Birthstones
Diamonds: April's Timeless Birthstone
We do not need an occasion to celebrate diamonds, the cherished birthstone for April and traditional gemstone for 60th and 75th anniversaries. These timeless treasures, formed billions of years ago deep within the Earth, symbolize endurance and unbreakable bonds. We work with both natural and lab-grown diamonds, offering beautiful options that align with your values and style.
Natural and Lab-Grown: Two Paths to Brilliance
Natural Diamonds date back billions of years and are renowned as one of the hardest substances on Earth. Their ancient origins and rarity make them powerful symbols of lasting commitment.
Lab-Grown Diamonds offer identical physical, chemical, and optical properties to natural diamonds, created in controlled environments that replicate Earth's natural process. These diamonds provide:
- Complete transparency in sourcing
- Reduced environmental impact
- Exceptional value, typically 20-40% more accessible than comparable natural diamonds
- The same brilliance and durability
Both options deliver the beauty and meaning diamonds are known for, the choice is yours.
Diamonds Beyond Tradition
While diamonds often take center stage in jewelry design, we love using them in unexpected ways. One of our favorite approaches is sprinkling diamonds throughout pieces to enhance colorful gemstones, letting both the diamonds and their vibrant companions shine.
We also embrace colored diamonds: black diamonds add dramatic sophistication with bold contrast, while champagne diamonds bring warmth and subtle luxury. Both offer excellent unisex appeal and pair beautifully with our signature 18-karat yellow gold Crownwork®.
Ancient Belief, Modern Beauty
Throughout history, diamonds have held special cultural significance. During the Middle Ages, these gems were believed to possess healing powers, particularly for the brain and pituitary gland. Ancient healers recommended placing warmed diamonds near the body during sleep to draw out toxins.
Diamond Facts Worth Knowing
- The most popular diamond carat size ranges between 1.0 and 1.2 carats
- A single-carat diamond measures just over half a centimeter in diameter—smaller than half a penny
- The word "diamond" comes from Greek "adamas," meaning "unconquerable"
- Only about 20% of mined diamonds are gem quality; the rest serve industrial purposes
- Lab-grown diamonds are chemically identical to natural diamonds—even gemologists need specialized equipment to tell them apart
Your Diamond Story Awaits
Whether celebrating an April birthday, a milestone anniversary, or simply seeking a piece that symbolizes strength and beauty, our diamond collection offers something for everyone.
March - Aquamarine
March's birthstone captures the essence of calm ocean waters with its serene blue hues that range from pale pastels to deeper, saturated tones. We love this versatile gemstone as the perfect birthstone for March, the traditional gift for 19th wedding anniversaries and for any and every occasion at all.
The Color of Calm Waters
The name "aquamarine" comes from Latin "aqua marina," meaning "water of the sea." Part of the beryl family (emerald's cousin), aquamarine offers exceptional clarity and transparency.
Aquamarine carries deep symbolism across cultures, associated with tranquility, courage, and clarity of mind. Sailors historically carried it as a talisman for safe passage, while many believe it promotes harmony and inspires truthful communication in relationships. Whether drawn to these meanings or simply its serene color, aquamarine brings calm to those who wear it.
Built for Daily Wear
Ranking 7.5-8 on the Mohs hardness scale, aquamarine offers excellent durability for everyday pieces. This resilience makes it ideal for jewelry meant to be worn and loved daily.
Aquamarine Fun Facts
- The largest aquamarine ever found weighed over 240 pounds, discovered in Brazil in 1910
- Unlike emeralds, aquamarine rarely has visible inclusions, giving it exceptional clarity
- The deeper the blue, the more valuable
Your March Story Awaits
Whether celebrating a March birthday, marking a 19th anniversary, or drawn to aquamarine's peaceful beauty, our collection offers pieces for every and any occasion.
February - Amethyst
February's birthstone, amethyst, has been turning heads for thousands of years with its stunning hues. This regal gemstone symbolizes wisdom, tranquility, and a touch of royalty, perfect for February babies and anyone celebrating a 6th wedding anniversary. We love showcasing amethyst in all its beautiful forms, from deep violet to an unexpected green twist.
Purple Reign (and a Green Surprise)
When you think amethyst, you probably picture rich purple tones; from soft lilac to deep violet. But here's a delightful secret: green amethyst (also called prasiolite) brings fresh, minty sage energy to the February birthstone family.
We feature both varieties throughout our collection because why choose just one? Classic purple amethyst delivers that timeless, "I feel like royalty" vibe, while green amethyst offers a contemporary twist. Both look absolutely gorgeous nestled in our trademark 18k yellow gold Crownwork®
Here's a fun fact: "amethyst" comes from the Greek word "amethystos," which means "not intoxicated." Ancient Greeks thought wearing it could keep you clear-headed at wild feasts (ancient life hacks!). Everyone from Egyptian pharaohs to European royalty has been obsessed with this gem, which explains why it still feels so luxurious today.
Amethyst is known as the "stone of spirituality and contentment". Believers say it enhances intuition, brings calmness, and even helps you catch better sleep. Whether you're into the mystical side or just love how it looks, there's something genuinely peaceful about wearing amethyst.
Ranking 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, amethyst is durable enough for everyday adventures. We're firm believers that beautiful should be part of your daily
Amethyst Fun Facts
- The deepest purple amethysts are called "Siberian" and are absolutely stunning, no matter where they're actually from
- Ancient Egyptians carved amethyst into lucky charms and fancy seals
- Leonardo da Vinci was convinced amethyst made people smarter and kept away negative thoughts
- Because amethyst is more accessible than many colored gems, you can go big and bold without breaking the bank
Find Your Perfect Amethyst
We have has amethyst pieces for every personality and occasion.
February's birthstone comes in more flavors than you thought—come discover your favorite.
January - Garnet
Hello gemstone enthusiasts and January babies! If your birthday falls within the frosty embrace of the first month of the year, you're in for a treat—Garnet is here to steal the spotlight as the January birthstone! Garnet is also the zodiac stone for Aries, Leo and Libras. It is the traditional wedding anniversary gift for the 2nd year.
Now, before you start picturing a bunch of little red fruits hanging from a tree, let's get down to the nitty-gritty of why garnet is so special.
Shades of Love
First off, garnets are not just a one-shade wonder. While the most common hue is a deep, romantic red, these gemstones come in a kaleidoscope of colors, ranging from vibrant oranges to lush greens. It's like a love affair with the entire spectrum!
Time Travel with History
If garnets could talk, they'd have an epic tale to tell. Historically, these gemstones have been used as protective talismans by warriors and travelers. They were believed to bring good fortune and ensure a safe journey. Imagine wearing a piece of jewelry that's seen more adventures than your favorite action movie hero!
Energy Boosters
Need a little pick-me-up during the chilly winter months? Garnets are said to boost energy and revitalize the wearer. So, if you find yourself in need of an extra dose of motivation to stick to those New Year's resolutions, maybe a garnet accessory is just what the doctor ordered (or, you know, what the gemologist recommended). It's said to bring strength, good health, and even protect you from nightmares.
Affordable Elegance
One of the best things about garnets is that they manage to strike a perfect balance between affordability and elegance. So, whether you're a January baby treating yourself or someone looking for a thoughtful gift, garnet won't break the bank but will certainly steal the heart.
So, there you have it—a brief journey into the delightful world of January birthstones. Garnets, with their kaleidoscopic beauty and rich history, are here to add a touch of warmth to the frosty month. Embrace the hues, wear them proudly, and let the world know that January babies are as vibrant and unique as their birthstone! Cheers to the Garnet Galore!
December - Turquoise, Tanzanite & Zircon
December, a month brimming with holiday cheer and the promise of a new year, is adorned with not one, but three enchanting birthstones that capture the essence of winter's magic. Turquoise, Tanzanite, and Zircon come together in a symphony of blue hues, each with its unique charm and significance.
Turquoise: Timeless Tranquility
Known for its distinctive robin's egg blue color, Turquoise has been cherished for centuries for its calming and protective properties. Believed to bring good fortune and strength, this opaque gemstone has adorned the jewelry of ancient civilizations and continues to be a popular choice today. Turquoise reflects the crisp, clear winter sky, making it a perfect birthstone for those born in December. Turquoise is also the traditional gift for the 11th wedding anniversary.
Turquoise has been mined in the Nishapur district of Iran for more than 1,000 years. The prized even-colored, intense blue turquoise from this region is dubbed robin’s egg blue, sky blue and Persian blue. Trade professionals now use these terms to describe turquoise of this color – regardless of the source.
Closer to home in Arizona AZ, the Sleeping Beauty turquoise mine is one of the most well known producers of turquoise in the world. Arizona’s Sleeping Beauty mine was a prolific producer for more than four decades. Increased government regulations and mining costs led to the mine's closure in 2012. Since then, the price for Sleeping Beauty turquoise has risen significantly and become very sought after.
Tanzanite: Radiant Elegance
A relative newcomer to the world of gemstones, Tanzanite has swiftly become a sought-after choice for December birthdays. Its deep blue-violet hues evoke the wintry twilight sky, radiating a sense of elegance and sophistication. Discovered in Tanzania in the 1960s, Tanzanite is prized for its rarity and unique color-changing ability, displaying different shades depending on the viewing angle.
Tanzanite is also known to bring composure, poise and harmony and is also the traditional gem gifted for the 24th wedding anniversary.
Zircon: Sparkling Brilliance
Zircon, available in an array of colors, is often found in stunning shades of blue, making it a fitting gemstone for the winter month. Its brilliance and fire make it a captivating choice for jewelry, symbolizing the clarity and honesty associated with those born in December. Zircon has been used as a talisman for travelers, ensuring safe journeys and promoting wisdom. Zircon is the oldest mineral on earth, the name comes from the Persian word 'zargun' which means 'gold colored', although they come in a variety of colors.
Whether you're drawn to the tranquil charm of Turquoise, the radiant elegance of Tanzanite, or the sparkling brilliance of Zircon, December birthstones offer a spectrum of choices for those celebrating birthdays during this festive month. As you explore the world of these enchanting gems, consider incorporating them into your jewelry collection or gifting them to loved ones.
Citrine & Topaz: November's Radiant Birthstones
At Ray Griffiths Fine Jewelry, we celebrate November babies with two spectacular birthstone options, citrine and topaz. These warm, luminous gems capture autumn's golden glow and mark significant milestones: citrine commemorates the 13th wedding anniversary, while topaz marks the 4th and 23rd anniversaries.
Citrine: Nature's Golden Treasure
Citrine, known as the "sunshine gem," radiates warmth through its golden yellow hues. The name derives from the French word "citron," meaning lemon. Known as "the merchant's stone," citrine has long been believed to attract prosperity and positive energy. Perhaps most intriguing is citrine's reputation for never accumulating negative energy, instead promoting optimism wherever it goes.
At Ray Griffiths, we feature citrine's remarkable color range, from pale, almost greenish-yellow tones to deep golden hues—throughout our collection in our best selling earrings, statement rings, statement bracelets, and gorgeous pendants.
One of the fascinating aspects of citrine is that it doesn't accumulate negative energy, making it a gem that encourages positivity and optimism. Whether worn as jewelry or displayed in your home, citrine can help brighten your life with its cheerful energy.
Topaz: A Rainbow of Elegance
Topaz offers an entire spectrum of possibilities for our designs:
Blue Topaz: Our most popular variety, bringing serene sophistication with beautiful contrast to our signature 18-karat yellow gold settings.
Pink Topaz: This romantic newcomer captures hearts with its delicate blush tones.
White Topaz: Our classic go to stone offering clean, clear brilliance that pairs beautifully with our signature Crownwork® technique.
Ancient Egyptians believed topaz offered protection from harm, while throughout history it's been credited with boosting confidence, promoting emotional balance, and enhancing communication skills.
Built to Last
In Ray's early years restoring antique pieces, he developed a deep appreciation for jewelry that stands the test of time. Both citrine and topaz, ranking 7-8 on the Mohs hardness scale, offer excellent durability for everyday wear—true to our philosophy of creating happy jewels for life outside the box.
Fascinating Facts
- Natural citrine is quite rare; most citrine is heat-treated amethyst or smoky quartz
- The largest faceted citrine weighs 2,258 carats and resides in the Smithsonian Institution
- Imperial topaz was named because only Russian royalty could own it in 19th-century Russia
- The name "topaz" may derive from Sanskrit "tapas," meaning fire
October - Opal & Tourmaline
October is one of the lucky months that gets two birthstones—Opal and Tourmaline. Both feature prominently in the , each with vibrant color and their own story to tell.
Ray has a particularly personal connection with opals. At 16, as a fresh apprentice in Melbourne, an opal slipped from his fingers and shattered on the floor—it belonged to a customer and was worth a fortune. For decades, Ray wouldn't go near opals. Then, during a gem buying trip in Tucson, he had a revelation: "If I buy them and they break, they're mine." A new love affair was born. [Read the full story of Ray's 40-year opal journey →]
Australia produces 95% of the world's opals, making them the unofficial national gemstone of Ray's homeland. Today, opals are a huge part of our collection—from luminous Ethiopian black and white opals to tranquil Peruvian opals, each utterly unique with color that shifts as you move.
After his early encounter, Ray developed tremendous respect for opal's delicate nature. Our signature Crownwork® technique creates protective settings that showcase the stone's beauty while keeping it secure for daily wear.
Tourmaline: The Rainbow Gemstone
If opal is about fire and light, tourmaline is about color....pure, saturated, joyful color.
First discovered in Sri Lanka over 2,000 years ago, ancient legend says tourmalines traveled from the center of the Earth and passed over a rainbow on their journey to the surface.
Ray's eye always wanders to pink tourmalines, the vibrant natural color matches our joyful aesthetic and pairs beautifully our gold crownwork®. He also loves working with green tourmalines, and occasionally can't resist a rare color change tourmaline that shifts from green in daylight to pink under incandescent light.
Tourmaline is associated with gentleness, compassion, joy, and love, making it the perfect representation of our "happy jewels" philosophy. It's also the traditional 8th anniversary gift.
Whether you're an October baby or simply drawn to these vibrant gems, opal and tourmaline make extraordinary gifts. When you wear one of our opal or tourmaline pieces, you're wearing a stone hand selected for its exceptional beauty and set with four decades of master craftsmanship, jewelry designed to make every day feel a little more special.
September - Sapphires
While many envision the classic deep blue sapphire, our collection celebrates the full spectrum of this remarkable gemstone. We showcase sapphires in stunning varieties including:
Yellow sapphires that capture sunshine and optimism
Orange/Red sapphires with their warm, energetic glow
Pink sapphires offering romantic elegance
Green sapphires embodying nature's tranquility
Throughout history, the sapphire has been revered for its protective qualities. Ancient believers credited this magnificent stone with shielding against envy, harm, and negative energy. Perhaps most enchanting is this beautiful gemstones reputation as a relationship harmonizer, bringing peace and understanding between partners. Whether you believe in these mystical properties or simply appreciate their symbolic meaning, sapphires carry positive energy that resonates.
Sapphires rank 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, making them exceptionally durable for daily wear. However, proper care ensures your sapphire jewelry maintains its brilliance for generations:
Clean gently with lukewarm soapy water and a soft brush
Avoid harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners
Store pieces separately to prevent scratching
Schedule professional cleanings annually to maintain optimal sparkle
Fascinating Sapphire Facts
The largest sapphire ever found weighs an astounding 61,500 carats and is known as the "Queen of Asia"
Blue sapphires get their color from traces of titanium and iron within the crystal structure
Kashmir sapphires are considered the most valuable due to their unique velvety blue color caused by tiny inclusions
The famous 12-carat blue sapphire in Princess Diana's engagement ring (now worn by Catherine, Princess of Wales) sparked a global sapphire renaissance
Shop the our Sapphire Stunners
August - Peridot & Spinel
August is one of only three months of the year that has three birthstones! They are peridot, spinel, and sardonyx. For those lucky souls born in August (like Ray!), their birthstone is one of his personal favorites. The vibrant and enchanting Peridot also known as the "Evening Emerald" due to its captivating green hue. Peridot is also the most common birthstone associated with August, and is often gifted for the 16th wedding anniversary.
Peridot is the yellowish green to greenish yellow gem variety of the mineral olivine. Throughout history, peridot has often been confused with other gems such as topaz and emerald. Some historians even speculate that Cleopatra’s famous emerald collection may have been comprised of peridot.
The peridot birthstone has also been used for centuries as a protective talisman, shielding the owner from evil spirits and ‘terrors of the night’.
Peridot's striking green hue makes it an excellent choice for jewelry, particularly for those who love vibrant and eye catching gems. Its affordability, coupled with its unique color, makes it a preferred alternative to more expensive green gemstones like emerald. The gemstone is often faceted, but due to its high transparency, it can also be found in cabochon cuts, revealing a smooth, polished surface that showcases the gem's natural beauty.
This is a stunning example of an 18k yellow gold Crownwork ring with prong set faceted peridot center stone with two prong set emerald baguettes and aqua enamel on inverted shank.
July: Ruby
There is something so elegant and classic about the ruby that works with any outfit for any occasion. Ruby is a red precious gemstone variety of Corundum, and it has to have iron in its structure to be considered ruby. Iron gives it its color and separates it from corundum (sapphire). Works so well in jewelry, its tough and durable, ruby measures 9 on the Mohs scale. Diamonds are the only natural gemstone harder than ruby.
Fun fact: The red fluorescence power of ruby helped build the first working laser in 1960. Rubies, both natural and synthetic are still used to make lasers, as well as watches and medical instruments. It’s the gemstone with superpowers
We also love working with rubies in their natural form. They have a gorgeous organic beauty and deeper pinky, red earth tones.
A perfect example of this is this natural ruby necklace from our collection.
June - Pearl & Moonstone
Traditionally the June birthstones are pearl and moonstone. Pearls & moonstones are wonderful to work with and have been a long time favorite of Ray's to work with throughout the collection.
Pearl has long been popular as a gemstone, despite being fundamentally different from most other crystal-based precious and semi-precious stones. Pearls are the only gemstones made by living creatures. Mollusks produce pearls by depositing layers of calcium carbonate around microscopic irritants that get lodged in their shells, usually not a grain of sand, as commonly believed. They have such unique shapes and color variations.
Click here to watch my jewel school about all things pearl. I have been a pearl wearer myself for years, everyone should own a strand or two!
Click here to shop pearls in my collection.
Moonstone, was named by the Roman natural historian Pliny, who wrote that moonstone’s shimmery appearance shifted with the phases of the moon. The finest classical moonstones, colorlessly transparent with a blue shimmer, come from Sri Lanka. Since these sources of high-quality blue moonstones have essentially been mined out, prices have risen sharply. Other mines have since been found in India, Australia, Myanmar, Madagascar, and the United States.
Moonstone traps light and scatters it inside, creating a vivid imagery of a moonlight glowing in water. The energy of moonstone is introspective and balancing. Wear it to usher in new beginnings and bring closure to each end.
Click here to view moonstones throughout my collection.
May - Emerald
May Birthstone: The Emerald
May birthdays fall right in the heart of spring, and the emerald, the official May birthstone, is the perfect gem to symbolize and celebrate this month. It is also the traditional wedding anniversary gift for both the 20th and 55th years.
Prized for its brilliant green color, the emerald symbolizes rebirth and is believed to grant the owner foresight, good fortune, and youth. The name "emerald" derives from the Greek word smaragdus, which literally means green. Emeralds are the green to greenish-blue variety of the mineral beryl, with the majority mined in Colombia and Zambia.
Famous Emeralds Throughout History
Throughout history, emeralds have captivated royalty and collectors alike. The Chalk Emerald (37 carats), the Mogul Mughal Emerald (217 carats), and Colombia's legendary Gachala Emerald (858 carats) are among the world's most famous specimens. Cleopatra was known to have a particular passion for emeralds, often wearing them as a display of power and wealth.
Emerald Care
Emeralds rank 7.5-8 on the Mohs hardness scale, making them durable but requiring proper care. Clean your emerald jewelry with mild soap and warm water using a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, harsh chemicals, and extreme temperature changes to protect these precious gems.
We love to source beautiful and unusual Emerald beads to use in necklaces and bracelets.
