This is part of our birthstone education series. Read more in our Birthstones by Month Guide.
Birthstones might seem like a simple concept, but there’s much more beneath the surface. These seven facts reveal just how layered, fascinating, and versatile birthstones can be—especially when they’re used in custom fine art pieces.
llyn strong fine art jewelry is located in Greenville, SC, and specializes in creating custom-made fine art jewelry. Browse our online inventory of fine art jewelry. Contact us today at 864-233-5900 or visit our storefront at 1322 E Washington St Suite C1, Greenville, SC 29607. Let us help you reimagine, re-think and re-invent your jewelry collection!
1. Birthstones Go Way Back—And the List Has Evolved
The idea of birthstones isn’t a modern trend. They trace back thousands of years, with roots in ancient cultures and religious texts. One of the earliest connections is the Breastplate of Aaron, described in the Book of Exodus, where twelve gemstones represented the tribes of Israel.
Over time, different countries and traditions built their own versions of birthstone lists. The chart most people follow today was formalized in 1912, but stones still vary by region and era—June and October, for example, each have more than one recognized gem.
2. Rare Birthstones Are True Collector’s Pieces
Some birthstones are incredibly rare—and often more valuable than diamonds. One striking example is alexandrite, known for its dramatic color shift from green in daylight to reddish-purple in incandescent light. This gem is associated with June and is prized by collectors for both its beauty and scarcity.
Our clients often seek out stones like this for one reason: they want something no one else has. From bold aquamarine in 18k rose gold to deeply saturated rubies with strong provenance, we curate pieces that stand apart.
3. More Than One Option for Some Months
You don’t have to stick to just one gemstone. Many birth months have multiple recognized stones, which opens the door to more color choices and design ideas.
Here are a few examples:
- June: Pearl, moonstone, alexandrite
- October: Opal, tourmaline
- December: Tanzanite, turquoise, blue zircon
This flexibility gives clients freedom to choose what speaks to their style—or the story they want their piece to carry. A striking green tourmaline can make just as strong a statement as a classic opal, with the added bonus of durability.
4. Birthstones Tell Personal Stories
Birthstones aren’t just tied to birthdays—they can honor someone important, mark a life milestone, or carry a message of strength, growth, or remembrance.
We’ve created pieces that include:
- The birthstones of grandchildren in a multicolored cuff
- A mother’s stone paired with a late father’s in a pendant
- Sapphires and diamonds to celebrate a 30th anniversary
The meanings behind the stones are often just as important as the metals and cuts. Clients often bring us heirloom gems passed down through generations, asking us to reimagine them into artful new settings that carry the past forward.
5. Not All Birthstones Hold Up the Same Way
Some stones handle daily wear beautifully—others need a bit more care. Here’s a quick guide to help you think through what works best for rings, bracelets, or high-wear pieces:
Highly Durable (Great for daily wear):
- Diamond (April)
- Sapphire (September)
- Ruby (July)
Moderately Durable (Better for occasional wear):
- Amethyst (February)
- Garnet (January)
- Topaz (November)
Delicate Stones (Best for protected settings):
- Opal (October)
- Pearl (June)
- Turquoise (December)
We always work with our clients to choose the right setting for their lifestyle—without compromising on style or size.
6. Birthstones Come in More Colors Than You’d Think
Most people think of their birthstone in one specific color—but many of them actually exist in a full spectrum of hues. That opens the door for designs that reflect personal style and still carry symbolic meaning.
Some examples:
- Sapphires aren’t just blue—they come in yellow, pink, green, and even white.
- Garnet ranges from deep wine to fiery orange and rare, bright green.
- Spinel, often confused with ruby, comes in electric pinks, purples, and rich reds.
In our shop + studio, these aren’t “alternatives”—they’re hand-selected expressions of individuality, and can be set in your choice of metal, including 18k yellow, white, or rose gold to make a statement.
7. A Birthstone Piece Can Become a Family Treasure
There’s something timeless about a piece that holds meaning and memory. Birthstones are a natural choice for heirloom jewelry—not just for their symbolism, but for their connection to personal history.
Over the years, we’ve helped clients:
- Repurpose their grandmother’s gemstone into a bold cocktail ring
- Create matching earrings for daughters with their birthstones
- Commission an anniversary necklace that layers the whole family’s stones in a contemporary design
Custom pieces like these become part of a family’s story. They’re worn with pride—and often passed down with love. At llyn strong fine art jewelry, we’re not afraid of color, sparkle, or size. Our clients aren’t either. Birthstones bring something deeper to a design—they add meaning without sacrificing style.
From the streets of downtown Greenville to gallery walls and dinner parties, these pieces get noticed. They’re designed to turn heads—and hold memories.
Other popular blogs to check out:
- How to Clean and Care for Your Gemstones Properly
- 7 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Moonstones
- Everything You Need to Know About Birthstones and Their Power
- Support Your Local Small Businesses! Our Top 9 Picks in Greenville, SC
- How the Top Jewelers Pick the Best Moonstones
- How to Identify a Genuine Paraiba Tourmaline Like an Expert
- World’s Largest Gem Shows, Tucson Arizona
- How to Style Gemstones for a Timeless Look
- Amethyst is for February