A Birth Stone for All Seasons

A birthstone is a perfect addition to a pewter quaich

The sun is shining, the kids are off school and there is sand in the sandwiches we made to take to the beach – it must be August. But there’s more to this high-summer month than the stresses and strains of modern life. August connects us to the glorious British tradition of the harvest and the abundance of mother nature.

August’s Stone

As a month that connects us to nature, it may not be a total surprise that August’s birthstone is the peridot, a leaf-green gemstone. Anything connected with the colour green and linked to the abundance of August is naturally going to have connotations of strength and vitality but some traditions also link the stone to prosperity as it the colour of money in many global societies.

You may have noticed that our beautiful pewter quaiches are not only decorated with Celtic tree-shaped handles. But did you know that they can also be customised with a loved one’s birthstone? Those who are born in August get the benefit of celebrating in the sun (as long as they keep a brolly handy) and what could be better than toasting their special day with a pewter quaich inlaid with a period cabochon? It adds a personalised touch to a celebratory cup.

Stones and Symbolism

It’s easy to assume that the notion of linking gemstones to specific months of the year is a recently modern phenomenon in western societies. And in fact it was only in 1937 that Britain’s national Association of Goldsmiths created their own standardised list of birthstones. However, the western tradition of wearing or gifting stones to celebrate birth months is thought to have originated in Germany or Poland in the 16^th century.

Of course the symbolism of stones goes back much further. Many claim the biblical reference to the twelve stones mentioned as adorning Aaron’s breastplate in the Book of Exodus must represent the months of the year. Saint Jerome himself encouraged Christians to use these stones as an act of witness.

Christianity is not the only religious institution to have a historical links to gemstones. A connection between stones that hold mystical qualities to one’s birth month can be found in Hindu traditions. A fifth-century Hindu text, Ratna Pariksha, links gemstones to deities, celestial bodies and days of the week so it is easy to see the origins of customs and how they might expand to connect months of the year to divine power.

Individual Birth Stones and their Meaning

In recent times there is perhaps a less spiritual but no less personal connection between stones and a person’s innate qualities. Sometimes the qualities that are suggested as linking a birthstone to a person born during that month are eerily accurate, at other times amusingly opposite. Either way, we all love to see ourselves represented in material things or at least are moved by the care a gift-giver has put into their selection for us.

From Garnet to Turquoise

If your birthday is not in August you’re going to have to wait a little longer to celebrate. But if you’re still eager to find out which birthstone you’re connected with, you need wait not longer.

January

If you were a January baby your birthstone is the garnet and its crimson hue is said to symbolize faith, love and courage. The garnet is said to be imbued with a mystical power to ward-off nightmares and to protect the heart and lungs and increase energy levels. We can’t guarantee it, but this could mean gifting a garnet-inlaid pewter quaich will give your recipient plenty of get-up-and-go.

February

Amethyst is the birthstone for February and what a delightful stone it truly is. A gorgeous purple which represents passion, hope and royalty, so when gifting this be prepared to bow deeply. The amethyst’s mystical powers are thought to protect wearers from illness, arthritis and drunkenness. It’s hard to believe but perhaps one re-fill of the quaich won’t hurt.

March

The sign of Pisces, the fish, is naturally linked to the sea and it won’t be a surprise to find  those born under that sign in March are represented by the light-blue shades of aquamarine. This stones promotes courage, hope and creativity and as a traditional protection for a mother and child, it might be a wonderful gift for a new addition to the family.

April

Diamonds are for the April born and have traditionally represented love since Ancient Greece. But while the diamond may be a girl’s best friend, they are not only very expensive but are often mined unethically. So your conscience will be much clearer to learn that Pewter World’s April quaich is inlaid with a cubic zirconia – just as beautiful if you ask us.

May

 If you are born in May your birthstone is the emerald and the forest-green stones’ qualities are linked to health, faithfulness and fertility. To us this might be a better wedding present than for a birthday but whatever the occasion those qualities sound enviable.

June

You’re a pearl. Well, your birthstone is in any case. The pearl is considered to exude the qualities of modesty and purity and purports to allow wearers the ability to promote harmony with those around them. Surely a quality that we would all love to have.

July

The red ruby symbolises strength and courage and so those born in July are sure to be admired amongst their friends. Not only this but the ruby is said to support the emotional health of those who wear one and who would not wish to have a healthy mind and body?

August

We’ve already mentioned the Peridots links to vitality and wealth but August’s gemstone also calms anger and supposedly wards-off evil spirits. As long as those spirits aren’t in liquid form, we’re all for them being kept at arm’s length.

September

Wearing your sapphire September birthstone will mean you wish to link yourself to its qualities of truth, purity, wisdom, faith, loyalty and serenity. So you really will be a tough act to follow. On the plus side, sapphire is also supposed to promotes success. Go you!

October

Opals are the birthstones linked to October and are symbolic of hope, happiness and creativity. Holistically, they are considered by some to increase a wearer’s memory and their life-force and are also thought to possess healing and restorative qualities.

November

For one of  the later months of the year, the warming shade of the topaz is perfect. A November-born person can expect their gemstone to symbolise love and affection and provide its wearer with an increase in strength and intellect. Make sure you have one near if you’re faced with a particularly challenging crossword puzzle.

December

There are a few stones associated with December but Turquoise is perhaps the most anciently revered stone among them. Because this birthstone is linked to peace, it is perfect gift for those born around the Christmas celebration which promotes ‘goodwill to all men’. Turquoise is also linked to luck so perhaps you could gift a turquoise-inlaid pewter quaich with a lottery ticket inside rather than something more fortifying.

Of course our pewter quaich doesn’t have to be a birthday gift. If you find that the qualities represented by the month’s gemstone suit an occasion then why not consider gifting a bride and groom, and anniversary couple or a baby on their baptism and start a new phase of life with a loving reminder of how special they are.