Birthstones for Each Month
January Birthstone: Garnet
Garnet, the birthstone for January, is known for its rich, deep red color, symbolizing peace, prosperity, and health. It is believed to provide the wearer with protection and is often associated with friendship and trust. Garnets come in a variety of colors, although red is the most common. The durability and vibrant color make garnet a popular choice for jewelry. Learn more in our Garnet Guide.
Popular January Birthstone Jewelry
February Birthstone: Amethyst
Amethyst, the birthstone for February, is a variety of quartz known for its stunning purple hue. This gemstone is associated with clarity of mind and protection from negative energies. Historically, amethysts were worn by royalty and believed to promote calmness and wisdom. Its striking color and relatively affordable price make it a favorite among gem enthusiasts.
Popular February Birthstone Jewelry
March Birthstone: Aquamarine
Aquamarine, the birthstone for March, evokes the tranquility of the sea with its beautiful pale blue color. This gem symbolizes courage, health, and clear communication. Its name is derived from the Latin for "water of the sea," and it has been believed to protect sailors and guarantee safe voyages. The light blue to blue-green shades make it a sought-after gemstone for jewelry. Learn more in our Aquamarine Guide.
Popular March Birthstone Jewelry
April Birthstone: Diamond
Diamond, the birthstone for April, is renowned for its unmatched brilliance and hardness. Representing eternal love and strength, diamonds have been a symbol of wealth and power throughout history. The clear, sparkling appearance of diamonds makes them a timeless and versatile choice for all types of jewelry. Learn more in our Diamond Guide.
Popular April Birthstone Jewelry
May Birthstone: Emerald
Emerald, the birthstone for May, is famous for its lush green color that symbolizes renewal. This gem has been cherished since ancient times and is believed to bring foresight, good fortune, and youth. The vivid green hue and rarity of high-quality emeralds make them one of the most valuable and sought-after gemstones. Learn more in our Emerald Guide.
Popular May Birthstone Jewelry
June Birthstones: Pearl & Alexandrite
June has two birthstones: pearl and alexandrite. Pearls are unique as they are gems grown in oysters and mussels. They symbolize purity, wisdom, and integrity. Alexandrite, known for its color-changing properties, is a rare and captivating gemstone. It changes from green in daylight to red under incandescent light, symbolizing balance and adaptability. Learn more in our Pearl Guide and Alexandrite Guide.
Popular June Birthstone Jewelry
July Birthstone: Ruby
Ruby, the birthstone for July, is known for its vibrant red color, symbolizing passion, love, and courage. Rubies have been treasured throughout history and are often associated with royalty and power. The intense red color and rarity of fine-quality rubies make them one of the most valuable gemstones.
Popular July Birthstone Jewelry
August Birthstone: Peridot, Spinel & Sardonyx
August has three birthstones: peridot, spinel, and sardonyx. Peridot is known for its bright green color and is believed to bring good health, restful sleep, and peace. Spinel, which comes in a range of colors including red, pink, and blue, is often mistaken for other gemstones but is cherished for its own beauty. Sardonyx, characterized by its bands of red and white, symbolizes strength and protection.
Popular August Birthstone Jewelry
September Birthstone: Sapphire
Sapphire, the birthstone for September, is best known for its deep blue color, symbolizing wisdom, loyalty, and nobility. Historically, sapphires have been favored by royalty. The striking blue color and exceptional hardness make sapphires a popular choice for engagement rings and other fine jewelry. Learn more in our Sapphire Guide.
Popular September Birthstone Jewelry
October Birthstone: Opal & Tourmaline
October has two birthstones: opal and tourmaline. Opal is known for its unique play of colors, symbolizing creativity and hope. Tourmaline comes in a variety of colors, each with its own significance, and is believed to promote inspiration and happiness.
Popular October Birthstone Jewelry
November Birthstone: Citrine & Topaz
Citrine and topaz are the birthstones for November. Citrine is known for its warm yellow to orange color, symbolizing happiness, success, and abundance. Topaz is known for its various hues, from blue to yellow and pink, and represents love and affection. Learn more in our Topaz Guide.
Popular November Birthstone Jewelry
December Birthstone: Tanzanite, Zircon, Turquoise & Blue Topaz
December has four birthstones: tanzanite, zircon, turquoise, and blue topaz. Tanzanite, discovered in Tanzania, is known for its deep blue to violet hues and symbolizes transformation and new beginnings. Zircon, which comes in a variety of colors, is one of the oldest known minerals on earth and is believed to bring prosperity and honor. Turquoise, with its distinctive blue-green color symbolizes protection and good fortune. Blue topaz, a popular gemstone known for its vibrant blue shades, symbolizes calm, peace, and tranquility. It is cherished for its clarity and brilliance.
Popular December Birthstone Jewelry
Birthstone FAQ
What is a birthstone?
A birthstone is a gemstone that represents a person's birth month, often attributed with unique meanings and qualities. Birthstones are believed to bring good luck, health, and protection to the wearer. The tradition of birthstones dates to ancient times, where gemstones were thought to have mystical powers and specific connections to the zodiac. Over time, the concept evolved to associate specific gems with each month.
What are the birthstones?
Birthstones are assigned to each month as follows:
- January: Garnet
- February: Amethyst
- March: Aquamarine
- April: Diamond
- May: Emerald
- June: Pearl & Alexandrite
- July: Ruby
- August: Peridot, Spinel & Sardonyx
- September: Sapphire
- October: Opal & Tourmaline
- November: Citrine & Topaz
- December: Tanzanite, Zircon, Turquoise & Blue Topaz
What is the most expensive birthstone?
The most expensive birthstone is typically the diamond, the birthstone for April. Diamonds are renowned for their exceptional hardness, brilliance, and rarity, particularly in larger sizes and high-quality grades. Other expensive birthstones include ruby, emerald, and alexandrite, which are highly prized for their color, rarity, and historical significance.
What are the traditional birthstones?
Traditional birthstones reflect gemstones used in ancient times or mentioned in sacred texts. These gemstones evolved to symbolize specific months. The 12 traditional birthstones are as follows:
- January: Garnet
- February: Amethyst
- March: Bloodstone
- April: Diamond
- May: Emerald
- June: Pearl
- July: Ruby
- August: Sardonyx
- September: Sapphire
- October: Opal
- November: Topaz
- December: Turquoise
What are the birthstone dates?
Birthstone dates refer to the periods during which specific gemstones are associated with each month. While most months align directly with their gemstone, some cultures and traditions assign stones based on zodiac signs or other astrological considerations. For example, June's pearl also has connections to moonstone and alexandrite, depending on the cultural context. The known birthstone dates are:
- January: Garnet
- February: Amethyst
- March: Aquamarine
- April: Diamond
- May: Emerald
- June: Pearl & Alexandrite
- July: Ruby
- August: Peridot, Spinel & Sardonyx
- September: Sapphire
- October: Opal & Tourmaline
- November: Citrine & Topaz
- December: Tanzanite, Zircon, Turquoise & Blue Topaz
What are the birthstone colors?
Birthstone colors vary widely, offering a spectrum of hues:
- Garnet: Deep red
- Amethyst: Purple
- Aquamarine: Light blue
- Diamond: Clear
- Emerald: Green
- Pearl: White, cream, black
- Alexandrite: Color-changing (green to red)
- Ruby: Red
- Peridot: Light green
- Spinel: Various (red, pink, blue)
- Sardonyx: Red and white bands
- Sapphire: Blue
- Opal: Multicolored
- Tourmaline: Various (pink, green, blue)
- Citrine: Yellow to orange
- Topaz: Blue to yellow-orange
- Tanzanite: Blue to violet
- Zircon: Various (blue, clear, green)
- Turquoise: Blue-green
- Blue Topaz: Light to deep blue
What do birthstones mean?
Birthstones are believed to carry specific meanings and benefits:
- Garnet: Protection, trust, friendship
- Amethyst: Clarity, calmness, wisdom
- Aquamarine: Courage, health, communication
- Diamond: Eternal love, strength
- Emerald: Rebirth, love, foresight
- Pearl: Purity, wisdom, integrity
- Alexandrite: Balance, adaptability
- Ruby: Passion, love, courage
- Peridot: Health, peace, restful sleep
- Spinel: Inspiration, energy
- Sardonyx: Strength, protection
- Sapphire: Wisdom, loyalty, nobility
- Opal: Creativity, hope
- Tourmaline: Inspiration, happiness
- Citrine: Happiness, success, abundance
- Topaz: Love, prosperity
- Tanzanite: Transformation, new beginnings
- Zircon: Prosperity, honor
- Turquoise: Protection, good fortune
- Blue Topaz: Calm, peace, tranquility
Where do birthstones come from?
The history of birthstones dates back to ancient civilizations, where gemstones were believed to possess magical properties and connections to the zodiac. The modern list of birthstones was established in 1912 by the American National Retail Jewelers Association (now Jewelers of America) to standardize the selection. Over time, additional gemstones were added, reflecting both traditional and modern preferences.
How do you know your birthstone?
Determining your birthstone depends on the system you follow — modern, traditional, or zodiac-based. The simplest approach is to refer to the month of your birth:
- January: Garnet
- February: Amethyst
- March: Aquamarine
- April: Diamond
- May: Emerald
- June: Pearl & Alexandrite
- July: Ruby
- August: Peridot, Spinel & Sardonyx
- September: Sapphire
- October: Opal & Tourmaline
- November: Citrine & Topaz
- December: Tanzanite, Zircon, Turquoise & Blue Topaz
Who decided the birthstones?
The history of traditional birthstones dates back to ancient civilizations. The modern list of birthstones was established in 1912 by the American National Retail Jewelers Association (now Jewelers of America) to standardize the selection.
Why do we have birthstones?
Birthstones symbolize personal identity, spirituality, and protection. They were initially believed to hold healing powers and bring good fortune. Over time, they have become a cherished tradition, often used in jewelry to celebrate birthdays and special occasions.
What’s the difference between traditional and modern birthstones?
The difference lies in the historical and cultural origins, with traditional birthstones reflecting ancient customs and beliefs and modern birthstones accommodating contemporary tastes and the availability of new gems. The existence of two types of birthstones allows individuals to choose between the rich historical significance of traditional stones and the broader selection and modern appeal of contemporary gems.
