Birthstones are a beautiful way to celebrate a birthday month and make for thoughtful, personalized jewelry gifts. Each gem possesses a distinct meaning that is special to the individual born in its associated month. The history of these stones is rich, with origins that can be traced back to the Bible, specifically the Breastplate of Aaron described in the book of Exodus. This sacred breastplate was decorated with 12 differently colored gems. Over time, different cultures assigned these gems to each month based on factors such as astrological signs or seasonal traits, and wearing them was thought to bring good luck, good health, and protection to individuals born during their associated month.
The tradition evolved over centuries. This list of traditional birthstones originated in Poland between the 16th and 18th centuries. Then, in 1912, the National Association of Jewelers released a standardized list of "modern birthstones." The modern list differs slightly from the traditional list, which is why some months have two birthstones. Understanding birthstones by month helps you choose meaningful gifts, learn about gemstone symbolism and historical uses, and pick jewelry that reflects your personality or heritage. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of these gems, exploring their history, geological origins, gemological properties, and the symbolism that has made them enduring symbols of personal identity.
January: Garnet
Garnet is the birthstone for January. While most people picture a deep red gem when they think of garnet, this versatile stone is available in a stunning array of colors. The accompanying photo in the source material shows some of the many different colors in which garnet can occur, including orange spessartite from Mozambique, yellow mali from Mali, green demantoid from Namibia, green tsavorite from Tanzania, purple rhodolite from Mozambique, pink malaya from Tanzania, red pyrope from Cote d'Ivoire, green merelani mint from Tanzania, and orange hessonite from Sri Lanka. This color variety gives people born in January many options to choose from. The source notes that except for the orange hessonite from Sri Lanka, all of these garnets were mined in Africa, which is described as a relatively new source of spectacular garnets.
Garnet is the birthstone of January and is available in almost every color, including green (tsavorite and demantoid), orange (spessartine and hessionite), purple (rhodolite), yellow (mali and topazolite), pink (malaya), red (almandine and pyrope), and black (melanite). There are even opaque garnets that are usually cut as a cabochon, such as pink hydrogrossular and green grossularite. The meaning associated with January's birthstone is constancy.
February: Amethyst
Amethyst is the birthstone for February. It is the world's most popular purple gem, a status that enhances its role as a birthstone. Its captivating color has made it a favorite for centuries. The meaning associated with February's birthstone is sincerity. As a member of the quartz family, amethyst's widespread appeal comes from its beautiful hues, which range from light lavender to a deep, royal purple.
March: Aquamarine
Aquamarine is the birthstone for March. This gem, with its serene blue to blue-green tones, evokes the calm of the sea. Its name is derived from the Latin words for "water" and "sea." The meaning associated with March's birthstone is wisdom. Aquamarine is a gem that is cherished for its clear, bright appearance and its connection to tranquility and clarity of thought.
April: Diamond
Diamond is the birthstone for April. As the most celebrated and sought-after gemstone, the diamond is renowned for its unmatched hardness and brilliant sparkle. It is a symbol of eternal love and commitment, making it a popular choice for engagement rings as well as birthstone jewelry. The meaning associated with April's birthstone is innocence. Its enduring nature and pure beauty have made it a timeless classic.
May: Emerald
Emerald is the birthstone for May. This vibrant green gem has been prized for its rich color for thousands of years. The deep, lush green of emerald is associated with spring, rebirth, and vitality. The meaning associated with May's birthstone is happiness. Emeralds are cherished for their unique beauty and the sense of life and growth they represent.
June: Pearl and Alexandrite
June is one of the few months with two recognized birthstones: Pearl and Alexandrite. This provides those born in June with a choice between two very different but equally beautiful gems. The meaning associated with June's birthstones is wealth.
Pearls are unique among gemstones because they are organic, formed within the soft tissue of a living mollusk. They have a long history of being treasured for their lustrous, creamy beauty.
Alexandrite is an extraordinary gemstone known for its remarkable color-changing ability. It appears green in daylight and shifts to a reddish or purplish hue under incandescent light, a phenomenon that has captivated gem lovers for generations.
July: Ruby
Ruby is the birthstone for July. This fiery red gem is one of the most coveted gemstones in the world. Its name comes from the Latin word rubeus, meaning red. The intense, passionate color of ruby has long been associated with love, power, and energy. The meaning associated with July's birthstone is freedom. Ruby's brilliant color and durability make it a stunning and enduring choice for jewelry.
August: Peridot
Peridot is the birthstone for August. This gem is known for its distinctive olive-green color, which is caused by the presence of iron in its chemical composition. Peridot has been admired since ancient times and is one of the few gemstones that occurs in only one color. The meaning associated with August's birthstone is friendship. Its bright, cheerful color is said to bring good fortune and peace to its wearer.
September: Sapphire
Sapphire is the birthstone for September. While most commonly associated with a rich cornflower blue, sapphires can actually occur in a full spectrum of colors, except for red (which is classified as ruby). The most prized color is a deep, velvety blue. The meaning associated with September's birthstone is truth. Sapphire has long been a symbol of wisdom, loyalty, and nobility.
October: Opal and Tourmaline
October is another month blessed with two birthstones: Opal and Tourmaline. Both represent creativity and individuality, making them perfect for the changeable autumn season. The meaning associated with October's birthstones is hope.
Opal is a unique gem known for its "play-of-color," a phenomenon where flashes of iridescent color dance across its surface as it is moved. This characteristic makes each opal a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.
Tourmaline is celebrated for its incredible variety of colors. It is often called the "Rainbow Gemstone" because it can be found in more shades and combinations than any other gemstone, offering a vast palette for jewelry design.
November: Topaz and Citrine
The warm-hued gems of November are Topaz and Citrine. These stones symbolize joy, abundance, and energy, perfect for brightening the late fall season. The meaning associated with November's birthstones is loyalty.
Topaz occurs in a wide range of colors, but it is most famously associated with a rich golden or imperial yellow. Citrine, with its warm yellow to reddish-orange tones, is known as the "healing quartz" and is cherished for its sunny disposition.
December: Turquoise, Tanzanite, Zircon, and Blue Topaz
December is rich in blue birthstones. The birthstones for December include Turquoise, Tanzanite, Zircon, and Blue Topaz. These gems all embody calm, hope, and good fortune, making them ideal for winter birthdays. The meaning associated with December's birthstones is success.
Turquoise is an ancient gemstone, known for its distinctive sky-blue to greenish-blue color, often with a matrix of veins.
Tanzanite is a relatively modern discovery, found only in a small area of Tanzania. It displays a mesmerizing violet-blue hue.
Zircon is one of the oldest minerals on Earth and should not be confused with the synthetic cubic zirconia. It comes in a variety of colors, but the blue variety is most popular for December.
Blue Topaz offers a cool, clear blue that ranges from pale sky blue to a deep, saturated Swiss or London blue.
The Significance of Birthstone Jewelry
Birthstone jewelry is a long-standing custom in many countries. In the United States alone, consumers buy millions of dollars' worth of birthstone jewelry every month. The first jewelry item that many children receive is often a birthstone ring, earrings, or pendant. Three-piece sets that include a birthstone ring, pendant, and pair of earrings are sold in many stores and are popular birthday and graduation gifts. Some students select their birthstone as the center stone of their high school or college class ring.
Mothers often wear rings, pendants, or pins that contain their children's birthstones. A “Mother’s Ring” is a woman’s ring that is set with the birthstones of her children. These rings are sometimes purchased by a mother but are often a gift from her husband or children, and they are often engraved with the names of the children or with a special message. Birthstones facilitate the purchase and sale of many jewelry items, serving as both a purchasing and marketing aid. For a shopper looking for the perfect gift, a salesperson can ask for the birthdate and suggest a meaningful piece.
Birthstones by Astrological Sign
In addition to the monthly birthstone list, some traditions link gemstones to astrological signs. This provides another layer of personal meaning for individuals. The birthstones by astrological sign are:
- Aquarius: Amethyst
- Pisces: Aquamarine
- Aries: Diamond
- Taurus: Emerald
- Gemini: Pearl
- Cancer: Ruby
- Leo: Peridot
- Virgo: Sapphire
- Libra: Opal
- Scorpio: Topaz
- Sagittarius: Turquoise
- Capricorn: Garnet
This list offers an alternative way to choose a gemstone that resonates with an individual's astrological identity.
Conclusion
The tradition of birthstones is a captivating blend of history, geology, and personal symbolism. From the deep red of January's garnet to the serene blue of December's turquoise, each gem offers a unique story and a connection to the month of one's birth. Whether chosen for its historical lore, its aesthetic beauty, or its symbolic meaning, a birthstone serves as a timeless and personal adornment. The diverse palette of colors and properties found across the twelve months ensures that there is a perfect gem for everyone, making birthstone jewelry a meaningful way to celebrate life's most personal milestones.