If you have the honour of choosing your own engagement ring, take a look at these birthstone options matched to each month of the year
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Your engagement ring and wedding band can say a lot about you as a person, so making the perfect choice has never been more important. As engagement rings typically feature a precious or semi-precious stone, birthstones are a popular way to add a personal touch.
Dating back to the breastplate of Aaron, the High Priest of the Hebrews, which featured 12 gemstones representing the 12 tribes of Israel, birthstones are also thought to offer healing powers and therapeutic properties.
If you are looking for an engagement ring that is truly 'you' then your birthstone could be the best starting point. Discover your birthstone, learn the meaning behind it and find an engagement ring to suit you...
January: Garnet
Meanings: Protection, deep and everlasting friendship
Ernest Jones 9ct Two Colour Gold Diamond and Brazilian Garnet Ring, £535
February: Amethyst
Meanings: Peace, courage, stability
Gold Boutique Amethyst Engagement Ring in 9ct White Gold, £399
March: Aquamarine
Meanings: Youth, health, eternal life
Goldsmiths Oval Aquamarine and Diamond Ring in 9 Carat White Gold, £750
April: Diamond
Meanings: Peace and protection
Beaverbrooks 18ct White Gold Diamond Halo Ring, £1,750,
May: Emerald
Meanings: Wisdom, growth, patience
Dipples 18ct Yellow and White Gold Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring, £1,350
June: Pearl
Meaning: Purity
Winterson Classic Akoya Pearl and Diamond Ring in White Gold, £1,175
July: Ruby
Meaning: Love
The Diamond Store Ruby 1.15ct and Diamond 18K White Gold Ring, £872
August: Peridot
Meanings: Power and influence
Purely Diamonds London Rare Pakistan Peridot and Diamond Halo Ring in 18ct White Gold, £2,545
September: Sapphire
Meanings: Honesty, loyalty, trust
Diamond Heaven Pear Blue Sapphire Diamond Split Shoulder Set Ring, £3,197.50
October: Opal
Meaning: Healing
Blue Nile Opal and Diamond Ring, £1,350
November: Topaz
Meaning: Strength
Links of London Effervescence Gems Sterling Silver & Blue Topaz Ring, £150
December: Tanzanite
Meanings: Generosity, friendship
Purely Diamonds Tanzanite & Diamond Ring in 18ct White Gold, from £1,222 to £2,114