A Comprehensive Guide to Birthstones by Months

Birthstones have a long-standing history dating back to ancient times and are associated with a person’s birth date. Many believe there is a connection between these gemstones and the month you are born. This fascinating theory links the Earth to our zodiac signs and over time has led to a deep belief in the power of these stones and the influence they can have on our wellbeing. Different cultures and traditions created their own birthstone lists around their beliefs which have eventually become more widely recognised.

Today we have a recognised list, established in 1912 by the National Association of Jewellers which assigns specific birthstones to each month of the year. This collection of beautiful gemstones hold symbolic meanings and are often worn as jewellery or pendants, many believe that wearing your birthstone in the month it is assigned to increases its healing powers. They can vary in appearance and colour and often there is more than one colour for each month. So don’t worry if you don’t like yours there may just be another that you prefer.

In this ultimate guide to birthstones by month, we will delve into the fascinating world of gemstones to explore their significance, symbolism, and unique properties.

Birthstone Jewellery and Gift Ideas

Birthstone jewellery offers a meaningful and personal gift option, allowing individuals to celebrate their birth month with something that is beautiful as well as symbolic. Trends have evolved to include modern and unique designs that appeal to a wide range of tastes, from earrings and necklaces that can be customised to beads and home decor, it is relatively easy to find something for everyone.

Birthstone jewellery is not limited to women, men also have a choice of bracelets, rings and necklaces that can be personalised with their birthstone or often feature their children’s birthstone instead. These make wonderful personalised gifts for celebrating Father’s Day.

Birthstone jewellery is also a great gift for children to celebrate their birthdays or special occasions such as Christenings.

Customised jewellery is a really popular choice for many especially couples as it can symbolise their love and connection. Given as a gift for anniversaries or other special occasions it can also serve as a meaningful heirloom that can be passed down through a family.

A Garnet on a ring

January Birthstone: Garnet

Modern Birthstone: Garnet

January’s birthstone Garnet, is deep red-brown in colour and has a history dating back to the 14th century. The name “garnet” stems from the Latin word “granatum,” which means seed, as the gemstone has a strong resemblance to pomegranate seeds.

It is associated with immense power and vitality. Ancient Romans wore Garnets as a protective talisman during battles, believed to guard against evil, injuries, and nightmares.

Among the various Garnet varieties, the dark red and purple stones seem to be the most popular, although other colours ranging from oranges, greens, browns, yellows, pinks and even blues are available too.

These colours have a rich historical legacy, found in jewellery and artefacts discovered in ancient Egypt and Rome. The widespread popularity of red Garnet can be attributed to its abundant availability. It is formed within metamorphic rocks found across every continent (including countries such as India, Brazil, Pakistan, Russia and Tanzania), making it easily accessible to the world.

Amethyst is a gorgeous purple colour

February Birthstone: Amethyst

Modern Birthstone: Amethyst

Amethyst, the birthstone for February, belongs to the quartz family. This popular gem is known for its rich violet-purple colour, although it can also be found in green or yellow. The distinct purple colour of Amethysts is due to impurities that enter the quartz, infusing it with its characteristic colour.

The name “Amethyst” originates from the Greek word “methustos,” meaning “intoxicated,” and was believed to protect wearers from the effects of alcohol. In Chinese culture, it was also symbolised as wisdom.

Amethyst has a strong association with royalty and is often found on royal jewellery and crowns. Symbolically, Amethyst also represents peace, abundance, wisdom, power, and facilitates emotional connection and clarity. Its healing properties have been recognised in different cultures throughout history.

Russia played a significant role as the primary source of Amethyst until the 19th century. However, the discovery of vast deposits in Brazil transformed the availability of this gemstone. Once considered as rare as precious gemstones like Ruby or Emerald, Amethyst became abundant due to these newfound deposits. Currently, the major sources of Amethyst are located in Africa and South America.

A pebble of heliotrope bloodstone

March Birthstone: Bloodstone

Modern Birthstones: Aquamarine, Blue Topaz

The traditional birthstone for March is Bloodstone, also known as Heliotrope, which is a type of Chalcedony, and a variety of Quartz. It typically appears as a dark green Jasper with opaque to semi-translucent properties and features distinctive red inclusions of iron oxides, particularly hematite.

The name “Heliotrope” came from the Greeks and means “to turn the sun.” According to ancient beliefs, these gemstones were thought to cause the sun to turn red when put in water. The name “bloodstone” is derived from the belief that the stone’s colour pattern holds religious importance, symbolising the blood of Christ.

The Bloodstone is believed to enhance strength, provide a sense of invisibility, and promote overall health and youthfulness. The bloodstone is also considered a lucky charm and is highly valued by athletes and individuals seeking to boost their strength and vitality.

The majority of Bloodstone available in the market today originates from India. However, it can also be sourced from other countries including Brazil, Australia, China, and the United States. They can be found in the form of fillings within fractures or cavities in other rocks, as well as in the shape of pebbles discovered in riverbeds.

Blue Topaz is the modern equivalent, driven by availability

Aquamarine – A more modern birthstone known for March is Aquamarine, which contains soothing blue tones and is supposed to aid protection and marital happiness.

Also known as ‘water of the sea’ this gem has outstanding clarity and transparency. It ranges in colour from pale blue to greenish-blue and represents the calming properties of water.

Blue Topaz – Blue Topaz is a very popular gemstone known for its striking blue colour, clarity, and brilliance. It can occur naturally, but it is also commonly treated to enhance its colour.

Blue topaz is also associated with qualities such as calmness, communication, and self-expression, making it a sought-after gemstone for both its beauty and symbolic meanings.

Diamond pendants or earrings can be more affordable options

April Birthstone: Diamond

Modern Birthstone: Diamond

April’s birthstone the diamond is one of the most sought-after gemstones in the world. It is universally admired for its exquisite beauty, remarkable brilliance, and enduring symbolism of strength and eternal love. Diamond is renowned for its exceptional hardness (10 on the Mohs hardness scale), so much so that its name is derived from the Greek word “adamas,” meaning “invincible” or “unbreakable.”

Diamonds have long been linked with wealth, power, and status. They are often used to symbolise commitment and are the most popular choice for a loved ones engagement ring and wedding band. They come in a variety of cuts and shapes, including round, princess, emerald, and marquise. The quality of a Diamond is assessed using the 4Cs: colour, clarity, cut, and carat weight.

This birthstone can trace its origins back to ancient India, where Diamonds were collected from rivers and streams. These precious gemstones were highly prized and sought after by Kings, Queens and the affluent from as early as the fourth century. Today, Diamonds are mined in various locations worldwide, including South Africa, Botswana, and Russia.

Emerald pendant

May Birthstone: Emerald

Modern Birthstone: Emerald

Emerald is easily recognised for its deep green colour and is supposed to enhance intelligence, healing, and the ability to predict the future. The term “Emerald” comes from the Greek word “smaragdos,” which was used to refer to a precious green gemstone.

Throughout history, Emeralds have captivated the hearts of royalty, from Egyptian Pharaohs to Inca Emperors. Cleopatra, renowned for her exquisite taste, had a deep affection for Emeralds and adorned herself with this precious stone. Today, these precious gems still hold significant meaning and are often used in jewellery pieces, such as the famous Emerald and Diamond necklace worn by the late Elizabeth Taylor.

For over five centuries, Colombia has been the main source of the world’s finest Emeralds and the stones from here are consistently produced with exceptional quality and beauty. Colombian Emeralds have earned a reputation as the benchmark for excellence, setting the standard by which all other Emeralds are judged. They are also mined in countries like Zambia and Brazil and they come in many shades and variations, ranging from deep to lighter green.

In astrology and healing practices, this gemstone is believed to enhance intuition and promote emotional and physical healing. With their unique properties and characteristics, Emeralds require special care to maintain their beauty.

Pearl jewellery

June Birthstone: Pearl

Modern Birthstones: Alexandrite, Moonstone

June, known as the month of transition from spring to summer, is associated with the elegant and natural beauty of the Pearl, a gemstone that holds deep symbolism and has been treasured for centuries.

Cultivation techniques for freshwater pearls have made them more readily available and affordable than ever before. Pearls are unique in their formation, as they are produced by living organisms, particularly molluscs. Pearl-bearing molluscs thrive in unpolluted waters, which is why pearl farms are typically situated in remote and pristine locations including the Arabian Gulf and waters off Mexico, Central America and Venezuela.

The main places to farm pearls are in Japan and China, where the art of pearl cultivation has a long history. However, these pearls can also be farmed in other locations such as Northern Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. These farms are carefully chosen to provide optimal conditions for the growth and development of pearls and they come in various shapes, sizes, and colours, including white, cream, pink, and black.

Pearls have significant historical relevance in many cultures around the world, representing purity, wisdom, and wealth. They have been worn by famous historical figures, such as Cleopatra and Elizabeth I. Pearls are often incorporated into bridal jewellery, symbolising beauty and innocence.

Alexandrite – This rare gemstone is known for the way it changes colour. In daylight or fluorescent light, it appears green or bluish-green, while in incandescent or candlelight, it transforms into shades of red or purplish-red. Alexandrite is highly valued for its rarity, optical properties, and beauty.

Moonstone – Moonstone exhibits a phenomenon called adularescence, which is a floating light effect caused by the scattering of light on the mineral’s internal structure. This gives the stone its distinctive sheen and is often compared to a glowing moon in the sky. Moonstone is usually found in shades of white, grey, peach, and blue. This stone is connected to femininity, intuition, and spirituality, and is often used in jewellery designs that have a sense of magic and mystery.

Gold earrings with ruby drops

July Birthstone: Ruby

Modern Birthstone: Ruby

The birthstone for July is the Ruby, a vibrant red gemstone linked to physicality, strength, and the ability to calm anger. Rubies are often regarded as symbols of love and passion. Known for their hardness and durability, they are one of the hardest gemstones after Diamonds.

Rubies come in different shades, ranging from pigeon blood red to pinkish red. It is a type of corundum mineral, that derives its red colour from the presence of the element ‘chromium’ within its crystal structure.

Higher levels of chromium result in a deeper and more vibrant red colour. They can also undergo treatments and enhancements to improve their depth and clarity.

Ruby’s are known for their rarity, hardness, beauty, and seemingly mystical properties. In Medieval Europe, people believed that Rubies possessed the ability to bestow upon their wearer health, wealth, wisdom and success in love.

Ruby mining locations can be found worldwide, including Myanmar (one of the oldest recorded sources of fine Rubies), Vietnam, Thailand, Kenya and Mozambique.

Beads of polished orange sardonyx

August Birthstone: Sardonyx

Modern Birthstones: Peridot, Spinel

Sardonyx is the oldest known birthstone for August. It is a unique combination of two types of chalcedony: Sard and Onyx. It has distinctive bands of brownish red, brown, and dark orange sard, alternating with layers of typically white or black Onyx.

In ancient civilisations, Sardonyx was the preferred stone for Roman seals and signet rings. Its smooth surface ensured that hot wax would not adhere to it, allowing for secure seals. Its exquisite colour bands have made it a sought-after material for carving cameos and intaglios, a tradition that has persisted for centuries.

It is believed to have been one of the stones adorning the High Priest’s breastplate, as mentioned in the Old Testament and represents the strength of spiritual life.

In modern interpretations, it is linked to courage, happiness, and effective communication, which is believed to bring stability to partnerships and marriage.

Sardonyx is sourced from various locations around the world, mainly India but it can also be found in Brazil (known for its rich gemstone deposits), Germany, Czechoslovakia, Madagascar, Uruguay, and the United States.

Peridot – Peridot is a vibrant green gemstone that holds its own unique significance and beauty. Peridot jewellery is a more popular choice for those born in August or those who simply appreciate its charm. The stone is associated with meanings of abundance, prosperity, and good fortune. It is believed to possess healing powers that promote well-being and vitality.

Spinel – Spinel is a gemstone that comes in a range of colours, including red, blue, pink, purple, and black. In the past, it was often mistaken for other gemstones like Ruby and Sapphire due to its similar brilliant appearance and sparkle. They can be bought in various sizes and cuts, including faceted gemstones and cabochons.

Blue sapphire ring

September Birthstone: Sapphire

Modern Birthstone: Sapphire

Sapphire, the birthstone for September, is a highly prized gemstone known for its stunning beauty. Several individuals from ancient Greece and Rome believed that blue Sapphires provided protection against harm and envy, and during the Middle Ages, clerics wore them as a symbol of Heaven.

Today they symbolise wisdom, loyalty, and nobility and are often linked to royalty. They are also a popular choice for engagement rings. Among traditional blue Sapphires, you can also find vibrant pink, yellow and green colours.

One of the most famous examples of the Sapphire is the 12-carat blue gem surrounded by Diamonds, featured in the engagement ring initially worn by the late Princess Diana and later passed on by her son to Kate Middleton, now known as the Duchess of Cambridge.

Historically, Kashmir, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka have been recognised as significant sources of this stone. These regions have yielded substantial quantities but they have also been discovered in Australia, Thailand, Cambodia, Madagascar, and the United States (specifically Montana).

Opal ring

October Birthstone: Opal

Modern Birthstone: Tourmaline

The traditional birthstone for October is believed to have originated in India, where it was called “upala” in Sanskrit, meaning “precious stone.” Over time, this name evolved into “opalus”. Opals are highly valued for their range of shifting rainbow colours. They come in a variety of types, including black Opal, white Opal, and fire Opal, each with its own distinct characteristics.

Opals are thought to have qualities of light and magic, leading to various beliefs and superstitions. Some believed they possessed healing powers, particularly beneficial for the eyes. There are also legends suggesting that Opals could render the wearer invisible. Over time these old traditions have been forgotten and many now believe they are symbols of good luck and wear them with positive intentions.

Australia is the primary source of precious opals, but there are other mining locations in Mexico, Ethiopia and Brazil.

Tourmaline – Tourmaline is a birthstone that comes in a wide variety of colours, making it highly versatile and sought-after. It is known for its unique crystal structure, with many different colours appearing in a single stone. Commonly found colours of Tourmaline include pink, green, blue, yellow, and black.

Luxury topaz ring surrounded by shiny diamonds

November Birthstone: Topaz

Modern Birthstones: Golden Topaz, Citrine

Topaz is often connected with strength, wisdom, and courage, making it a fitting gem for those born in November. It comes in nearly all the colours of the rainbow, (colourless, light blue, orange, yellow, pink, violet, brown and occasionally red). Each colour variation has different qualities, yellow Topaz represents joy and abundance, and golden Topaz symbolises wealth and success.

Minas Gerais, a state in Brazil, has been producing high-quality Topaz for over two centuries, various colours, including the popular golden and imperial Topaz come from here. Northwestern Pakistan is also known for its production of pink Topaz, its delicate colour makes it a popular choice for romantic gifts.

Golden Topaz – This gem gets its rich golden colour from trace amounts of iron present in the crystal structure. The colour can range from a pale yellow to a deep orange-yellow, resembling the warm glow of the setting sun.

Citrine – Citrine belongs to the Quartz family and is closely related to Amethyst, another popular gemstone. However, while Amethyst is purple in colour, Citrine comes in different shades of yellow. It could be a pale lemon or have flashes of deep gold. Its radiant yellow colour is meant to bring joy, confidence, abundance, and positivity.

December Birthstone: Turquoise

Modern Birthstones: Blue Zircon, Blue Topaz, Tanzanite

Turquoise is a vibrant blue-green coloured stone and is a hydrous phosphate mineral that possesses unique properties such as its opaque appearance and ability to change colour due to exposure to light and chemicals.

Turquoise is believed to bring health and good fortune to those who wear it, and in the past, it was also thought to provide protection from falls, particularly while riding horses. It was also said that it could fracture into pieces as a warning sign in the presence of impending disasters.

For over a millennium, the Nishapur district in Iran had the biggest source of Turquoise, particularly the highly valued even-coloured, intense blue varieties known as “robin’s egg blue,” “sky blue,” and “Persian blue.” However, China has now emerged as the world’s leading producer of this December birthstone. Hubei Province, located in central China, is where most of the stones are currently being mined.

Blue Zircon – Zircon has an intense blue colour and is a naturally occurring mineral. Blue zircon can range in colour from pale blue to deep blue, resembling the colour of a clear blue sky.

Blue Topaz – Blue topaz is a more common gemstone that occurs naturally in various shades of blue, from pale sky blue to deep Swiss blue. It can also be treated to achieve a more vivid blue colour.

Tanzanite – Tanzanite is a rare and precious gemstone that was discovered in Tanzania in the 1960s. It has vibrant blue to violet-blue tones which can display different colours when viewed from different angles.

History of Birthstones

The concept of birthstones and their importance can be traced back to the book of Exodus in the Bible. According to the biblical account, the high priest Aaron wore a special breastplate adorned with 12 jewels, representing the 12 tribes of Israel. These gems were believed to possess miraculous powers and were associated with specific astrological signs.

The exact identification of the stones in the breastplate is debatable. The descriptions in the Bible rely on old-fashioned terms that are more related to the colour of the jewel rather than the specific gemstone itself. As a result, there is some ambiguity regarding the precise identity of each gemstone.

Over time, different interpretations and translations have emerged and various cultures developed their own lists of birthstones based on historical references, folklore, and regional preferences.

Today, birthstones are commonly associated with specific months and are seen as symbols of personal identity, birth month, and sometimes even personality traits or qualities. The modern list of birthstones has evolved and become standardised to include a wide range of stones, allowing you to connect with a gem that aligns with your birth month or personal affinity.

Symbolism of Birthstones

In some cultures, birthstones are believed to possess spiritual and metaphysical properties but many also believe there is an astrological link between the stones and our star signs. This link determines which stones are most beneficial for an individual born under each particular sign.

Gemstone-inspired jewellery, home decor, accessories, and fashion trends prove there is long-lasting popularity in the significance of birthstones regardless of what is a myth or fact.

How Birthstones Are Determined

The process of selecting birthstones involves considering various factors such as the meanings, associations, and characteristics associated with each gemstone.

Birthstones hold symbolic significance to many and are believed to have special energies that bring good luck, protection, and other positive qualities.

The birthstone market is influenced by changing trends, with certain gemstones gaining popularity while others may become less sought after.

Different Types of Birthstones

Birthstones are not only chosen for their beauty but also for their perceived healing properties and historical significance. Jewellery trends often incorporate birthstones in a spectrum of different colours, as well as various cuts and shapes, such as faceted, cabochon, or fancy cuts.

The rarity of certain gemstones can also contribute to their desirability. Some are transparent and others are solid in colour, often one gemstone can be found in a number of different colours. Drop a comment below for your favourite on our birthstones guide list.