Birth Flowers in Jewellery: Meaning and Symbolism

Jewellery has the power to encapsulate memories, celebrate moments, and convey sentiments. These are the things that inspire us here at OAT Jewellery, which is why we have made our very own collection of birth flower pieces.

Birth flowers are a captivating tradition that links each month of the year with a specific blossom offering a rich tapestry of symbolism and emotions that can be expressed through these botanical gems.

In this blog, we will explore the enchanting world of birth flowers in jewellery, delving into their symbolism and significance for both the giver and the recipient. We have also put together a short guide on how to buy birth flower jewellery for someone special.

Birth Flowers: A Brief History

The history of birth flowers in jewellery is a fascinating journey that spans cultures and centuries, reflecting the enduring human fascination with nature's beauty and symbolism.

The concept of associating specific flowers with birth months can be traced back to ancient Romans, who often celebrated birthdays by exchanging floral gifts as tokens of good luck.

Birth flowers as we know them today gained popularity during the Victorian era, which was characterised by a deep fascination with symbolism and sentimentality.

People exchanged bouquets of flowers to convey emotions and messages. Birth flowers were incorporated into this tradition, with specific flowers assigned to each month to represent the qualities and characteristics associated with individuals born in that month.

Birthstones and birth flowers often go hand in hand. While birthstones had been associated with specific months for centuries, the pairing of birth flowers with birth months gained momentum during the 20th century.

This pairing allowed individuals to celebrate their birthdays with both a gemstone and a flower that held personal significance.

Today, birth flower jewellery remains a meaningful and cherished way to celebrate birthdays and special occasions.

It connects the natural world and human sentiment, allowing wearers to carry the beauty and symbolism of their birth flower with them wherever they go.

Birth Flowers by Month

Birth flower jewellery is a beautiful and meaningful way to relate with nature, celebrate a birthday, or express sentiments of love and appreciation.

It combines the natural beauty of flowers with the artistry of jewellery design to create pieces that are not only visually stunning but also deeply personal and symbolic.

Each flower is associated with specific qualities, characteristics, or sentiments, and wearing or gifting birth flower jewellery is a way to express those qualities or emotions. Let’s have a closer look at the meanings behind the flowers assigned to each month.

January: Carnation

The birth flower for January is the carnation. This delicate and ruffled flower is often seen as a symbol of love, fascination, and admiration. In jewellery, a carnation design can be a sweet and romantic gesture, making it a perfect gift for a loved one.

February: Violet

February's birth flower is the violet, which is associated with modesty, faithfulness, and humility. Violets are known for their deep purple colour, and jewellery featuring violets can be a symbol of sincerity and devotion.

March: Daffodil

Daffodils are the birth flowers for March, representing rebirth and new beginnings. These cheerful yellow flowers are a symbol of hope and optimism, making daffodil jewellery a meaningful gift for someone embarking on a new phase in life.

April: Daisy

The birth flower for April is the daisy, a flower that symbolises innocence, purity, and simplicity. Daisy jewellery can convey a sense of youthful charm and a love for the simple joys of life.

May: Lily of the Valley

May's birth flower is the delicate and fragrant Lily of the Valley. These tiny white bell-shaped flowers are often associated with sweetness, humility, and a return to happiness. Jewellery featuring Lily of the Valley can be a symbol of purity and renewal.

June: Rose

Roses, the timeless symbol of love and passion, are the birth flowers for June. With their various colours and meanings, roses in jewellery can convey a wide range of emotions, from deep love (red roses) to friendship (yellow roses) and more.

July: Larkspur

Larkspurs represent an open heart and a strong bond of love. These tall, vibrant flowers are the birth flowers for July and are often used in jewellery to express an open-hearted sentiment or to celebrate a deep connection with someone.

August: Gladiolus

August's birth flower, the gladiolus, symbolises strength, integrity, and moral character. Its tall spikes of flowers can make for unique and striking jewellery pieces, often given as a sign of respect or admiration.

September: Aster

Asters, the birth flowers for September, are symbols of love, wisdom, and faith. These daisy-like flowers with their star-shaped petals can be featured in jewellery as a reminder of the power of love and the pursuit of knowledge.

October: Marigold

Marigolds are the birth flowers for October and represent passion and creativity. Their vibrant orange and yellow hues make for eye-catching jewellery that can symbolise enthusiasm and warmth.

November: Chrysanthemum

The chrysanthemum is the birth flower for November and symbolises friendship, joy, and optimism. These colourful flowers are often used in jewellery to convey well wishes and happiness.

December: Narcissus

December's birth flower is the narcissus, which represents self-love, vanity, and inner beauty. Narcissus jewellery can serve as a reminder of the importance of self-care and self-appreciation.

Occasions for Birth Flower Jewellery

Birth flower jewellery is not limited to birthday gifts. It can be a thoughtful present for various occasions and milestones in life. If you are unsure when to gift someone a piece of birth flower jewellery, here are some occasions where it can be particularly meaningful:

Birthdays

Of course, the most obvious occasion for birth flower jewellery is a birthday. Gifting someone a piece of jewellery featuring their birthflower shows thoughtfulness and consideration.

Anniversaries

Birth flower jewellery can also be a great choice for celebrating wedding anniversaries. Choosing the birth flower of your spouse or partner can symbolise your love and commitment.

Mother's Day

Honour your mother by giving her a piece of jewellery featuring the birth flowers of her children or grandchildren. It's a sentimental and touching gesture.

Graduations

For graduates, birth flower jewellery can be a symbol of new beginnings and the journey ahead.

Engagements and Weddings

Incorporating birth flowers into engagement or wedding jewellery can add a unique and personal touch to these special occasions.

Just Because

You don't always need a special occasion to gift birth flower jewellery. Sometimes, expressing your love and appreciation out of the blue can be the most touching gesture of all.

Choosing the Right Birth Flower Jewellery

The beauty of birth flower jewellery lies not only in its visual appeal but also in its emotional impact.

When you wear or gift a piece of jewellery featuring a birth flower, you're not only showcasing the natural beauty of the flower but also embracing the deeper symbolism and meaning associated with it.

When choosing birth flower jewellery, there are a few factors to consider to ensure that it's meaningful and suits the recipient's style.

Birthflower

First and foremost, ensure you select the correct birth flower for the month in question. The symbolism and meaning associated with the flower should resonate with the recipient.

Style

Consider the recipient's style preferences. Do they prefer classic, vintage, modern, or minimalist designs? Choose a piece that matches their taste.

Metal

Birth flower jewellery can be crafted from various metals, including gold, silver, and rose gold. Select the metal that complements the recipient's skin tone and wardrobe.

Gemstones

Birth flowers can be paired with gemstones that correspond to the recipient's birthstone or other meaningful stones.

Customization

At OAT we offer customisation options, allowing you to incorporate multiple birth flowers or other personal details into the design.

Throughout this exploration of birth flower jewellery, we've witnessed the myriad ways in which it celebrates love, affection, gratitude, and the essence of each birth month.

From the humble daisy symbolising purity to the regal rose epitomising love, and from the vibrant marigold representing passion to the serene violet embodying humility, birth flower jewellery embodies the diverse tapestry of human emotions and experiences.

It offers a personalised means of storytelling, allowing wearers to carry with them the symbolism and significance of their birth flower, forever intertwined with their identity.

So whether you're choosing birth flower jewellery as a gift for a loved one or as a personal keepsake, you're participating in a timeless tradition that transcends generations and cultures.