January’s birthstone is a special stone that dates back to the ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman times. Its name comes from the Latin word for seed, thanks to its similarity to the seed of a pomegranate. While garnet is best known to appear in a rich and vibrant red, it can also be found in every other colour but blue.

Garnet was originally very popular in Victorian jewellery and nowadays symbolises happiness and friendship. It’s thought to offer protection to those who wear it, so it’s the perfect gift for your best friend or a family member born in January.

Aquamarine is March’s beautiful blue birthstone. The name Aquamarine comes from the Latin words for “water” and “sea” and the stone’s possible colours range from pale pastel shades to rich, deep blue hues, reflecting all the colours of the ocean. Greek and Roman sailors used to carry this stone with the hope it would keep them safe on voyages across stormy seas, it was also thought to represent youth, health and eternal life.

As well as symbolising the tranquillity of the ocean, aquamarine is also associated with courage, loyalty and friendship, making it a lovely gift for March babies.

Lucky September babies have the stunning sapphire as their birthstone. Its name comes from the Latin word “sapphirus”, meaning “blue stone”. While sapphires are typically thought to be blue, they actually come in every colour except red (a red sapphire is actually a ruby!).

The Ancient Greeks used sapphires for guidance, Buddhists used them for spiritual enlightenment and Hindus used them for worship. Nowadays, they symbolise loyalty and integrity, and are said to protect from stress and harm.

Along with tourmaline, opal is October’s birthstone. Opal is known as “Queen of the Gems”, with the Romans believing that the iridescent stone possessed the colours and powers of all the other gemstones combined.

Its name comes from the Greek word “opallios”, which means to see a change in colour. Opal’s shimmering, ethereal glow is thought to enhance creativity and imagination, as well as symbolising hope and purity.

Historically, topaz is associated with shades of yellow and is named after the Greek name for St John’s Island in the Red Sea, where lots of yellow stones were famously found, but blue topaz is becoming increasingly popular and you can find the stone in other colours too, including green, red, pink and purple.

Ancient Egyptians and Romans believed topaz to have the power to heal and protect. Today it is still believed to have calming and healing properties, with associations of faith and trust.