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Gemstones and Birthstones by Month: Your Complete Guide

From ancient myths to modern trends, birthstones have always carried a little extra sparkle. Whether you're celebrating a birthday or just vibing with a gem that reflects your personality, this guide breaks down gemstones by month – including what they symbolize, how to wear them, and why they’ve stood the test of time.

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History and Significance of Birthstones

Birthstones by Month

Meaning and Symbolism of Each Birthstone

Choosing and Wearing Birthstone Jewellery

History and Significance of Birthstones

Birthstones aren’t just pretty – they’ve got deep roots. Across cultures and centuries, people have turned to gemstones for everything from protection and healing to self-expression. Each birthstone holds distinct symbolism, connecting us to our past while guiding us toward the future. Let’s learn more about this rich history…

Origins and Evolution of the Birthstone Tradition

The earliest birthstone traditions trace back to biblical times. Historians link them to the 12 stones on Aaron’s (the first high priest of the Israelites) breastplate, each one thought to represent a tribe of Israel and a month of the year. Over time, various cultures – like the Romans, Hindus, and Tibetans – put their own spin on the idea, pairing certain stones with astrology, personality traits, or good fortune.

Modern vs. Traditional Birthstone Lists

You might notice more than one birthstone listed for your month. That’s because modern jewelers (like the Jewelers of America) updated the list in the 20th century to make some gems more accessible and durable for everyday wear. The traditional list leans heavily on folklore, while the modern one is about practicality and broader appeal. Bottom line? You can choose what resonates most!

Birthstones by Month

Ready to meet your personal gemstone? Here’s a breakdown of birthstones by month, their standout colors, and what they represent.

January: Garnet

January marks a vibrant start. Deep red and full of energy, garnet symbolizes protection, passion, and strength. It’s the ultimate winter gem to balance the cold – bold, warm, and full of fire.

Shop January Birthstone Jewellery

February: Amethyst

This dreamy purple quartz is all about calm, clarity, and peace. Amethyst is often admired for its beauty and has been a favourite of royalty and spiritual seekers for centuries.

Shop February Birthstone Jewellery

March: Aquamarine, Bloodstone

Aquamarine channels ocean vibes – think peace, tranquility, and harmony. Bloodstone brings grounding energy and is linked to endurance and strength.

Shop March Birthstone Jewellery

April: Diamond

The queen of the gemstone world. Diamonds symbolize eternal love, purity, and strength. They’re known for their unparalleled beauty and stunning brilliance. Bonus: they go with absolutely everything.

Shop April Birthstone Jewellery

May: Emerald

Rich and lush, emeralds represent rebirth, love, growth and renewal. They’ve been prized for their vibrant green hue since Cleopatra’s day. Emerald’s eye-catching colour is believed to invigorate both mind and spirit.

Shop May Birthstone Jewellery

June: Pearl, Alexandrite, Moonstone

Pearls bring timeless elegance, symbolizing purity, balance and wisdom. Alexandrite shifts colors (seriously!) and is associated with luck and love. Moonstone glows with mystery, representing feminine energy, intuition and new beginnings.

Shop June Birthstone Jewellery

July: Ruby

A fiery red symbol of passion, protection, and power. Rubies are rare, radiant, and seriously luxurious. Historically, rubies were believed to contain the essence of life, given their intense colour, making them a sought-after gemstone.

Shop July Birthstone Jewellery

August: Peridot, Spinel, Sardonyx

Peridot’s lime-green hue feels fresh and fun – it’s all about growth, positivity and strength. Spinel is a hidden gem with bold shades associated with passion and devotion, and sardonyx adds grounding strength and stability.

Shop August Birthstone Jewellery

September: Sapphire

Traditionally blue (a top pick for nobility), sapphires also come in peach, pink, and more. As a symbol of loyalty, truth, and faithfulness, sapphires have long been tied to nobility.

Shop September Birthstone Jewellery

October: Opal, Tourmaline

Opals shimmer with iridescent colour and mystery, while tourmaline dazzles in every shade imaginable. Both stones promote creativity and emotional depth.

Shop October Birthstone Jewellery

November: Topaz, Citrine

Topaz comes in a range of colors, but golden-yellow is the classic. Citrine brings sunny, uplifting vibes. Both are about abundance and joy.

Shop November Birthstone Jewellery

December: Turquoise, Tanzanite, Zircon

December babies are spoiled with choice. Turquoise brings protection, healing and good fortune; tanzanite gives off a luxe, velvety, blue-violet glow and is associated with intuition and peace; and zircon adds sparkle and promotes wisdom, clarity and resilience.

Shop December Birthstone Jewellery

Want even more background info about different kinds of popular gemstones? See our guide to gemstone types.

Meaning and Symbolism of Each Birthstone

Birthstones aren’t just linked to your birthday – they often reflect deeper meanings tied to your personality, culture, or beliefs.

Personal and Cultural Significance

Wearing your birthstone is a way to connect with your identity. In some traditions, it's believed to bring luck or amplify your best traits. Whether you're a fiery July ruby or a calm March aquamarine, your stone can say a lot about who you are.

Traditional Beliefs and Modern Interpretations

Historically, birthstones were thought to have healing powers or offer protection. While not everyone believes in gemstone “powers” today, birthstones are still deeply meaningful – and they make beautifully personal jewellery gifts (for yourself or someone you love!).

Choosing and Wearing Birthstone Jewellery

There’s no wrong way to wear your birthstone, but here are a few ideas to help you choose the perfect piece.

Selecting the Right Style

Birthstones shine in every kind of jewellery – rings, necklaces, earrings, you name it. Go dainty and minimal for everyday wear or bold and faceted for statement pieces. Mix with diamonds for extra sparkle or pair with other stones for a personalized touch.

Want to start creating your own unique piece? Explore Jewlr’s birthstone rings, birthstone necklaces, and birthstone bracelets for plenty of customizable options.

Gift Ideas and Special Occasions

Birthstone jewellery is always a thoughtful birthday gift – but it’s also perfect for anniversaries, Mother’s Day, or celebrating a new baby. Want to make it extra special? Add a custom engraving or choose a birthstone jewellery design that combines multiple family stones.

Caring for Birthstone Jewellery

Not all gems are created equal when it comes to toughness. Diamonds are ultra-durable, while pearls and opals are more delicate. Follow these basic care tips:

  • Store softer stones separately to avoid scratching.
  • Avoid harsh chemicals, especially with porous gems like turquoise and opals.
  • Clean regularly with a soft cloth or gentle soap and water – no ultrasonic cleaners for delicate gems.

Celebrate Yourself or Someone You Love with a Piece of Birthstone Jewellery

Whether you’re buying for yourself or a loved one, birthstones add a meaningful touch to any jewellery collection. From traditional sparkle to modern symbolism, these gems are a celebration of personality and heritage.

Ready to find your gem? Explore Jewlr’s full collection of birthstone jewellery to personalize the perfect piece.

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