Birthstones have long been the go-to choice for personal jewellery, but birth flowers are quickly becoming just as popular. Each month has its own flower, and a small engraved pendant or charm turns a simple piece into a gift that feels chosen for one person. Philip Jones, the UK jewellery brand known for affordable gift-ready pieces, has a complete birth flower collection covering all twelve months.
This guide lists the flower for every month, explains the difference between the necklaces and bracelets, and shares a few tips for picking the right finish. You can browse the Philip Jones birth flower collection here.
1. What Is a Birth Flower?
Like birthstones, birth flowers link a month of the year with a particular bloom, usually one that flowers around that time. The tradition is centuries old and gives every flower a meaning, from hope and new beginnings to joy and protection. For gifting, birth flowers have one big advantage: they feel delicate and personal, and they suit people who prefer a more subtle look than a coloured gemstone.
They also pair beautifully with birthstone jewellery. If you already own a birthstone piece, a birth flower pendant layered on a second chain makes a meaningful combination.
2. The Birth Flower for Every Month
Philip Jones uses a classic British list of birth flowers across its range:
- January: Snowdrop
- February: Violet
- March: Daffodil
- April: Daisy
- May: Lily of the Valley
- June: Rose
- July: Water Lily
- August: Poppy
- September: Morning Glory
- October: Cosmos
- November: Chrysanthemum
- December: Holly Berry
Each design features an engraved illustration of the flower, so the piece is easy to recognise without needing a name or date. Find the flower for your month.
3. The Birth Flower Necklaces
The necklaces feature an oval pendant measuring 12.3mm high and 16mm wide, engraved with the month’s flower. The pendant hangs on a 43cm cable chain with a 5cm extender, so it can sit close to the collarbone or slightly lower, and it fastens with a secure lobster claw clasp.
The 18k gold plated version uses a hypoallergenic brass alloy base with a high-polished finish, and weighs just over 4g, so it is light enough to wear every day. Philip Jones lists the necklaces at around £11, with a silver-tone version also available, which keeps them well within stocking filler or office secret Santa budgets.
4. The Birth Flower Beaded Bracelets
If the person you are buying for prefers bracelets, the beaded stretch bracelets carry a 12mm flower charm on a string of polished beads. The stretch design fits wrists from roughly 17.8cm to 20.3cm, so there is no clasp to fiddle with and less worry about sizing. They are priced at around £12.
The bracelets come in silver plated and 18k gold plated finishes. They stack well with other beaded or chain bracelets, which makes them a nice way to build a personal arm party over time.
5. Gift Packaging and Cards
One reason Philip Jones is popular for presents is the packaging. Pieces arrive in a gift pouch, and the versions listed “with card” come mounted on a printed card that names the month and the flower, illustrated with a botanical sketch. It means the gift is ready to hand over, and the recipient immediately understands the meaning behind it. See the gift-ready birth flower pieces.
6. Gold or Silver: Choosing a Finish
- Choose gold plated if the recipient mostly wears warm tones or already owns gold jewellery.
- Choose silver if they prefer a cool, minimal look or wear a lot of white metal.
- Match the finish to a watch or ring they wear every day so the new piece blends in.
- If you are unsure, a bracelet is easier to mix with other metals than a necklace.
7. Ideas for Who to Buy For
Birth flower jewellery works well for milestone birthdays, new mums (choose the baby’s birth month), bridesmaids, grandmothers and best friends. Some people buy several flowers to represent each member of the family, layering two or three necklaces or stacking the bracelets together. Because prices are modest, it is easy to build a personalised set without a big budget.
8. How to Layer Birth Flower Pieces
Layering is one of the easiest ways to make a birth flower necklace feel personal. Start with the pendant on its standard 43cm chain, then add a finer chain a little shorter or longer so the pieces do not tangle. Two family members’ months, for example a mother’s flower and a child’s flower, look lovely worn together. If you prefer a single statement, wear one pendant on its own with an open neckline so the engraved flower can be seen.
With bracelets, pair the beaded birth flower charm with a plain chain bracelet or a watch. Keeping all pieces in the same finish gives a polished look, while mixing gold and silver feels more relaxed and modern. Build your own birth flower stack.
9. Caring for Plated Jewellery
To keep the high-polished finish looking its best, take plated jewellery off before swimming, showering or exercising, and put perfume and lotion on before you put your jewellery on. Wipe pieces with a soft dry cloth after wearing and store them in their pouch so they do not scratch against other items.
Conclusion
Birth flower jewellery is a thoughtful alternative to birthstones, and the Philip Jones range covers every month from January’s snowdrop to December’s holly berry. With delicate engraved pendants, stretch bracelets that fit most wrists, gold and silver finishes and gift-ready cards, it is an easy way to give something personal at an affordable price. Explore Philip Jones birth flower jewellery and find the bloom for someone special.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the October birth flower?
October’s birth flower is the cosmos, which Philip Jones describes as a symbol of harmony and beauty.
What is the December birth flower?
December’s birth flower is the holly berry, traditionally associated with joy and protection.
How long are the birth flower necklaces?
The chain is 43cm with a 5cm extender, and the pendant measures 12.3mm by 16mm.
Will the bracelet fit my wrist?
The stretch bracelets fit wrists from roughly 17.8cm to 20.3cm.
Is the jewellery hypoallergenic?
Philip Jones lists its plated birth flower pieces as hypoallergenic, made on a brass alloy base.
