Regardless of age or gender, everyone has a unique birthstone! Whether your birthday is in the warm month of August or the chilly month of January, each month has a distinctive birthstone rich in meaning and history. Curious about your birthstone? Discover your birthstone below by finding your birth month and learn more about its significance and history.
Garnet: January Birthstone
Garnet, the birthstone for January, is available in various colors, with the most popular being dark red. This exquisite stone symbolizes friendship and trust. Its name comes from the Latin word ‘granatum,’ meaning “seed,” due to its resemblance to a pomegranate seed. Discover the elegance and rich symbolism of the garnet.
Amethyst: February Birthstone
Amethyst, the birthstone for February, boasts a rich and fascinating history. Known for its regal purple hue, this quartz stone also comes in various colors and can be found worldwide. From modern Russia to ancient Greek and Roman cultures, amethyst carries significant symbolism across many societies. Explore the diverse meanings and global heritage of this captivating gemstone.
Aquamarine: March Birthstone
Aquamarine, the birthstone for March, derives its name from “water” and was believed to protect sailors on the open sea. Formed from the mineral beryl, this cool blue gemstone is both durable and pure. With a hardness of 7.5 on the Mohs scale, aquamarine is easy to care for and makes an excellent choice for jewelry. Discover the beauty and qualities of this resilient and enchanting stone.
Diamond: April Birthstone
April’s birthstone, the diamond, is renowned for its unmatched hardness and significance in modern times. From stunning engagement rings to essential jeweler’s tools, diamonds are highly valued. Whether you’re seeking the perfect color, clarity, carat, or cut (the 4 C’s), diamonds stand out as one of the most popular and beautiful birthstones. Explore the brilliance and timeless elegance of this exquisite gem.
Emerald: May Birthstone
Emerald, May’s birthstone, symbolizes youth, growth, and wisdom, reflected in its deep green color. Derived from the Greek word ‘smaragdos,’ meaning green stone, its rich hue has graced royal crowns, rings, and more. Rarer and more valuable than many other gems, the emerald is renowned for the joy it brings. Explore the timeless allure and significance of this magnificent gemstone.
Alexandrite, Pearl & Moonstone: June Birthstone
June boasts three fascinating birthstones: Pearl, Alexandrite, and Moonstone. Each gem offers its unique allure and significance, making June’s birthstones exceptionally captivating. Discover the beauty and diversity of these remarkable stones.
Ruby: July Birthstone
Ruby, the birthstone for July, is perhaps the most famous red gemstone. Symbolizing health and wisdom, this gem comes from the corundum mineral species. As the hardest natural gemstone after diamonds, rubies are durable enough for daily wear. Their deep, vivid red color complements any style, making them a timeless and elegant choice. Discover the enduring beauty and significance of the ruby.
Peridot: August Birthstone
Peridot, the birthstone for August, is renowned for its supposed powers of healing and preventing nightmares. Formed deep within the Earth and often brought to the surface by volcanic eruptions, this gem features a distinctive lime green color. Traditionally associated with this vibrant hue, peridot is commonly found in necklaces, beads, and various other jewelry pieces. Discover the unique beauty and lore of peridot.
Sapphire: September Birthstone
Sapphire, September’s birthstone, has been a symbol of protection for lovers for centuries. While it comes in various colors, it is best known for its blue to violet hues. This corundum mineral, like the ruby, is the second hardest gemstone, making it durable for everyday wear. Sapphires are cherished for their romantic significance and ability to shield from harm. Celebrate any occasion with the timeless beauty of sapphire.
Opal & Tourmaline: October Birthstone
Opal and Tourmaline are the vibrant birthstones of October. Known for their stunning and unique beauty, these gems stand out among traditional stones. Tourmaline, often represented in pink, comes in many colors of the rainbow and can even display three colors in one stone, known as tri-colored tourmaline. Discover the captivating allure and diverse hues of October’s birthstones.
Citrine: November Birthstone
Citrine, named after the French word for lemon, is a vibrant gemstone symbolizing happiness, health, and vitality. High-quality citrines are known for their excellent transparency and lack of eye-visible inclusions. Their colors range from earthy deep browns and reddish-oranges to glowing yellow-orange hues, making citrine a bright and effervescent choice for jewelry. Discover the radiant beauty and positive energy of citrine.
Blue Topaz: December Birthstone
Blue topaz, one of December’s birthstones along with tanzanite and turquoise, symbolizes wisdom and longevity. Its hues range from deep London blue to pale sky blue. The ancient Greeks believed that topaz endowed its wearer with strength. Discover the serene beauty and historical significance of blue topaz.
A Brief History of Birthstones
The tradition of birthstones is believed to have originated from the Breastplate of Aaron, a ceremonial religious garment adorned with twelve gemstones representing the twelve tribes of Israel, first described in the Book of Exodus.
The passage describes the breastplate’s settings: “There shall be twelve stones with names according to the names of the sons of Israel… The stones shall be arranged in four rows. The first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle; the second row shall be an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond; the third row, a ligure, an agate, and an amethyst.” Sardius, now known as carnelian, and carbuncle, likely a ruby or garnet, are part of this ancient tradition. Ligure is thought to refer to zircon or quartz, though opinions vary.
Birthstones may have even older roots, connected to the twelve signs of the zodiac. The power of gemstones probably began with an ancient elder or medicine person who, upon the birth of a child, invoked blessings from their deities.
Different cultures worldwide have created various birthstone lists over the centuries, adapting choices based on availability and cost. The popularity and pricing of specific gemstones have influenced these lists, leading to multiple options for each month.
Many legends and myths surround birthstones, attributing healing powers and therapeutic effects to them. According to these legends, wearing a gemstone during its designated month amplified its powers. To achieve the full effect, one needed to possess all twelve stones and rotate them monthly.
