The Origins of Birthstones
Birthstones have been treasured for centuries across cultures worldwide. From the deep red garnet of January to the electric blue tanzanite of December, each gem carries its own history, symbolism and beauty. At Flagship Jewellery Australia, we specialise in vintage and antique gold jewellery featuring the finest natural gemstones — many of which are birthstones with stories as rich as the pieces themselves.
The Origins of Birthstones
The tradition of birthstones dates back to ancient times. Historians trace their roots to the biblical Breastplate of Aaron, which featured twelve gemstones representing the twelve tribes of Israel. Over centuries, different cultures assigned specific stones to birth months, and in 1912 the modern list was officially standardised by the American National Retail Jewelers Association.
What makes birthstones so enduring is not just their beauty, but the personal connection they create. A birthstone is not merely a gemstone — it is a symbol of identity, a talisman, and often a deeply meaningful gift.
Birthstones by Month
January — Garnet
Deep red and richly saturated, garnet symbolises protection, strength and vitality. It was among the most beloved gemstones of the Victorian and Edwardian eras, frequently set in intricate gold jewellery as a symbol of devotion. Shop our garnet pieces: Antique Garnet Cabochon & Diamond Fob Chain, Antique Garnet Cabochon & Diamond Ring and Antique Victorian Garnet Cross Pendant.
February — Amethyst
Amethyst’s striking purple hue has made it one of the most prized gemstones throughout history. Associated with peace, clarity and inner strength, it was once considered as precious as ruby or emerald. Explore our amethyst collection: Amethyst Riviere Collar Necklace, Antique Amethyst Pendant, Vintage Amethyst Ring and Amethyst Stud Earrings.
March — Aquamarine & Jade
With its serene blue-green colour, aquamarine symbolises tranquillity, courage and clear communication. Jade — one of the most revered stones in both Eastern and Western traditions — shares many of aquamarine’s qualities: it is associated with harmony, protection and good fortune, and has been treasured in fine jewellery for thousands of years. Shop our jade pieces: Vintage Jade Ring in 18ct Gold and Vintage Nephrite Jade Ring in 10ct Gold. We occasionally source aquamarine pieces too — contact us if you’re searching for one.
April — Diamond
The most celebrated of all gemstones, diamonds symbolise eternal love, strength and clarity. Antique and vintage diamond jewellery carries an additional layer of romance — the knowledge that these stones have been admired and cherished for generations. We regularly source exceptional diamond pieces — contact us to enquire about current availability.
May — Emerald
Lush, vivid and deeply romantic, emeralds have been prized since ancient Egypt. Associated with renewal, wisdom and love, a fine emerald set in gold is one of the most striking pieces of jewellery imaginable. Shop our emerald pieces: Vintage Emerald Cabochon & Diamond Ring and Sugarloaf Emerald Trilogy Ring.
June — Pearl, Alexandrite & Moonstone
June is blessed with three birthstones. Pearls symbolise purity and wisdom; alexandrite — one of the rarest gemstones in the world — represents change and luck; and moonstone, with its ethereal glow, is linked to intuition and balance. We currently have two beautiful moonstone rings in our collection: the Moonstone Eternity Ring in 18k Gold and the Antique Moonstone Cabochon Ring in 9k Gold — both one-of-a-kind pieces.
July — Ruby
Fiery, passionate and deeply symbolic, rubies have been considered the king of gemstones across many cultures. Associated with courage, prosperity and protection, a vintage ruby set in solid gold is among the most coveted of all estate jewellery pieces. We regularly source exceptional ruby jewellery — contact us to enquire about current availability.
August — Peridot
Bright, cheerful and unmistakably green, peridot symbolises strength, good fortune and positivity. It is one of the few gemstones that occurs in only one colour, and its vivid lime-green hue is instantly recognisable in antique settings. Contact us if you’re searching for a peridot piece.
September — Sapphire
Deep blue and endlessly elegant, sapphires represent wisdom, loyalty and nobility. They have been treasured by royalty for centuries and remain one of the most sought-after gemstones in vintage and antique jewellery. Shop our sapphire pieces: Vintage Sapphire Band Ring in 9ct Gold. We regularly source additional sapphire pieces — contact us to enquire.
October — Opal & Tourmaline
Opal is one of the most magical of all gemstones — its play of colour is unlike anything else in the natural world. Australian opals in particular are world-renowned for their brilliance. Tourmaline, available in a rainbow of colours, represents compassion and healing. Shop our October birthstone pieces: Vintage Star Set Opal Ring in 9k Gold.
November — Topaz & Citrine
Golden topaz and warm citrine both carry the energy of the sun — symbolising strength, joy and abundance. Swiss blue topaz, a vivid electric blue variety, is particularly striking when set in yellow gold. Shop our topaz pieces: Vintage Swiss Blue Topaz Ring.
December — Turquoise, Tanzanite & Zircon
December’s birthstones share a calming blue palette. Turquoise, one of the oldest gemstones used in jewellery, represents protection and luck. Tanzanite — found only in a single location in Tanzania — is among the rarest gemstones on earth and has a breathtaking violet-blue colour. Shop our tanzanite pieces: Minimalist Tanzanite Circle Necklace in 14ct Gold.
Finding Your Birthstone in Vintage Gold
There is something especially meaningful about wearing a birthstone set in antique or vintage gold — the knowledge that the piece has its own history, its own story, and has been loved before. At Flagship Jewellery Australia, every piece in our collection is hand-selected for quality, character and rarity.
Whether you’re searching for your own birthstone or looking for a deeply personal gift, we’d love to help you find the right piece. Contact us directly to enquire about specific gemstones, or browse our full collection of vintage and antique gold jewellery.
Layby arrangements are available on all pieces. Get in touch to find out more.
