The Complete Monthly Birthstone Guide
JANUARY - GARNET
January Birthstone: Garnet
January’s birthstone, the glittering Garnet, was a firm favourite of Queen Victoria and remains one of history’s most enduring gemstones! Rather wonderfully, Garnets are not a single gemstone but an entire geological species, appearing in a magnificent spectrum of colours — from deep crimson and regal purple to vibrant pink, orange, green and golden yellow — ensuring there is a Garnet to suit even the most sartorially savvy fashionista. Bestowing protection, vitality and steadfast devotion, Garnet has travelled through history in the company of adventurers, collectors and crowned heads alike — admired not only for its symbolism, but for its richly smouldering allure that never goes out of vogue!
Healing Properties:
The glittering gorgeousness that is Garnet is full of restorative and renaissance qualities! The Garnet is known for its ability to heal and purify, ridding yourself of the toxins from an overtly indulgent festive period!! Garnets reputedly restore your body to a re-energized and revitalized state – ready to conquer the world!! At the time of research, the humble Garnet is also said to have the ability to unleash your boudoir prowess – big up to the glittering Garnet! Proof this gemstone has rather more to it than meets the eye!
Potted History & Magical Myths:
Garnet’s story stretches back thousands of years and reads rather like a grand historical tour. In ancient Egypt, ravishing red garnet necklaces adorned the necks of pharaohs and were entombed alongside them, destined to accompany their owners into the afterlife as treasured symbols of power and protection.
The Romans, far more practical yet fond of sparkling splendour, carved garnets into signet rings, pressing them into warm wax to seal important documents — a gemstone serving quite literally as a mark of authority and trust.
|The ancients referred to red garnets as carbuncles, believed to possess almost mystical radiance, and thought by some to be among the sacred gemstones bestowed upon King Solomon himself. By the time of the Roman scholar Pliny the Elder (23–79 AD), Garnets were already globetrotting across trade routes, and were very much prized across civilisations for both beauty and symbolism.
During the Middle Ages, Garnets garnered favour with clergy and nobility alike, worn as talismans of protection and status. Their popularity flourished anew around 1500 following the discovery of rich Bohemian Garnet deposits in Central Europe, adding a sparkling spark to the regional jewellery industry – examples that remain highly collectible today.
Garnet Description:
Birthstone: January
Wedding Anniversary: 2nd Wedding Anniversary
Colour: Red, orange, yellow, green, purple, pink, brown, black and colourless, with reddish shades being most common.
Origin: Africa, Russia, Brazil, Bolivia
Mineral Family: Neosilicate
Chemical Formula: X3Y2(SiO4)3
Mohs Hardness: Hardness Scale 6-7.5
Click Here To Explore the Baroque Rocks Garnet Collection.
FEBRUARY: AMETHYST
February Birthstone: Amethyst
February’s birthstone, the alluring Amethyst with its rich purple hues has been admired and coveted for over a millennia by royalty, grandees and magpies alike and will no doubt lure you towards an exuberant soiree!!! But have no fear as it apparently will protect the wearer from drunkenness!! The word Amethyst derives from the Greek “amethystos” meaning intoxicated! No wonder royalty and ardent admirers prize Amethyst so highly!
Healing Properties:
Aside from protection against Bacchanalian revelry, Amethyst is regarded as a mightily powerful and protective gemstone promoting calm, clarity and balance. Said to relieve stress whilst enhancing focus and motivation stimulating the mind, body and soul with serenity, love and prosperity amid life’s wanton excesses.
Potted History & Magical Myths:
Greek Mythology really was the original Mills & Boon and love them we do especially when it comes to Amethyst a beautifully bewitching young virgin who incurred the drunken wrath of the Greek Gold Dionysus (talk about literally the grapes of wrath)!! Amethyst asked the Goddess Diana for help but instead she turned the beauty in a white shimmering stone, Quartz. Dionysus upon hearing the news cried great tears of sorrow into his goblet of red wine, and so full it became it spilled onto the stone turning it from white to purple. Not quite the Hollywood ending one was expecting but nonetheless St Valentine seized upon the story and wore an Amethyst ring carved with Cupid’s image.
Amethyst Description:
Birthstone: February
Wedding Anniversary: 6th & 17th Wedding Anniversary
Colour: Purple (from pale lilac to deep violet)
Origin: Africa, Russia, Brazil, Bolivia
Mineral Family: Quartz
Chemical Formula: SiO₂
Mohs Hardness: Hardness Scale 7
Click Here To Explore the Baroque Rocks Amethyst Collection.
MARCH: AQUAMARINE
March Birthstone: Aquamarine
March’s birthstone, the awesomely azure Aquamarine, is a gemstone that instantly conjures visions of desert islands and coruscatingly clear ocean waters. Mesmerising in its tranquil blue tones, Aquamarine belongs to the Beryl family — a distinguished mineral group that also includes Emerald (green), Morganite (pink) and Heliodor (golden yellow). Its serene colour and crystalline clarity have long associated Aquamarine with calm seas, clear thinking and effortless elegance, making it one of the most enchantingly chic gemstones of spring.
Healing Properties:
Aquamarine is celebrated as the stone of courage and purportedly it also sharpens one’s intellect whilst calming the mind and inspiring confidence!! An amulet of awesomeness and exquisite beauty that sparks joy and happiness!! AND if legend is to be believed, perhaps even a whisper of eternal youth! Yup!! We are definitely so having some of that!!
Potted History & Magical Myths:
The name Aquamarine derives from the Latin aqua (water) and marina (sea), a fitting title for this bewitching blue variety of Beryl. Apparently across the ancient world, Aquamarine was revered as a talisman of protection: ancient Indian cultures crafted it into amulets, Egyptians wore it for safeguarding powers, whilst the Greeks and Romans gifted Aquamarines to sailors to ensure safe and prosperous passage across unpredictable seas. In a quid pro quo, legend has it that if the sailors threw their Aquamarines overboard the Mermaids would catch them and keep them in their treasure troves and in return calm stormy waters and appease the gods. Think we all need to go scuba diving for these beauties!!
Aquamarine Description:
Birthstone: March
Wedding Anniversary: 19th Wedding Anniversary
Colour: Blue
Origin: Pakistan, Brazil
Mineral Family: Beryl
Chemical Formula: Be₃Al₂SiO₆
Mohs Hardness: Hardness Scale 7.5 - 8
Click Here To Explore the Baroque Rocks Aquamarine Collection.
APRIL: DIAMOND
April Birthstone: Diamond
April’s birthstone, the dazzling Diamond, induces obsession and entirely unapologetically so! With its white-hot brilliance and irresistible allure, few gemstones possess such magnetic power over collectors and rockhounds alike. The word Diamond derives from the Greek “adamas”, meaning invincible, most befitting given this gemstone is celebrated for both its extraordinary strength and smouldering swagger. Such brilliance! Such fire! Such scintillation! One could almost be forgiven for developing a lifelong Diamond addiction – literally a serial stoner!
Now to add a little to your scientific repertoire, beyond the famous Four Cs — Cut, Colour, Carat and Clarity (jargon used for grading a Diamond) — Diamonds are also admired for three optical wonders that create their unmistakable sparkle:
- Brilliance: the intense white light reflected from a Diamond’s precisely cut facets.
- Fire: flashes of spectral colour created as light disperses through the stone.
- Scintillation: the lively sparkle and dancing flashes of light produced by the interplay of Brilliance and Fire!
Together, these qualities give diamonds their legendary radiance.
Healing Properties:
The Diamond is traditionally associated as the gemstone of strength, happiness and longevity!! And in tales of yore, Diamonds were thought to possess powerful protective qualities to ward off illness and even the plague!! Obviously, a complete medical necessity so ice yourselves ‘tis after all, for your protection! But far more importantly Diamonds ignite the flame of love! Choose love, choose Diamonds!
Potted History & Magical Myths:
Diamonds were traded as early as the fourth century BC and quickly became treasures revered by royalty and coveted across civilisations. Early alluvial diamonds, discovered in Indian riverbeds, travelled the ancient trade routes to Venetian markets, and by the fifteenth century those “bobby dazzlers” had become the height of fashionable adornment. The dazzling Diamond zeitgeist!
In the eighteenth century, Indian deposits declined but Brazil samaba’d onto the scintillation scene, leading the Diamond world for over 150 years. Fast forward to the late nineteenth century, the discovery of vast deposits in South Africa transformed the industry entirely, with De Beers controlling an estimated 90% of global production.
Among the most celebrated stones ever mined is the Cullinan I, or The Great Star of Africa, now set magnificently in the Sovereign’s Royal Sceptre within the British Crown Jewels — a dazzling reminder of the Diamond’s enduring association with power, prestige and spectacle.
Today, with its adamantine strength and extraordinary beauty, the Diamond stands as the universal symbol of love, adorning engagement rings and treasured heirlooms alike. Diamond delectations for digit decadence!
Diamond Description:
Birthstone: April
Wedding Anniversary: 60th & 70th Wedding Anniversary
Colour: Clear, White, Blue, Yellow, Orange, Red, Green, Pink, Brown and Black
Origin: India, South Africa, Congo, Botswana, Russia, Australia, Canada
Mineral Family: Diamond (Crystalline Carbon ie the solid form of Carbon)
Chemical Formula: C
Structure: A three-dimensional lattice of carbon atoms —one magnificent molecule
Mohs Hardness: Hardness Scale 10
Click Here To Explore the Baroque Rocks Diamond Collection.
MAY: EMERALD
May Birthstone: Emerald
May’s birthstone, the exquisitely elegant Emerald, reigns supreme in the spring style stakes — quite literally leading the season’s palette in glorious green. As Pliny the Elder famously declared in the first century AD, “nothing greens greener.” You know you are you are onto a birthstone winner when history’s Royals continue to covet a gemstone century after century.
Here’s a little secret from the gem world: exceptional quality emeralds can be more valuable than diamonds per carat — proof that this verdant beauty commands serious respect among collectors.
Emerald belongs to the Beryl family of minerals, alongside Aquamarine and Morganite, and is treasured for its vivid green colour and remarkable historical prestige.
Healing Properties:
Emerald has long been known as the “stone of successful love” – talk about “Romancing the Stone”. Its vivid verdant hues symbolise renewal, vitality and emotional balance, nurturing harmony and devotion. Quite simply: “choose love, go green”.
Potted History & Magical Myths:
Few gemstones can rival Emerald’s royal résumé. In the first century AD, Pliny the Elder marvelled that “no colour is more delightful in appearance… nothing is more intensely green.” Evocative stuff - his words still capture the hypnotic allure of this remarkable stone.
Emeralds have captivated rulers across continents. Cleopatra famously adored the gem, associating it with power, fertility and eternal youth. Just to rock history’s status quo, whilst Cleopatra is famously associated with Emeralds, modern historians suggest she may also have worn Peridots among her treasured green gemstones. ‘Howzat’ for a mic drop? Beetling across the Atlantic, the Inca rulers of Peru treasured Emeralds as sacred stones of immense prestige — much to the astonishment of the conquistador Francisco Pizarro, who recorded vast Emerald-encrusted treasures among his plunder.
The Emerald’s royal legacy continued through Europe: Queen Victoria received an Emerald engagement ring, while in modern times Princess Diana dazzled the world in what was known as her Disco Di Emerald choker — a piece now worn by the Princess of Wales. Quite simply, Emeralds get the global royal seal of approval. Fact!!
Emerald Description:
Birthstone: May
Wedding Anniversary: 35th & 55th Wedding Anniversary
Colour: Green
Origin: Colombia, Zambia
Mineral Family: Beryl
Chemical Formula: Be₃Al₂SiO₆
Mohs Hardness: Hardness Scale 7.5 - 8
Click Here To Explore the Baroque Rocks Emerald Collection.
JUNE: PEARL & MORGANITE
June Birthstone: Pearl
June’s birthstone, the effortlessly elegant, but powerful and punky Pearl, has long been associated with the upper echelons of style and influence. From the timeless glamour of royal collections to the modern edge of Harry Styles’ solitary pearl earring, Pearls have proved themselves both classic and rebellious — true harbingers of enduring style.
Unlike most gemstones, Pearls are organic gems, formed within living molluscs rather than mined from the earth. Their soft lustre and luminous glow have captivated collectors for centuries, making the Pearl one of the most treasured and recognisable birthstones in jewellery history.
Pearls of Wisdom:
Although often grouped with gemstones, pearls are technically organic gems rather than minerals. A Pearl is formed from layers of nacre, a natural composite of the mineral Aragonite (Calcium Carbonate) and an organic protein called Conchiolin. This remarkable substance, commonly known as mother-of-pearl or nacre, gives pearls their distinctive iridescence and silky sheen.
The ‘Nacred’ Truth: How a Pearl Is Born
A natural Pearl begins life inside an oyster or mollusc when a tiny irritant, think gatecrashing grain of sand, becomes trapped within the shell. To protect itself, the mollusc coats the intruder in successive layers of nacre. Over time, these layers build to form a luminous pearl. Et Voila!!!
Cultured pearls are created through the same natural process, with one key difference: a Pearl farmer carefully introduces the irritant to begin the formation. This technique was perfected in 1905 by Kokichi Mikimoto, the celebrated “Pearl King,” whose ambition was to make Pearls accessible to women around the world.
“Pearls need love. If you are lucky enough to have inherited a loop, wear them. An oyster gave its life for that iridescent little ball, so have some respect!”
Sophia Money-Coutts for Tatler June 2015
Healing Properties:
Pearls have long symbolised purity, wisdom and prosperity. Associated with emotional balance and inner strength, they are said to encourage calm confidence while quietly telegraphing elegance and reliability. Pearls also thrive when worn against the skin — absorbing natural oils that help maintain their lustrous glow. Just need a willing peep to warm them up for you first!
A Note of Caution:
Pearls require a little gentle care. They should be the last jewel put on and the first removed, as perfumes, cosmetics and soaps can dull their surface. As Pearls are relatively soft, they should also be stored separately from other jewellery to avoid scratches.
Potted History & Magical Myths:
Pearls have fascinated civilisations for thousands of years. The Ancient Egyptians and Romans prized them for their rarity and luminous beauty, and it was this allure that drew Julius Caesar to Blighty!! The Ancient Greeks believed that the mighty Aphrodite, Goddess of Love, was born out of the sea resplendently naked save for a string of pearls around her neck! Nudity and purity and all that!
Throughout history, Pearls have remained firmly embedded in royal and aristocratic collections. Their allure has never faded: in 2018, a magnificent Pearl and Diamond pendant once owned by Marie Antoinette sold at Sotheby’s for over $36 million!!!
Rather a nice sop to the family, considering their ‘rellie’ had her head unceremoniously lopped off! One way to secure a piece of history!! But none the less a dazzling reminder that Pearls continue to command extraordinary reverence and value.
As Coco Chanel famously observed:
“The best things in life are free. The second best are very, very expensive.”
Pearls, it seems, sit rather comfortably in the latter category.
Description:
Birthstone: June
Wedding Anniversary: 30th Wedding Anniversary
Colour: White, iridescent, pink, silver, cream, brown, green, blue, black, yellow, orange, red, gold, purple
Origin: Warm, unpolluted waters
Gem Type: Organic gemstone
Chemical Formula: Nacre: Composite mineral of Aragonite (Calcium Carbonate CaCO3) and the protein Conchiolin
Mohs Hardness: Hardness Scale 2.5 – 3
Click Here To Explore the Baroque Rocks Pearl Collection.
JUNE: PEARL & MORGANITE
June Birthstone: Morganite
June’s other birthstone, the magnificent Morganite, has a peach-pink brilliance and is a relative newcomer to the gemstone world!. This alluring mineral belongs to the Beryl family of gemstones, citing distinguished cousins such as Emerald and Aquamarine. Morganite’s hues ranging from delicate blush to warm peach-pink, oozing personality and verve whilst exuding both funk and modern sophistication!
Healing Properties:
Morganite has long been known as the stone of Divine Love. Its gentle pink hues radiate warmth, compassion and emotional harmony, encouraging openness of heart and spirit. Basics, Magpies: joyful energy and vivacious vibrations!!
Potted History & Magical Myths:
Morganite’s story is almost as glittering as the stone itself!! Spoiler alert: Morganite is named after America’s Greatest Banker: John Pierpoint Morgan! Discovered in Madagascar in 1910, the gemstone was sent to Tiffany & Co.’s renowned gemmologist George F. Kunz (Kunzite is named after him), who confirmed it as a new variety of Pink Beryl. Later that year, Kunz proposed the name Morganite at a meeting of the New York Academy of Sciences, honouring his friend and patron John Pierpont Morgan (J.P. Morgan).
Why was such an incredible accolade given? JPMorgan was one of the most powerful financiers of the American Gilded Age. Not just a financier who happened to be responsible for what has become one of the greatest global investment banks but was also a driving force behind the development of modern America!!!
Whilst a veritable titan in the finance field JPMorgan was also one of the world’s greatest gemstone collectors. A devoted patron of Tiffany & Co., he commissioned Kunz to assemble a remarkable collection of gemstones for the 1889 Paris Exposition, where the celebrated Tiffany-Morgan Collection of Gems won gold among hundreds of exhibitors. JPMorgan donated this incredible cache of precious gemstones (and other collections too) to the American Museum of Natural History in New York with its centrepiece being the Star of India, a Star Sapphire that weighs an impressive 563.35 carats. This scene-stealer was latterly the subject of a bejewelled heist in the 1960s, but that is another story….
Quite the glittering legacy for a gemstone bearing his name.
Description:
Birthstone: June
Wedding Anniversary: 38th Wedding Anniversary
Colour: Peach, Pink, Violet - Pink to Orange - Pink
Origin: Brazil, Madagascar, Afghanistan, Mozambique, Namibia, United States
Mineral Family: Beryl
Chemical Formula: Be₃Al₂SiO₆
Mohs Hardness: Hardness Scale 7.5 – 8
Click Here To Explore the Baroque Rocks Morganite Collection.
JULY: RUBY
July Birthstone: Ruby
July’s birthstone, the ravishing Ruby, has long been known as the “King of Gemstones.” A moniker that is the literal translation of Sanskrit’s word Ratnaraj! Ruby belongs to the Corundum mineral family, sharing illustrious company with its equally glamorous cousin, the Sapphire. Whilst Sapphires dazzle in blues and beyond, the Ruby reigns supreme in shades of fiery red and vibrant pink. With its intense colour, rarity and historical prestige, the Ruby has captivated collectors and royalty alike for centuries — a gemstone of unmistakable drama and allure. Now the only corundum we have, is whether one goes for pyro pink or radiant red rubies!! Boomshakalaka!!
Healing Properties:
Rubies have long been known as gemstones of vitality and courage, inciting passion and encouraging a zest for life — Tantric style! They are also the gemstone of valour, radiating pure unadulterated happiness, hardly surprising given ruby’s gloriously joyful hues. Little wonder its vibrant red colourful glow has sealed the Ruby as the ultimate gemstone of love!
Potted History & Magical Myths:
Rubies have been revered throughout history and were deemed to be God’s most precious gemstone!! Ancient cultures across Asia believed the Ruby held divine power, whilst kings and emperors prized the stone as a symbol of protection, prosperity and status. Ruby’s rarity only heightens its allure. In 2015, the legendary Sunrise Ruby, a remarkable Burmese gemstone, sold for over $30 million, setting a world record for a ruby at auction.
A fascinating historical twist and a perfect dinner-table soundbite, lies within the British Crown Jewels. The famous Black Prince’s Ruby, mounted in the Imperial State Crown, is in fact not a Ruby at all but a magnificent Red Spinel — proof that even history occasionally mistakes one glorious gemstone for another. Thankfully, Spinels are rare and highly sought after too!!
Description:
Birthstone: July
Wedding Anniversary: 40th Wedding Anniversary
Colour: Red to Pink-Red
Origin: Myanmar, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Vietnam, Australia, India, Sri Lanka, United States
Mineral Family: Corundum
Chemical Formula: Al₂O₃
Mohs Hardness: Hardness Scale 9
Click Here To Explore the Baroque Rocks Ruby Collection.
AUGUST: PERIDOT (or Chrysolite)
August Birthstone: Peridot (or Chrysolite)
August’s birthstone is the pleasing Peridot, a delectably divine green gemstone belonging to the Olivine mineral family. Long associated with light and radiance, Ancient Egyptians called Peridot the “gem of the sun.” In more modern circles it is known to the glitterati as “Evening Emerald,” thanks to its luminous green glow even under lamplight. Either way, enswathe oneself in its verdant vitality and cavort like Cleopatra — and ‘yee’ shall capture your own Mark Antony!
Healing Properties:
Peridot has long been associated with inner radiance, prosperity and good fortune. Traditionally believed to symbolise renewal, fertility and rebirth, this vibrant green gemstone is also said to dispel jealousy and negative energies. And frankly, a little protection may be required — because once adorned in these ‘lava-born’ beauties, eyes are bound to turn green with Peridot envy. Let them glower; you have the Peridots. Whoop!
Potted Science, History & Magical Myths:
Peridot is one of the few gemstones formed deep within the Earth’s mantle and brought to the surface through volcanic activity. The stone can also be found in volcanic basalt, meteorites and even cosmic dust. And just to sprinkle a little more Ziggy stardust on this fabulous gemstone, in 2005 scientists discovered Peridot crystals in material returned from a comet by NASA’s Stardust space probe bearing Bowie alter ego! Raw power of Peridot - talk about a gemstone with stellar credentials!!!
Historically, Peridot has dazzled civilisations for millennia. The Ancient Egyptians mined the gemstone on the Red Sea island of Zabargad, often mistaking it for Emerald. Some historians even suggest that Cleopatra’s famous “emerald” jewellery may actually have included Peridots.
Peridot also appears in religious history: the gemstone is referenced in the Bible and is believed to have been one of the twelve stones set in the breastplate of Aaron described in the Book of Exodus.
A final linguistic nugget: the name Peridot likely derives from the Greek peridona, meaning “giving plenty.” And the Peridot certainly beams brilliance whilst bestowing good fortune on those who wear it!
Description:
Gemstone: Peridot also known as Chrysolite
Birthstone: August
Wedding Anniversary: 16th Wedding Anniversary
Colour: Yellow Green to rich Olive Green
Origin: Zabargad Island (Egypt), United States, China, Vietnam, Pakistan, Myanmar, Finland
Mineral Family: Olivine
Chemical Formula: (Mg, Fe)2SiO4
Mohs Hardness: Hardness Scale 6.5
Click Here To Explore the Baroque Rocks Peridot Collection.
SEPTEMBER: SAPPHIRE
September Birthstone: Sapphire
September’s enviable birthstone is the smouldering Sapphire, one of the world’s most coveted gemstones. The Sapphire belongs to the Corundum mineral family, sharing illustrious company with its first cousin, the ravishing Ruby. The Sapphire is a technicolour dream that literally comes in every happy hue from canary yellow to ‘catnipping’ candy pink but most notably that covetable cornflower blue!! It has long been favoured by royalty, making Sapphire one of the most prized and recognisable gemstones in history. The only corundum we have, is whether one goes for Blue or any other colour of the ‘Sapphiring’ up rainbow!!
For those wishing to dazzle with their glittering gemmological intellect, consider the exquisite Padparadscha Sapphire, a rare orangey-pink variety whose name derives from the Sinhalese word for “lotus flower.” Another remarkable form is the Star Sapphire, which displays a natural optical phenomenon called asterism, where needle-like inclusions reflect light to form a luminous star across the surface of the gemstone.
Healing Properties:
Sapphires have long been regarded as talismanic gemstones, associated with wisdom, clarity and good fortune. Often known as the stone of wisdom, Sapphire is believed to inspire intellect, encourage love and attract prosperity. In short: bedeck oneself in Sapphires for brains, love and luck!! Simples!
Potted History & Magical Myths:
Sapphires have been prized throughout history and for centuries been linked to royalty spirituality and romance! Gods of Ancient Greece and Emperors of Rome were sartorially clad in Sapphires, believing the stone offered protection and divine favour!!! In medieval Europe, the Church regarded Blue Sapphires as symbols of heaven, and many believed the gemstone brought spiritual blessings. In short, the Sapphire is all mightily venerated! The Sapphire’s royal reputation continues to this day — famously exemplified by the British royal sapphire engagement ring, now worn by the Princess of Wales.
There are few notable Sapphires that have been discovered. Among the most celebrated stones is the legendary Star of India Sapphire, one of the largest Star Sapphires ever discovered which was donated by the renowned financier J.P. Morgan to the American Museum of Natural History in 1901!!! Years later it was the subject an Agatha Christie style heist in 1964! Thankfully, this literal Rockstar was safely recovered and repatriated to the museum!! More recently, the enormous Star of Adam Sapphire, discovered in Sri Lanka in 2015, stunned the gem world with an estimated value of $300 million, making it one of the most extraordinary sapphires ever found.
Description:
Birthstone: September
Wedding Anniversary: 45th & 65th Wedding Anniversary
Colour: Blue, Violet Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange, Pink, Purple, Grey, Black, Brown
Origin: Madagascar, Tanzania, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, India and Australia.
Mineral Family: Corundum
Chemical Formula: Al2O3
Mohs Hardness: Hardness Scale 9
Click Here To Explore the Baroque Rocks Sapphire Collection.
OCTOBER: OPAL & TOURMALINE
October is blessed with not one but two birthstones — the mesmerising Opal and the dazzlingly colourful Tourmaline. While Opal is famed for its hypnotic play-of-colour, Tourmaline is celebrated for its extraordinary rainbow of hues.
October Birthstone: Opal
October’s birthstone, the outrageously opulent Opal, is quite literally nature’s fireworks display captured within a gemstone. Renowned for its hypnotic play-of-colour, opals shimmer with flashes of red, blue, green and gold — a kaleidoscopic spectacle that has captivated collectors and royalty for centuries. The word Opal derives from the Sanskrit upala, meaning “precious stone,” which is entirely befitting given a gemstone capable of displaying the colours of the entire rainbow all at once. Quite simply, if gemstones were theatre, the Opal would be centre stage.
Healing Properties:
Opals have long been associated with creativity, inspiration and emotional expression. Often called the ‘stone of hope and imagination’, the Opal is believed to enhance joy, amplify creativity and encourage spontaneity. In short: super style Opals to sparkle and let your colours shine!!
Potted History & Magical Myths:
Opals have been treasured since ancient times. The Romans thought Opal to be the most powerful of gemstones, believing it embodied the beauty of all others. Roman scholar Pliny the Elder marvelled that within the Opal one could see the fire of Ruby, the brilliance of Amethyst and the sea-green of Emerald in “an incredible mixture of light” dancing together. Centuries later, Opals became closely associated with European royalty. Queen Victoria adored Opals, frequently wearing them in her jewellery and gifting them to her daughters — helping restore the gemstone’s fashionable reputation in the nineteenth century.
Today, the finest opals come predominantly from Australia, which produces around 90% of the world’s Opals, including the mesmerising Black Opals of Lightning Ridge and the luminous White Opals of Coober Pedy. With their ever-changing flashes of colour and mesmerising beauty, Opals remain one of the most magical gemstones nature has ever produced.
Description:
Birthstone: October
Wedding Anniversary: 14th Wedding Anniversary
Colour: White, Black, Crystal and Fire Opals displaying multi-coloured play-of-colour
Origin: Australia, Ethiopia, Mexico, Brazil
Mineral Type: Hydrated Silica
Chemical Formula: SiO₂·nH₂O
Mohs Hardness: Hardness Scale 5.5-6.5
NB: Opal shares October’s birthstone honour with the equally vibrant Tourmaline, another gemstone celebrated for its extraordinary range of colours.
Click Here To Explore the Baroque Rocks Opal Collection.
Opal versus Tourmaline: October’s Two Birthstones
While Opal dazzles with its famous play-of-colour, Tourmaline captivates with its vast spectrum of natural colours. Both gemstones offer extraordinary beauty, making October one of the most fortunate months for birthstones.
OCTOBER: OPAL & TOURMALINE
October is blessed with not one but two birthstones — the mesmerising Opal and the dazzlingly colourful Tourmaline. While Opal is famed for its hypnotic play-of-colour, Tourmaline is celebrated for its extraordinary rainbow of hues.
October Birthstone: Tourmaline
October’s other birthstone, the tantalisingly technicolour Tourmaline, is one of the most flamboyant gemstones in the mineral kingdom. Famous for appearing in an extraordinary spectrum of colours, from electric pink and verdant green to ocean blues and watermelon hues — Tourmaline is quite literally a gemstone rainbow.
The name Tourmaline derives from the Sinhalese word turmali, meaning “mixed gemstones,” a perfectly fitting description for a crystal capable of displaying multiple colours within a single stone. Indeed, some Tourmalines are bi-coloured or even tri-coloured, making them among the most visually dramatic gemstones nature has ever produced. Revered by royals and celebrities alike, the vivid pink and green hues of Watermelon Tourmaline famously inspired jewellery designer Andrew Grima, who incorporated the gemstone into several of his striking designs. Quite simply: if gemstones were cocktails, Tourmaline would be the most colourful one on the menu.
Healing Properties:
Tourmaline has long been associated with balance, protection and positive energy. Often regarded as a powerful grounding gemstone, it is believed to encourage confidence, creativity and emotional harmony. In short: adorn yourself in Tourmaline and let its kaleidoscope of colour energise both spirit and style.
Potted History & Magical Myths:
Tourmaline has fascinated collectors and gemmologists for centuries thanks to its extraordinary range of colours. Early Dutch traders first brought the gemstone to Europe from Sri Lanka in the eighteenth century, where it quickly became admired for its vibrant hues.
One of Tourmaline’s most intriguing properties is its pyroelectric nature — when heated, the crystal can generate an electric charge and attract small particles such as ash or dust. This curious phenomenon fascinated early scientists and helped cement Tourmaline’s reputation as one of the most unusual gemstones in the natural world.
Among the most prized varieties are the vivid green Verdelite, the intensely pink Rubellite, and the wonderfully whimsical Watermelon Tourmaline (of Andrew Grima fame), which displays pink and green bands within a single crystal.
With such dazzling diversity, it is little wonder that Tourmaline has become one of the most coveted gemstones for collectors and jewellery lovers alike.
Description:
Birthstone: October
Wedding Anniversary: 8th Wedding Anniversary
Colour: Pink, Green, Blue, Yellow, Black, Watermelon, Multicoloured varieties
Origin: Brazil, Afghanistan, Mozambique, Madagascar, Sri Lanka
Mineral Family: Boron Silicate
Chemical Formula: Complex boron silicate (Na(Li,Al)₃Al₆(BO₃)₃Si₆O₁₈(OH)₄)
Mohs Hardness: Hardness Scale 7-7.5
NB: Alongside Opal, Tourmaline completes October’s birthstone pair, offering a kaleidoscope of colour to complement Opal’s magical play-of-light.
Opal versus Tourmaline: October’s Two Birthstones
While Opal dazzles with its famous play-of-colour, Tourmaline captivates with its vast spectrum of natural colours. Both gemstones offer extraordinary beauty, making October one of the most fortunate months for birthstones.
Click Here To Explore the Baroque Rocks Tourmaline Collection.
NOVEMBER: CITRINE & TOPAZ
November’s birthstones form a perfectly Panglossian pairing: the smouldering Citrine and the tantalising Topaz!! A welcome shot of optimism from these marvellous minerals is something we can all benefit from.
November Birthstone: Citrine
November’s other birthstone, the Citrine is famed for its glowing golden hues!! The Citrine belongs to the Quartz mineral family and has long been admired for its sunny brilliance and effortless warmth. With colours ranging from lemon yellow to rich amber and honeyed brown, Citrine quite literally captures the glow of sunlight in gemstone form.
Healing Properties:
Citrine has long been associated with energy, prosperity, wealth and success. Traditionally believed to attract abundance, wealth and happiness, it has earned the sobriquet “The Merchant’s Stone” and “The Wealth Stone.” We say forget the genie!! Rub the Citrine! In short: forget the genie — simply rub the Citrine.
Potted History & Magical Myths:
Citrine has been revered for centuries, often described as encapsulating the power of the sun — energising life with warmth, vitality and optimism through its luminous golden glow. The gemstone appears in biblical history, believed to be one of the twelve stones set in Aaron’s breastplate described in the Old Testament. Across the ancient world, the Greeks, Romans and Egyptians all prized Citrine for its radiant beauty and protective qualities. Citrine enjoyed renewed popularity during the Victorian era and especially so now with modern-day Royals. Quite frankly we understand why they all vied for the Citrine’s glamourous rays we do too!!
Description:
Birthstone: November
Wedding Anniversary: 13th Wedding Anniversary
Colour: Lemon Yellow, Orange, Amber and Brown hues
Origin: Brazil, Bolivia, Uruguay, Madagascar, Russia, Spain, Mexico
Mineral Family: Quartz
Chemical Formula: SiO₂
Mohs Hardness: Hardness Scale 7
NB: Alongside Citrine, Topaz completes November’s birthstone pairing, offering radiant colour to complement Citrine’s golden warmth.
Citrine versus Topaz: November’s Two Birthstones
While Citrine glows with its signature golden sunshine hues, the Topaz gemstone dazzles with its remarkable spectrum of colours — from serene sky blue to the rare and coveted Imperial Topaz. Together, Citrine and Topaz form November’s birthstone duo, each celebrated for brilliance, beauty and a long history in jewellery and legend.
Click Here To Explore the Baroque Rocks Citrine Collection.
NOVEMBER: CITRINE & TOPAZ
November’s birthstones form a perfectly Panglossian pairing: the smouldering Citrine and the tantalising Topaz!! A welcome shot of optimism from these marvellous minerals is something we can all benefit from.
November Birthstone: Topaz
November’s other birthstone, the dazzling Topaz, is a gemstone celebrated for its extraordinary clarity and spectrum of colours. While many associate Topaz with its famous sky-blue hues, the Topaz gemstone appears in a wide range of shades including golden yellow, peach, pink and the highly prized Imperial Topaz. Long admired for its brilliance and durability, Topaz has been treasured in jewellery for centuries — a gemstone that effortlessly combines elegance with radiant charm. Not just blue chip investments!!
Healing Properties:
Topaz has long been associated with joy, strength, good fortune and vitality. Traditionally believed to promote happiness and good health, this luminous gemstone is as uplifting as it is beautiful. Gaze into its Mykonos / Ibiza / Bali blue hues and you may well feel transported straight to paradise. After all, dreaming is believing.
Potted History & Magical Myths:
Much like the lauded Citrine, Topaz is believed to have been one of the twelve gemstones set in Aaron’s Breastplate described in the Old Testament.
In terms of linguistics, the jury is out as to where the word Topaz derives from, some believe it to come from the Sanskrit “Tapas” meaning fire (no not a few bijoux eateries Spanish style) or from the Greek “Topazos,” the ancient name for an island in the Red Sea where yellow gemstones were once discovered.
During the Middle Ages (500-1500 AD), Topaz was credited with almost magical properties. It was said that grinding the gemstone into powder and mixing it with wine could cure insomnia and ensure a restful night’s sleep — quite the medieval nightcap.
Description:
Birthstone: November
Wedding Anniversary: 4th Wedding Anniversary & Imperial Topaz for 23rd
Colour: Colourless, Light Blue, Yellow, Orange, Pink, Violet, Brown & very rarely, Red (Imperial Topaz)
Origin: Brazil, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Russia
Mineral Family: Silicate
Chemical Formula: Al₂SiO₄(F,OH)₂
Mohs Hardness: Hardness Scale 8
NB: Alongside Topaz, Citrine completes November’s birthstone pairing, offering radiant colour to complement Citrine’s golden warmth.
Citrine versus Topaz: November’s Two Birthstones
While Citrine glows with its signature golden sunshine hues, the Topaz gemstone dazzles with its remarkable spectrum of colours — from serene sky blue to the rare and coveted Imperial Topaz. Together, Citrine and Topaz form November’s birthstone duo, each celebrated for brilliance, beauty and a long history in jewellery and legend.
Click Here To Explore the Baroque Rocks Topaz Collection.
DECEMBER: TURQUOISE, LAPIS LAZULI, TANZANITE, ZIRCON
December has four birthstones: Turquoise, Lapis Lazuli, Tanzanite and Zircon. Each gemstone is prized for its striking colour and remarkable history in jewellery. From the serene blue of Turquoise and the celestial depth of Lapis Lazuli, to the vivid violet-blue of Tanzanite and the brilliant sparkle of Zircon, December offers one of the most colourful and captivating birthstone collections of the year.
December Birthstone: Turquoise
December’s birthstone, the timelessly tantalising Turquoise, has captivated civilisations for thousands of years with its unmistakable blue-green hues. The Turquoise gemstone is instantly recognisable for its vibrant colour, ranging from sky blue to verdant green, often laced with intricate natural veining known as a matrix.
Its name derives from the French ‘pierre turquoise’, meaning “Turkish stone,” as the gemstone reached Europe via Persian mines and Turkish trade routes. For centuries Turquoise was considered one of the most valuable gemstones in the world, prized not only for its radiant colour but also for its symbolism of protection, prosperity and good fortune.
Healing Properties:
Turquoise has long been regarded as a stone of protection, wisdom and positive energy. Traditionally believed to bring good fortune and calm the mind, it is associated with balance, strength and spiritual harmony. In short: sport Turquoise and carry a little serenity — and perhaps a touch of luck — wherever you go!!
Potted History & Magical Myths:
Turquoise has been treasured for more than 5,000 years, making it one of the earliest gemstones used in jewellery. The Ancient Egyptians adorned themselves with Turquoise jewels, famously incorporating the gemstone into the treasures of Tutankhamun’s burial mask. Across cultures the gemstone carried sacred significance. Persian rulers, Native American cultures and European nobility all prized Turquoise as a talisman of protection and prosperity — a reputation that has endured for millennia.
Description:
Birthstone: December
Wedding Anniversary: 11th Wedding Anniversary
Colour: Sky Blue to Greenish Blue
Origin: Iran, United States, China, Mexico, Egypt
Mineral Family: Hydrated Copper Aluminium Phosphate
Chemical Formula: CuAl₆(PO₄)₄(OH)₈·4H₂O
Mohs Hardness: Hardness Scale 5-6
Click Here To Explore the Baroque Rocks Turquoise Collection.
DECEMBER: TURQUOISE, LAPIS LAZULI, TANZANITE, ZIRCON
December has four birthstones: Turquoise, Lapis Lazuli, Tanzanite and Zircon. Each gemstone is prized for its striking colour and remarkable history in jewellery. From the serene blue of Turquoise and the celestial depth of Lapis Lazuli, to the vivid violet-blue of Tanzanite and the brilliant sparkle of Zircon, December offers one of the most colourful and captivating birthstone collections of the year.
December Birthstone: Lapis Lazuli
December’s other mesmerising birthstone, the majestic Lapis Lazuli, has enchanted civilisations for millennia with its intense celestial blue and glittering flecks of golden pyrite. The Lapis Lazuli gemstone is famed for its deep royal-blue colour, often described as resembling a midnight sky dusted with stars. The name Lapis Lazuli derives from the Latin lapis meaning “stone” and the Persian lazhuward meaning “blue.” For thousands of years this extraordinary gemstone has been prized for its colour and rarity. Indeed, finely ground Lapis Lazuli produced ultramarine pigment, once one of the most expensive pigments in the world, reserved for the most revered works of art and sacred imagery.
Healing Properties:
Lapis Lazuli has long been associated with wisdom, truth and spiritual insight. Traditionally believed to encourage clarity of thought and inner harmony, this deep blue gemstone laced with golden Pyrite has been regarded as a stone of enlightenment and self-awareness. In short: sport Lapis Lazuli and let wisdom, confidence and a little celestial glamour shine through, showcasing one’s divine importance!
Potted History & Magical Myths:
Few gemstones possess a history as rich as Lapis Lazuli. The stone has been treasured for over 6,000 years, with some of the earliest examples discovered in the ancient mines of Badakhshan in Afghanistan, which remain one of the world’s primary sources today. The Ancient Egyptians held Lapis Lazuli in the highest esteem, using the gemstone in jewellery, amulets and sacred objects. It famously adorns the burial treasures of Tutankhamun, including the spectacular gold funerary mask.
Beyond jewellery, Lapis Lazuli played a crucial role in History of Art. When ground into powder it produced ultramarine, the luminous blue pigment used in some of the most important paintings of the medieval and Renaissance periods. Due to its exorbitant cost, this pigment was often reserved for depicting the robes of the Virgin Mary, symbolising purity, sanctity and divine importance.
From pharaohs and emperors to artists and collectors, Lapis Lazuli has long been revered as one of the world’s most beautiful and historically significant gemstones.
Description:
Birthstone: December
Wedding Anniversary: 9th Wedding Anniversary
Colour: Deep royal blue with golden pyrite inclusions
Origin: Afghanistan, Pakistan, Chile, Russia
Mineral Family: Rock composed primarily of Lazurite, Calcite and Pyrite
Chemical Formula: (Na,Ca)₈(AlSiO₄)₆(S,SO₄,Cl)₂
Mohs Hardness: Hardness Scale 5-5.5
Click Here To Explore the Baroque Rocks Lapis Lazuli Collection.
DECEMBER: TURQUOISE, LAPIS LAZULI, TANZANITE, ZIRCON
December has four birthstones: Turquoise, Lapis Lazuli, Tanzanite and Zircon. Each gemstone is prized for its striking colour and remarkable history in jewellery. From the serene blue of Turquoise and the celestial depth of Lapis Lazuli, to the vivid violet-blue of Tanzanite and the brilliant sparkle of Zircon, December offers one of the most colourful and captivating birthstone collections of the year.
December Birthstone: Tanzanite
December’s tantalising Tanzanite, is celebrated for its extraordinary violet-blue hues and remarkable rarity. The Tanzanite gemstone belongs to the Zoisite mineral family and is famed for its striking colour, which shifts between Sapphire blue, violet and flashes of burgundy depending on the light — a phenomenon known as pleochroism.
Discovered in 1967 in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, Tanzanite is one of the most recent additions to the gemstone world. Its rarity is extraordinary: the gemstone is found in just one small region of the Earth, making it far rarer than Diamonds. Little wonder that this vibrant jewel has quickly become one of the most coveted gemstones of the modern era.
Healing Properties:
Tanzanite has long been associated with transformation, intuition and spiritual awakening. Believed to inspire clarity, creativity and emotional balance, and often regarded as a gemstone of insight and higher consciousness. In short: superstyle Tanzanite for its vivacious violet-blue glow and let creativity awaken.
Potted History & Magical Myths:
The story of Tanzanite is as extraordinary as the gemstone itself. According to local legend, Maasai herders first discovered the brilliant blue crystals after lightning strikes set fire to the grasslands of northern Tanzania, revealing the vivid gemstones beneath the earth.
Recognising the stone’s beauty, Tiffany & Co. introduced Tanzanite to the world market in the late 1960s and gave the gemstone its now famous name in honour of its single geographic origin — Tanzania.
Because Tanzanite occurs in only one location on Earth, many gem experts believe that the existing supply may eventually be exhausted. This rarity has only increased the gemstone’s desirability among collectors and jewellery lovers alike. Tanzanite is the most fascinating gemstone of the modern age!
Description:
Birthstone: December
Wedding Anniversary: 24th Wedding Anniversary
Colour: Violet-blue to deep sapphire blue
Origin: Tanzania (Merelani Hills near Mount Kilimanjaro)
Mineral Family: Zoisite
Chemical Formula: Ca₂Al₃(SiO₄)(Si₂O₇)O(OH)
Mohs Hardness: Hardness Scale 6-7
Click Here To Explore the Baroque Rocks Tanzanite Collection.
DECEMBER: TURQUOISE, LAPIS LAZULI, TANZANITE, ZIRCON
December has four birthstones: Turquoise, Lapis Lazuli, Tanzanite and Zircon. Each gemstone is prized for its striking colour and remarkable history in jewellery. From the serene blue of Turquoise and the celestial depth of Lapis Lazuli, to the vivid violet-blue of Tanzanite and the brilliant sparkle of Zircon, December offers one of the most colourful and captivating birthstone collections of the year.
December Birthstone: Zircon
December’s final dazzling birthstone, the scintillating Zircon, has captivated jewellery lovers for centuries with its remarkable brilliance and vivid colour. The Zircon gemstone is renowned for its exceptional sparkle, often rivalling that of Diamonds — and appears in a wide range of hues including golden yellow, fiery red, verdant green and the famously luminous Blue Zircon. The name Zircon likely derives from the Persian word zargun, meaning “gold coloured.” Long prized for its fire and clarity, Zircon has been treasured in jewellery since ancient times and remains one of the most brilliant natural gemstones found on Earth. Quite simply, when it comes to sparkle, Zircon more than holds its own.
Healing Properties:
Zircon has long been associated with wisdom, prosperity and positive energy. Traditionally believed to encourage clarity of mind, confidence and emotional balance, this radiant gemstone has been regarded as a stone of inspiration and vitality. In short: sport Zircon for its dazzling brilliance and let confidence, clarity and creativity shine.
Potted History & Magical Myths:
Zircon possesses one of the longest geological histories of any gemstone with some Zircon crystals discovered in Australia that are over 4.4 billion years old, making them among the oldest minerals on Earth.
Throughout history the Zircon gemstone has been admired for its dazzling brilliance and protective symbolism. In the Middle Ages it was believed to bring prosperity, encourage restful sleep and guard travellers against misfortune — rather a splendid companion for life’s adventures.
Despite sometimes being confused with synthetic Cubic Zirconia, natural Zircon is a genuine gemstone with a long and distinguished history in jewellery, prized for its extraordinary sparkle and kaleidoscope of colours. With its remarkable fire and ancient origins, Zircon remains one of the most fascinating — and brilliantly misunderstood — gemstones in the natural world.
Description:
Birthstone: December
Wedding Anniversary: 15th Wedding Anniversary
Colour: Blue, yellow, red, brown, green and colourless
Origin: Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Australia
Mineral Family: Zirconium silicate
Chemical Formula: ZrSiO₄
Mohs Hardness: Hardness Scale 6-7.5