What does your birthstone mean? Celebrities embrace the gems that remind them of loved ones, from Taylor Swift’s opal tribute to Travis Kelce, to Hailey Bieber’s pair of stones

Jan 16 , 2025

Souveraine de Chaumet earrings, featuring Ceylon sapphires. Photo: Chaumet

Take your garnet, amethyst, aquamarine, diamond, emerald, pearl, peridot, opal, sapphire, ruby, turquoise or topaz birthstone up a notch with these luxury jewellery pieces

Birthstones – gems associated with a person’s birth month, which some believe bring protection and luck – have seen a recent spike in popularity. That’s thanks in large part to 2024’s great interest in personalised jewellery, from handmade friendship bracelets (yes, Swifties, we’re looking at you) to initial and letter necklaces. Although those pieces add a dose of fun to your look, wearing your own birthstone – or that of a loved one – brings extra significance.

Taylor Swift wears a teardrop-shaped pendant set with an opal charm. Photo: @foundrae/Instagram

Even celebrities seem to think so. In the early stages of her relationship with NFL player Travis Kelce, Taylor Swift fuelled romance rumours by sporting a teardrop-shaped pendant set with an opal charm. It didn’t take long for fans to realise that the accessory also represented her beau’s October birthday.

Four months after giving birth, Rhode Skin founder Hailey Bieber flaunted a custom toi et moi ring (French for “you and me”) adorned with contrasting birthstones – one representing her own November birth month (citrine) and the other, for her and Justin Bieber’s son Jack Blues, who was born last August (peridot).

January: Garnet

Boucheron Serpent Bohème earrings set with rhodolite garnets. Photo: Handout

The name garnet comes from the Latin word granatus, which translates to “pomegranate”. It is commonly red and symbolises health, wealth and happiness. According to some, this gem soothes the heart and increases confidence.

February: Amethyst

Buccellati Macri Color earrings set with amethysts. Photo: Handout

Often associated with royalty, this purple-hued gemstone represents inner strength and empowerment. Since amethyst originates from the Greek word amethystos, literally meaning “not intoxicated”, it is said to keep the wearer clear-minded and alert.