Birthstones by Month: Hannah’s Guide to Choosing Birthstone Jewellery
PERSONAL, colourful GEMSTONE JEWELLERY HANDmade in Scotland
Birthstones and jewellery go hand in hand.
There’s something I’ve always loved about seeing those bright little pops of colour when they’re mixed and matched. I also love the way birthstone jewellery is still super personal without being too obvious, you could wear it as a conversation piece or something just to keep your nearest and dearest close to your heart. In my Cove Birthstone Collection, each gemstone is set into solid recycled silver, with a softly sand-textured surface that I developed myself through a lot of trial, error and experimenting at the bench. The texture catches the light like grainy sand when the tide has just gone out - it gives the jewellery a natural feel that perfectly balances the organic placement of the stones, and the gentle curve of the pendants and brooches.
But just remember, birthstones are a guide - not a rulebook. When I’ve made these pieces for myself or for family gifts, I always like to mix up the birthstones a little and go for something more non-traditional as I’m not a big fan on my children’s birthstone colours (sorry kids!!).
Our Birthstones by Month
Here are the birthstone options I work with in my jewellery:
For rubies, emeralds, sapphires and diamonds, I set the stones in 9ct gold bezels, and if you’d prefer an alternative birthstone - morganite for October, for example - just ask. I can often source other gemstones on request.
Duo & Trio Birthstone Jewellery
Some of my favourite pieces are the duo and trio designs, on the website you can choose to set 2 or 3 gemstones onto the rings, necklaces and brooches, but if you want more - simply ask and I can give you a quote.
The birthstones are often chosen to represent children, grandchildren or siblings - but you can simply choose stones that look beautiful together.
I don’t believe you have to stick strictly to official birthstone charts. Sometimes people don’t love their “traditional” stone - and that’s absolutely fine. Choose colours that feel right. Some stones may mean more to you than the official list ever could.
These pieces make thoughtful gifts for birthdays, Mother’s Day, new mothers, grandmothers - or simply to gather all the family into one piece of jewellery.
How the Cove Birthstone Jewellery Is Made
Every piece is handmade in my North Berwick studio using recycled sterling silver.
The sand texture is something I developed myself. I wanted a surface that looked like grainy sand - not too polished, not too rustic - just softly organic. It took a lot of experimenting to get it right, and it’s now a signature texture of the Cove collection.
Each stone is individually set by hand. The brooches and necklaces are given a subtle curve so they feel natural when worn. Nothing is mass-produced. Each one is made to order just for you.
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Yes. You can choose one, two, three or more stones in our Cove designs. Many customers select stones to represent children or grandchildren.
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Not at all. Some people don’t feel drawn to their traditional birthstone - and that’s completely fine. Choose a gemstone you love the colour of, or one that holds meaning for you.
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Yes. I regularly work with alternative stones such as morganite, green tourmaline and others. If you have something specific in mind, just get in touch and I’ll see what I can source.
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When it comes to choosing your stones, there really are no rules.
If you’d like your piece to hold a particular meaning, you might choose the birthstones of your children, grandchildren, partner or even your own. It can become a quiet record of your favourite people, gathered together.
But it doesn’t have to be that way.
You might simply be drawn to certain colours - the greens, the deep pinks, the cool blues, or the warmth of citrine. You might prefer how particular stones sit together and complement each other. In truth, the most important thing is that you love it. Some birthstones feel like an instant yes. Others… perhaps less so. And that’s absolutely fine. If you want me to source another stone just get in touch and I can give you some options.
These pieces are about connection, but they’re also about beauty. Choose the gemstones that feel right to you — whether that’s for their meaning, their colour, or simply because they make you sm
At the end of the day, birthstones are simply a starting point. A way of marking time, keeping someone close, or choosing colour with intention. Whether you follow the traditional month, select stones for all the family, or are simply drawn to a particular colour, the most important thing is that you love how it feels when you wear it. I make each piece in my North Berwick studio, shaped by hand, textured through a process I’ve specially developed, and the stones are set with care. No two are ever quite the same. That’s the beauty of it - jewellery that feels personal, considered and entirely yours.
Hannah x