Birthstones
The concept of birthstones originates in both Eastern and Western Culture, first recorded by Flavius Josephus in the 1st Century having been inspired by book of Exodus in the bible and then a similar concept originating in the Hindu system called Navaratna in the 5th Century.
Although people started to wear birthstones as jewellery in the 9th Century the formal tradition of wearing the stone from the month of your birth didn’t start until Germany in the 16th Century.
Each month has a number of alternative stones associated with it, and the standard stones are based on a list created by the US National Association of Jewellers in 1912.
Amongst our collections niin has pieces that use 9 stones that represent a particular birth month
AQUAMARINE is a stone of courage. Its calming energies reduce stress and quiet the mind. It has an affinity with sensitive people. We’ve used Aquamarine in our Luna collection because of its association with water and therefore the moon.
DIAMONDS are symbols of purity, unity, and love. They absorb and amplify energy, both positive and negative. Niin uses Gentle Diamonds that are lab grown and free of the negative impact that mining has on our planet. We’re excited to be launching a new Gentle diamonds collection this spring.
EMERALDS are the birthstone for May. As it stimulates the Heart Chakra, Emerald is the stone of love, compassion, healing, and abundance. Emerald brings prosperity by strengthening our resolve to follow our dreams.
PEARL is the birthstone for June and mother of pearl shells have been at the heart of niin from the very beginning. It is believed to promote purity, innocence, and faithfulness, and is often used to help improve relationships.
RUBIES are the birthstone for July and are included in our Gentle Gemstones collection launched this spring. Ruby encourages joy, spontaneity, laughter and courage. It promotes positive dreams and helps retain wealth and passion.
CARNELIAN is the birthstone for August. Carnelian promotes courage, creativity, harmony and good fortune It calms anger, banishes emotional negativity and replaces it with a love of life. Carnelian is one of our most popular stones from our beaded bracelet collection.
SAPPHIRE is the birthstone for September and it features in our Gentle Gemstones collection in a beautiful oval necklace. Sapphire is said to be the wisdom stone, stimulating concentration, enhancing creativity and promoting purity and depth of thought. It is believed to focus and calm the mind as well as remove unwanted thoughts, depression and mental tension
ROSE QUARTZ is the birthstone for October. Rose Quartz is one of the most popular stones for emotional healing and growth - hence being known as the love stone. It brings peaceful energy and calmness through patience and understanding and removes negativity and helps increase self-worth. Rose Quartz is used in a number of niin designs but it’s most beautifully featured in the Rose gold Luna collection.
CITRINE is the birthstone for November and one of niin’s favourites! Also known as the “Light Maker,” the Citrine crystal has a bright yellow hue, which reflects its equally vibrant energy. Like Vitamin C for the soul, the Citrine properties emanate positivity and joy. The Vida collection was inspired by this stone and features in many of its pieces.
