BIRTHSTONE PENDANTS:
UNIQUELY PERSONAL
Although birthstones have been popular around the world for hundreds of years, they are not that common in Norway. The average Norwegian probably doesn’t know their birthstone, or the astrological powers they carry with them.
If you'd like to learn more about the history of birthstones and their meaning, keep reading!
The exact origin of birthstones is a bit unclear, as different cultures have different beliefs regarding this.
One theory is that birthstones date all the way back to the Book of Exodus in the Bible. The book tells a story of a Hebrew priest that was ordered to create a breastplate with twelve gemstones, representing the twelve tribes of Israel. Christians also linked the twelve gemstones to the twelve apostles.
Later, sometime during the first century A.D., Romano-Jewish scholar Titus Flavius Josephus assigned the gemstones to the twelve signs of the zodiac. Each gemstone was believed to hold the powers of their corresponding zodiac sign, and wearing the stone associated with the constellation which you were born under was a token of good fortune.
The list of gemstones assigned to each month changed several times throughout history until the US National Association of Jewelers published a new list in 1912. This list has been internationally recognized as the official birthstone list ever since.
THE HISTORY OF BIRTHSTONES
SWAROVSKI BIRTHSTONE CRYSTALS
Swarovski created their own assortment of Crystal Birthstones that closely match the colors of the 12 official birthstones. Using this list, we created the Northern Lights Birthstone pendants.
Now you can personalize your jewelry by wearing your unique birthstone color according to your birth month and star sign. Wear your Birthstone pendant as a good luck medallion, or feel closer to someone you love by wearing theirs.
Find your Swarovski Birthstone and its meaning below!
CAPRICORN, Dec 22 - Jan 19
Birthstone: Garnet (Siam)
Meaning: Constancy
Capricorns’ birthstone is Garnet, also known as the “Gem of Faith”. This stone is believed to possess curative powers, healing the wearer and countering negative forces and dark energies.
Swarovski’s Siam crystal perfectly matches the Garnet stone, with its deep, fiery red color. In addition, Crystals in Siam is believed to boost self-esteem and encourage a little romance.
People born under the Aquarius sign is blessed to have the vivid purple Amethyst as their birthstone color.
This stone is said to keep Aquarians level-headed when you wear them, enabling good business decisions. Amethyst literally means “avoiding drunkenness”. It is also associated with peace, stability, and strength.
AQUARIUS, Jan 20 - Feb 18
Birthstone: Amethyst
Meaning: Sincerity
Aquamarine, associated with positivity, good health, and happiness, is the birthstone color of Pisceans. It is said to have a soothing effect on the wearer, allowing the person to remain calm and peaceful despite provocation. This makes the Aquamarine a great anniversary gift!
PISCES, Feb. 19 - March 20
Birthstone: Aquamarine
Meaning: Courage
ARIES, March 21 - April 19
Birthstone: Crystal (Diamond)
Meaning: Innocence
Swarovski’s Clear Crystal echoes the clarity and brilliance of the Aries birthstone, Diamond. Aries have the desire to lead the way for others, and can overcome any challenge they face. Their birthstone is believed to give clarity to the wearer, making it easier to move forward and reach their goals.
TAURUS, April 20 - May 20
Birthstone: Emerald
Meaning: Success In Love
Teureans have the green beauty Emerald as their birthstone color. The birthstone is said to increase intelligence and strength of the heart, and its lush green color symbolizes loyalty, friendship, and renewal of life. Wear this emerald colored Swarovski crystal to enhance a Taurus’ natural sensitivity.
GEMINI, May 21 - June 20
Birthstone: Light Amethyst (Pearl, Alexandrite, and Moonstone)
Meaning: Health and Long Life
Geminis are lucky enough to have three birthstones; Pearl, Alexandrite, and Moonstone. Swarovski has chosen the beautiful shade of Light Amethyst to represent Geminis birthstone, reflecting their childlike innocence, gentleness, purity, and sense of curiosity. Wear a Swarovski crystal in Light Amethyst to express your creative and sociable side.
CANCER, June 21 - July 22
Birthstone: Light Siam (Ruby)
Meaning: Content
Cancerians have the magical Ruby, known as the “King of Gems”, as their birthstone. Its said to symbolize strength, vitality, confidence, and courage.
Swarovski mimics the intense blood red color of Ruby with their Light Siam crystal. When wearing this shade, Cancerians’ feelings are protected, allowing them to fully be themselves.
LEO, July 23 - August 22
Birthstone: Peridot
Meaning: Conjugal Felicity
Those born under the star sign Leo have the olive-green Peridot as their birthstone color. Ancient Egyptian priests believed the Peridot contained the forces of nature, and it is associated with love, loyalty, commitment, and harmony.
The light green shade is also said to reduce stress and anger, making it a perfect gift for Leo’s in search of peace and progress in life.
VIRGO, August 23 - Sep. 22
Birthstone: Sapphire
Meaning: Antidote To Madness
Virgoans have Sapphire, the symbol of truth, as their birthstone color. Virgoans are caring, confident, creative, and supportive. Wearing the stunning Swarovski Crystal Birthstone in Sapphire is said to protect them from envy and harm and boost intuition and promote good health.
LIBRA, Sep. 23 - October 22
Birthstone: Rose (Opal and Tourmaline)
Meaning: Hope And Faith
Librans have Opal and Tourmaline as their birthstones, both showcasing a vibrant spectrum of colors. Swarovski defined Rose as the Crystal Birthstone color of Librans. This color signifies emotional tenderness and sensibility and is said to evoke harmony and beauty, perfectly complementing Librans desire to live an easy and uncomplicated life.
Swarovski chose the orange-toned Topaz color to represent Scorpio’s two birthstones; Topaz and Citrine. Topaz is known as the “stone of the mind” for its alleged healing abilities of mental illness. Scorpios will enjoy Crystal Birthstones in the color Topaz for its perceived powers to balance emotions and thoughts for a harmonious lifestyle.
SCORPIO, October 23 - Nov. 21
Birthstone: Topaz (Topaz and Citrine)
Meaning: Fidelity
Sagittarius, Nov. 22 - Dec. 21
Birthstone: Montana (Turquoise, Lapis Lazuli, and Blue Zircon)
Meaning: Prosperity
Sagittarians are blessed with three birthstones; Turquoise, Lapis Lazuli, and Blue Zircon. Swarovski has chosen their smokey-blue Montana shade to represent Sagittarius’ Crystal Birthstone. This shade signifies reassurance and security, which helps guide the wearer in their journey through life.
Sources:
Swarovski Birthstones: https://www.swarovski-professional.com/en-WORLD/industries/jewelry-and-watches/spotlight-on-products/birthstones-new
Gem Meanings and symbolism: http://www.birthstonezodiac.com/
History of Birthstones: http://caidwiki.org/index.php?title=This_Matter_of_Birthstones