The story of birthstones

For thousands of years, people have believed that the right stone could bring luck, protection and love. Birthstones are that belief made personal - a tradition that began in the ancient world and is still one of the most meaningful ways to wear the people you love.

A short history

From ancient gems to your jewellery box

Ancient times
The Book of Exodus describes a sacred breastplate set with twelve gemstones, one for each of the twelve tribes of Israel - the earliest link between twelve stones and a set of people.
1st century
The historian Josephus connected those twelve stones with the twelve months of the year and the signs of the zodiac.
Centuries later
People began wearing the stone of their own birth month, believing it brought them luck, protection and good health.
1912
Jewellers in the United States agreed a standard list, one stone for each month - the birthstone chart most of the world uses today.
Today
The list has been updated a few times (tanzanite joined December in 2002), but the idea is the same: a colour that belongs to you.

In India: the navaratna

India has its own ancient gem tradition. The navaratna - “nine gems” - links nine precious stones with the nine celestial bodies of Vedic astrology, and has been treasured in jewellery for centuries. Whether you follow the monthly birthstones or the navaratna, the idea is the same: gems chosen for meaning, not just beauty.

Month stones vs zodiac stones

Birthstones follow your calendar month, which is what we use across With Lucenta. Zodiac stones follow your star sign, which runs from the middle of one month to the next - so if you're browsing elsewhere and see a different stone, that's usually why.

Our stones, honestly

What we set in your jewellery

Our birthstones are simulated birthstones: hand-cut, 5A-grade cubic zirconia - the top quality grade for this stone - made in each month's birthstone colour. Here's why we love them.

True colour, every month
Each stone is made in its birthstone's signature colour, so a family piece always looks balanced and bright.
Brilliant sparkle
Hand-cut to catch the light, with the fire and clarity people love in fine gems.
Made for every day
Cubic zirconia is very hard-wearing - around 8 to 8.5 on the Mohs hardness scale - so it keeps its shine.
Room for everyone
Because they're lab-created, you can include every birthstone that matters without a luxury price.

Keep them sparkling

Take your jewellery off before swimming, showering or applying lotions, and wipe it with a soft cloth after wearing. Our Jewellery Care guide has every tip.

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