ring. Or stack up a few sapphire eternity bands in different shades, which you can add to over the years! 

October: Opal or Tourmaline

The traditional October birthstone is opal, one of the most unique gemstones out there. Its rainbow hues and bright flash draw the eye and every single stone really does look different from the next. Opal, however, is quite soft, measuring 5.5-6.5 on the Mohs scale. This means sticking to opal earrings and necklaces to protect the stones from damage. We love bright white rainbow opals paired with a dusting of pave diamonds, or try a bezel set opal for a modern look. If you want a more traditional cut gemstone alternative, tourmaline is also considered and October birthstone and it’s a bit tougher at 7-7.5 Mohs scale. A pink or green tourmaline pendant would be stunning, and you can get that ombre effect with this unique stone.