Four Meaningful Ways to Wear Your Birthstone

 **Collaborative Post**

There are many reasons people might choose to wear jewellery containing their given birthstone/gem. Some people believe birthstones have unique powers and significance – that wearing one as jewellery can have a special connection. Even if you don’t believe this, birthstones can have a personal and emotional significance, and, let’s face it, they look mighty pretty. 

Here’s a guide on different ways to incorporate your birthstone into your everyday life.

What is a birthstone?

The idea of a birthstone goes back to the Bible when 12 gemstones were mentioned in the Book of Exodus as representing the tribes of Israel. Over time, these 12 stones became associated with the signs of the Zodiac. However, the tradition of wearing a gemstone to correspond to the month you were born arose between the 16^th and 18^th centuries. From this, a traditional list of birthstones emerged. But in 1912, the National Association of Jewellers in the US released a list of modern birthstones. Some stayed the same (diamonds for April) while others changed (bloodstones were replaced by aquamarine for March).

Signature pieces

Whether it’s a pair of earrings on your wedding day or special diamond rings, you can incorporate your birthstone into a unique, signature jewellery piece. An engagement ring is one of the most emotionally charged pieces of jewellery a person will ever wear. What better way to give it extra personal resonance than to incorporate your partner’s birth month in a birthstone. Bear in mind that you will be wearing this ring every day so ideally make sure that it is a durable gemstone.

Daily accessories

Do check if your birthstone is hard enough for everyday wear as some stones are softer than others and wear easily. The durability of precious gemstones is ranked using the Mohs Scale of Hardness which measures a mineral’s resistance to scratching. So, April’s birthstone, diamonds, the hardest natural material in the world, rates 10 on the Mohs scale. But be careful with pearls (on the traditional birthstone list for June), as they only score between 2.5 and 4.5 on the Mohs scale.

Transform a family heirloom

If you have inherited a family heirloom but want to make it more personal so you are more likely to wear it, why not adorn it with your birthstone? A jeweller can replace a lost or damaged gemstone in a ring or a necklace with your birthstone. Jewellers can also perform a ring shank replacement if the band has become worn over time. To finish, ultrasonic and steam cleaning can give the heirloom some TLC by polishing it up as good as new.

Wellness and spirituality

In ancient and modern times, cultures worldwide have believed that gems can have healing properties. Even if the benefit is purely psychosomatic, you could incorporate your birthstone into wellness practices or spiritual rituals you might partake in. Or just wear it as part of a necklace or bracelet to serve as a form of protection or luck. Whatever works for you!

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