June 29, 2024
Enchanting World of Birthstones
Sapphires, Tanzanites, Spinels and Tourmaline from B.P de Silva’s Natural Gem Library
The concept of birthstones have long held a place in the hearts of many; each beautiful gemstone with special meanings attached to each month can add even more magic to an already special birthday season.
The concept of birthstones have long held a place in the hearts of many; each beautiful gemstone with special meanings attached to each month can add even more magic to an already special birthday season.
Explore Your Birthstone:
Image Source: American Gem Society
Some gemstones are believed to bring forth good fortune by bringing luck, or attracting it, and some people choose certain gemstones for their custom or bespoke jewellery to bolster personal characteristics such as inner strength for certain occasions (Citrines for board meetings, we see you!), so knowing the gemstone for your birth month can be really informative, and fun, too.
Some gemstones are believed to bring forth good fortune by bringing luck, or attracting it, and some people choose certain gemstones for their custom or bespoke jewellery to bolster personal characteristics such as inner strength for certain occasions (Citrines for board meetings, we see you!), so knowing the gemstone for your birth month can be really informative, and fun, too.
Gemstone Image Source: Gemological Institute of America
January’s birthstone, The Garnet, is most widely known for its deep red hues, ranging from fiery crimsons to rich burgundies; and they come in a vast array of colours beyond that, too - the Mali Garnets come in hues of greens for example. Garnets have been cherished since ancient times for their durability and beauty.
Symbolic Meanings and Associations: Strength, protection, and prosperity.
Mohs Scale of Hardness Score: 6.5 - 7.5 (durable).
Did you know? Garnets have a rich history dating back to the 5th century, so beloved for their elegance and vivid colour, and were often seen as symbols of status.
January’s birthstone, The Garnet, is most widely known for its deep red hues, ranging from fiery crimsons to rich burgundies; and they come in a vast array of colours beyond that, too - the Mali Garnets come in hues of greens for example. Garnets have been cherished since ancient times for their durability and beauty.
Symbolic Meanings and Associations: Strength, protection, and prosperity.
Mohs Scale of Hardness Score: 6.5 - 7.5 (durable).
Did you know? Garnets have a rich history dating back to the 5th century, so beloved for their elegance and vivid colour, and were often seen as symbols of status.
Mali Grossular Garnets in Square Emerald cuts were chosen for B.P. de Silva’s Deco Pop Garnet Studs.
February’s birthstone, The Amethyst, is a variety of quartz known for its regal purple hues, ranging from delicate lavenders to deep violets. It holds a special place in jewellery history, in both ancient lore and modern jewellery.
Symbolic Meanings and Associations: Stability, Peace, Balance, Sincerity, Calm.
Mohs Scale of Hardness Score: 7 (durable).
Did you know? The name "Amethyst" comes from the Greek word "amethystos," meaning "not drunken." Ancient Greeks believed wearing Amethyst prevented intoxication.
Symbolic Meanings and Associations: Stability, Peace, Balance, Sincerity, Calm.
Mohs Scale of Hardness Score: 7 (durable).
Did you know? The name "Amethyst" comes from the Greek word "amethystos," meaning "not drunken." Ancient Greeks believed wearing Amethyst prevented intoxication.
Cushion-cut Aquamarine from B.P de Silva’s Natural Gem Library
March’s birthstone, The Aquamarine, is a member of the Beryl family that is named after its dazzling appearance: unmistakable blue-green hues reminiscent of the ocean. Viewing different cuts under natural light almost feels akin to watching the sun’s rays dancing on waves.
Symbolic Meanings and Associations: Youth, hope, harmony, emotional balance, protection.
Mohs Scale of Hardness Score: 7.5 - 8.0 (very durable).
Did you know? According to lore, Aquamarine is believed to calm waves and keep sailors safe at sea. Today, people still gift Aquamarine jewellery to those going on a voyage, or embarking on a new adventure.
March’s birthstone, The Aquamarine, is a member of the Beryl family that is named after its dazzling appearance: unmistakable blue-green hues reminiscent of the ocean. Viewing different cuts under natural light almost feels akin to watching the sun’s rays dancing on waves.
Symbolic Meanings and Associations: Youth, hope, harmony, emotional balance, protection.
Mohs Scale of Hardness Score: 7.5 - 8.0 (very durable).
Did you know? According to lore, Aquamarine is believed to calm waves and keep sailors safe at sea. Today, people still gift Aquamarine jewellery to those going on a voyage, or embarking on a new adventure.
Aquamarine necklace, earrings, and ring from B.P. de Silva’s Deco Darling Collection
A Marquise-cut Diamond from B.P de Silva’s Natural Gem Library
April’s birthstone, The Diamond is renowned for brilliance, scintillation, and unmatched durability. Formed deep within the Earth's mantle under extreme pressure and temperature, Diamonds come in various fancy colours too, but are more commonly associated with a dazzling white or what the gem world refers to as “colourless” appearance. Notably referred to as a “girl’s best friend”, Diamonds with their perfect score on the Mohs Scale, are ideal for heirlooms to be such as engagement rings, wedding bands, and other wedding jewellery or Si Dian Jin).
Symbolic Meanings and Associations: Everlasting love, invincibility (its name is derived from the Greek word, “adamas” which means invincible), and purity.
Mohs Scale of Hardness Score: 10 (exceptional; the hardest stone).
Did you know? B.P de Silva’s Diamonds are especially curated after rounds of curation; each one must fulfil our house standards, and the brand’s 5C’s.
April’s birthstone, The Diamond is renowned for brilliance, scintillation, and unmatched durability. Formed deep within the Earth's mantle under extreme pressure and temperature, Diamonds come in various fancy colours too, but are more commonly associated with a dazzling white or what the gem world refers to as “colourless” appearance. Notably referred to as a “girl’s best friend”, Diamonds with their perfect score on the Mohs Scale, are ideal for heirlooms to be such as engagement rings, wedding bands, and other wedding jewellery or Si Dian Jin).
Symbolic Meanings and Associations: Everlasting love, invincibility (its name is derived from the Greek word, “adamas” which means invincible), and purity.
Mohs Scale of Hardness Score: 10 (exceptional; the hardest stone).
Did you know? B.P de Silva’s Diamonds are especially curated after rounds of curation; each one must fulfil our house standards, and the brand’s 5C’s.
Designs from B.P. de Silva’s Deco Centennial and Jazz Age Collections
B.P. de Silva's expansive Gem Library encompasses rare and fancy coloured Diamonds too. Pictured above is our Jazz Age Monument Diamond Ring with a fancy Yellow Diamond as its centrepiece.
Gemstone Image Source: Gemological Institute of America
May’s birthstone, The Emerald, is one of the most revered in jewellery history, and is a widely known favoured choice for royal jewellery. Also belonging to the Beryl family (like the Aquamarine), this rare gemstone presents the most beautiful green hues in varying intensities.
Symbolic Meanings and Associations: Rebirth, love, fertility, power, wealth.
Mohs Scale of Hardness Score: 7.5 - 8.0 (very durable).
Did you know? Cleopatra, famed as one of the most beautiful women in history, was known to always be adorned with emeralds. She believed that gemstones brought her eternal youth and beauty.
May’s birthstone, The Emerald, is one of the most revered in jewellery history, and is a widely known favoured choice for royal jewellery. Also belonging to the Beryl family (like the Aquamarine), this rare gemstone presents the most beautiful green hues in varying intensities.
Symbolic Meanings and Associations: Rebirth, love, fertility, power, wealth.
Mohs Scale of Hardness Score: 7.5 - 8.0 (very durable).
Did you know? Cleopatra, famed as one of the most beautiful women in history, was known to always be adorned with emeralds. She believed that gemstones brought her eternal youth and beauty.
The Drama Deco Emerald Ring a B.P. de Silva High Jewellery design
Gemstone Image Source: Gemological Institute of America
June’s birthstone, The Pearl, is a unique one among gemstones because pearls are produced by living beings, rather than formed within the Earth. They come in various colours, shapes, sizes, and varieties too: from Freshwater, to Akoyas, to the South Sea and Tahitian Pearls.
Symbolic Meanings and Associations: Purity, integrity, loyalty, wisdom.
Mohs Scale of Hardness Score: 2.5 - 4.5 (to be cherished and worn with mindful care).
Did you know? B.P. de Silva specialises in crafting with South Sea Pearls, choosing only the ones of exceptional lustre, and colour.
June’s birthstone, The Pearl, is a unique one among gemstones because pearls are produced by living beings, rather than formed within the Earth. They come in various colours, shapes, sizes, and varieties too: from Freshwater, to Akoyas, to the South Sea and Tahitian Pearls.
Symbolic Meanings and Associations: Purity, integrity, loyalty, wisdom.
Mohs Scale of Hardness Score: 2.5 - 4.5 (to be cherished and worn with mindful care).
Did you know? B.P. de Silva specialises in crafting with South Sea Pearls, choosing only the ones of exceptional lustre, and colour.
High Seas Pearl Earring and Dainty Dew Pearl Earrings from B.P. de Silva
Gemstone Image Source: Gemological Institute of America
July’s birthstone, The Ruby, is widely appreciated as a royal gemstone, with their deep hues of red - a colour brought forth by the presence of the chemical, chromium. The involvement of chromium, and its red colour that separates it from being classified as a Sapphire.
Symbolic Meanings and Associations: Passion, energy, vitality, love.
Mohs Scale of Hardness Score: 9 (excellent).
Did you know? In ancient cultures, rubies were believed to possess protective powers against evil and bring good fortune to the wearer.
July’s birthstone, The Ruby, is widely appreciated as a royal gemstone, with their deep hues of red - a colour brought forth by the presence of the chemical, chromium. The involvement of chromium, and its red colour that separates it from being classified as a Sapphire.
Symbolic Meanings and Associations: Passion, energy, vitality, love.
Mohs Scale of Hardness Score: 9 (excellent).
Did you know? In ancient cultures, rubies were believed to possess protective powers against evil and bring good fortune to the wearer.
A trilliant-cut Peridot from B.P de Silva’s Natural Gem Library
Peridot, with its lively lime green colour often twinkling with flecks of gold, is a special gemstone that comes in only one main colour. It is formed deep within the Earth's mantle and brought to the surface through volcanic activity.
Symbolic Meanings and Associations: Prosperity, fortune, renewal, growth.
Mohs Scale of Hardness Score: 6.5 to 7.0 (durable).
Did you know? Peridot is the national gemstone of Egypt, where its fabled origins date back to thousands of years ago. Peridots were so treasured by the Ancient Egyptians that they kept the island's location where Peridots could be found a secret.
Peridot, with its lively lime green colour often twinkling with flecks of gold, is a special gemstone that comes in only one main colour. It is formed deep within the Earth's mantle and brought to the surface through volcanic activity.
Symbolic Meanings and Associations: Prosperity, fortune, renewal, growth.
Mohs Scale of Hardness Score: 6.5 to 7.0 (durable).
Did you know? Peridot is the national gemstone of Egypt, where its fabled origins date back to thousands of years ago. Peridots were so treasured by the Ancient Egyptians that they kept the island's location where Peridots could be found a secret.
Sapphires from B.P de Silva’s Natural Gem Library
September’s birthstone, The Sapphire is most widely associated with the colour blue especially with famed royal jewels that they crown, the Princess of Wales’ engagement ring, and fine jewellery heirloom from the late Princess Diana. However, Sapphires come in every colour (besides red, since those are classified as Rubies).
Symbolic Meanings and Associations: Nobility/Royalty, wisdom, loyalty, faithfulness.
Mohs Scale of Hardness Score: 9 (excellent).
Did you know? B.P de Silva’s logomark is inspired by Sapphire crystal’s hexagonal form. B.P de Silva has a curation of incredibly rare, untreated Natural Sapphires handpicked by B.P. de Silva Gem Specialists. No two pieces are alike.
Symbolic Meanings and Associations: Nobility/Royalty, wisdom, loyalty, faithfulness.
Mohs Scale of Hardness Score: 9 (excellent).
Did you know? B.P de Silva’s logomark is inspired by Sapphire crystal’s hexagonal form. B.P de Silva has a curation of incredibly rare, untreated Natural Sapphires handpicked by B.P. de Silva Gem Specialists. No two pieces are alike.
The Ardour Sapphire Ring, a trilogy design from B.P. de Silva’s Sapphire Signatures
Opal from B.P de Silva’s Natural Gem Library
Opal, with its kaleidoscopic play of colours, captivates with its unique beauty. Formed through the interaction of silica-rich waters and ancient geothermal springs, Opals exhibit a mesmerising iridescence called "play-of-colour."
Symbolic Meanings and Associations: Creativity, spontaneity, hope, truth.
Mohs Scale of Hardness Score: 5.5 to 6.5 (good).
Did you know? The Opal is believed to amplify emotions and intuition while fostering spontaneity and imagination, making it a favourite amongst those in Creative industries and professions.
Symbolic Meanings and Associations: Creativity, spontaneity, hope, truth.
Mohs Scale of Hardness Score: 5.5 to 6.5 (good).
Did you know? The Opal is believed to amplify emotions and intuition while fostering spontaneity and imagination, making it a favourite amongst those in Creative industries and professions.
Asscher-cut Citrine from B.P de Silva’s Natural Gem Library
November’s birthstone, The Citrine, is known for its warm yellow hues that exude a joyful energy reminiscent of sunlight. Ranging from pale yellow to deep amber, Citrine is a variety of Quartz coloured by traces of iron in its crystal structure. This gemstone is often associated with abundance and prosperity, believed to attract wealth and success.
Symbolic Meanings and Associations: Success, wealth, abundance, energy.
Mohs Scale of Hardness Score: 7 (durable).
Did you know? The Citrine is known as the “Merchant’s Stone” and is believed to bring success to business and trade.
Symbolic Meanings and Associations: Success, wealth, abundance, energy.
Mohs Scale of Hardness Score: 7 (durable).
Did you know? The Citrine is known as the “Merchant’s Stone” and is believed to bring success to business and trade.
Natural, Asscher-cut Citrines used in B.P’s de Silva Deco Pop Collection
Custom Emerald-cut Tanzanite from B.P de Silva’s Natural Gem Library
December’s birthstone, The Tanzanite, is one of the “newer” gemstones in the jewellery world, having been discovered only the 1960s. Its violet and blue hues are uniquely enthralling. Some Tanzanites display pleochroism, which means they display different colours at different angles; a must to discover in person!
Symbolic Meanings and Associations: Creativity, spontaneity, hope, truth.
Mohs Scale of Hardness Score: 6.5 to 7.0 (good).
Did you know? Tanzanites are named after the country, Tanzania, its only known source, making this natural marvel incredibly rare and a treat for gem collectors.
Symbolic Meanings and Associations: Creativity, spontaneity, hope, truth.
Mohs Scale of Hardness Score: 6.5 to 7.0 (good).
Did you know? Tanzanites are named after the country, Tanzania, its only known source, making this natural marvel incredibly rare and a treat for gem collectors.
Galle Lights Tanzanite Ring from B.P. de Silva’s Galle Lights Collection
Craft Your Story:
Customise Your Own Birthstone Jewellery Keepsake
The custom experience (6 - 8 weeks, depending on complexity of design) by B.P de Silva allows clients to choose their desired gemstone for an existing B.P. de Silva silhouette, adding a personalised touch to your jewellery.
Or, if you’re looking to have a jewel crafted from scratch and just for you (or a loved one), our Bespoke Journey (8 - 12 weeks, depending on complexity of design) would be the perfect choice, as we offer a peek into our Natural Gem Library through a curation of gemstones and tailored proposed designs.
It all starts at the B.P. de Silva Flagship Boutique's most exclusive space: The Drawing Room.
We invite you to explore our collection and let your birthstone guide you in crafting a piece that resonates with your personal journey and style.
We invite you to explore our collection and let your birthstone guide you in crafting a piece that resonates with your personal journey and style.
