Introduction
Birthstone jewelry has been the most popular concept for centuries, becoming more popular among gift-givers and gem-lovers for the dazzling array of colors and personal sentiments it can represent.
In modern tradition, there are one to three gemstones representing every birth month of the year. The origin of the tradition is generally traced back to the 12 gems set into the breastplate of a Jewish priest, as outlined in the Bible.
People would collect all 12 gems to wear at one time in extravagant belts, bracelets, and other ornaments. The modern tradition of wearing one stone for their month of birth did not begin until the 16th century and originated in either Germany or Poland.
Modern vs. Traditional Birthstones
The list of ancient or traditional birthstones most well-known in the United States originated in Poland between the 16th and 18th centuries.
In the year 1912, the National Association of Jewelers released a list of so-called “Modern birthstones,” and each month they were represented. This made it easier for jewelers to create “mother rings”, which featured the birthstones of women’s children.
In 1952, it was modified by the Jewelry Industry Council of America, adding Alexandrite iJunene, Citrine in November, Pink Tourmaline in October, and Zircon in December. At present, tanzanite is added to December, and spinel is added to August.
With the help of the table, you can easily understand the changes in gemstones in modern and traditional birthstones
| MONTH | TRADITIONAL BIRTHSTONE | MODERN BIRTHSTONE |
| JANUARY | GARNET | GARNET |
| FEBRUARY | AMETHYST | AMETHYST |
| MARCH | BLOODSTONE | AQUAMARINE |
| APRIL | DIAMOND | DIAMOND |
| MAY | EMERALD | EMERALD |
| JUNE | PEARL | ALEXANDRITE |
| JULY | RUBY | RUBY |
| AUGUST | SARDONYX | PERIDOT/ SPINEL |
| SEPTEMBER | SAPPHIRE | SAPPHIRE |
| OCTOBER | OPAL | TOURMALINE |
| NOVEMBER | TOPAZ | CITRINE |
| DECEMBER | TURQUOISE | BLUE ZICRON, TANZANITE |
JANUARY BIRTHSTONE
Garnet
Garnet is the official gemstone of January. It is associated with the red color and expresses the new beginning and fresh start often associated with the beginning of the new year. It is the birthstone of January.
Color
This birthstone is the most complex in the gem world. It consists of various species and varieties.
Red is the most common color for garnet, they can be found in a spectrum of colors, including green, orange, yellow, and even the rare blue varieties.
Symbolism
Some believe that garnet is a protective stone, shielding the wearer from injury. It is occasionally associated with life-giving blood, red-variety garnets are also connected to vitality, love, and light.
Use
Today, Garnet is used in all types of jewelry, like rings, bracelets, earrings, and necklaces, and some well-known varieties like Almandine, pyrope, and rhodonite, among others.
FEBRUARY BIRTHSTONE
Amethyst
It holds the honor of being an official birthstone of February. Amethyst is a crystalline quartz in colors ranging from pale lilac to deep reddish purple. It is associated with qualities such as clarity, calmness, and inner strength. It has a high hardness of 7, due to which it is scratch-resistant. Amethyst is the birthstone of February.
Color
This birthstone is renowned for its captivating purple variety of quartz varies from pale to vibrant.
The lightest, pinkesh violet shades are called “ Rose de France”.
Symbolism
Throughout history, people have also associated amethyst with spirituality, mental clarity, healing, wisdom, and protection from negative energies. In ancient Greece it was believed to prevent poisoning
Use
Due to hardness of 7 on Moh’s scale it is durable and has a wide range of jewelry pieces, including rings, necklaces, earrings, pendants, and bracelets.
MARCH BIRTHSTONE
Aquamarine
A blue-to-blue-green gemstone belongs to the beryl mineral family, derived from the color of seawater, and is a captivating gemstone, which also includes emerald. It is the birthstone of March.
Color
The “aquamarine” is derived from the Latin words “aqua” and “mare” which means water of the sea. The name describes the gem’s stunning blue color, which often resembles the clear, tranquil waters of the ocean. So these gems can be found in both blue/ green hues. It will always have light color saturation and tone, so you will not see dark blues or greens.
Symbolism
It is associated with qualities such as serenity, tranquility, and clarity. Due to aquamarine name and color, this gem has folklore strongly connected to the sea. It traditionally includes the protection of sea drivers, sailors, fishermen as well and travelers generally.
Use
Aquamarine’s stunning color and positive symbolism make it a popular choice for various types of jewelry, including rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings. Avoid exposing Aquamarine to excessive heat or sudden temperature change, as this may cause thermal shock.
Bloodstone
Bloodstones, also known as Heliotrope, are relatively inexpensive gems available in many sizes. Stones with a greater number of deep red and deep orange spots are usually set for higher prizes. Bloodstones are more durable than most gemstones. It is one of the traditional birthstones for March.
Color
It typically has a green base color, which ranges from light to green color, and is often speckled or mottled with red, brown, or orange spots or veins.
Due to the presence of iron oxide or hematite, red specks are caused.
Symbolism
It has developed rich folklore throughout the centuries, particularly through sympathetic association with blood. Bloodstone often associated with qualities such as courage, strength, protection, and vitality. It is believed to promote good health and enhance energy levels.
Use
It is a relatively hard gemstone with a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Moh’s scale. Its distinctive appearance makes it a unique and eye-catching choice for earrings, rings, necklaces, and bracelets, who appreciate its symbolism and aesthetics
APRIL BIRTHSTONE
Diamond
Diamond is the most precious, well-known and highly prized, coveted gemstone. Diamonds are the hardest known natural substance with a hardness of 10 on the Moh’s scale. They are extremely durable, have excellent brilliance provide the wearer with better relationships, and increase inner strength. It is the traditional birthstone of April.
Color
Diamonds are often thought of as colorless, they come in various colors including white, yellow blue, pink, and green. Colorless diamonds are graded on a scale from D( colorless) to Z ( light yellow or brown)
Symbolism
Diamonds are linked to strength and enduring love because of their great hardness, all-around endurance, and obvious beauty. They stand for invincibility, purity, and clarity as well. They are frequently chosen for engagement rings.
Use
Many kinds of jewelry, such as engagement rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and more, frequently feature diamonds. They frequently appear in a variety of styles, from traditional solitaire settings to sophisticated and complex pieces.
MAY BIRTHSTONE
EMERALD
The birthstone for May is emerald and a symbol of rebirth and is thought to bestow upon its wearer wisdom, luck, and youth. Emeralds are seen as a symbol of optimism, romantic success, and home contentment. They are also supposed to sustain love and passion in partnerships. It has been utilized as a talisman to ward against evil in several civilizations.
Color
Emeralds, known for their deep green hue, are expensive, vibrant, and rich, with some blue undertones.
Eye-visible inclusion is frequently present in emeralds. The value of the stone increases with less inclusion.
Symbolism
Emeralds symbolize fertility, love, and rebirth. It is often seen as symbols of hope and renewal, making them a popular choice for celebratory occasions. They enhance intelligence, aid in healing, and can even foretell the future.
Use
Emeralds are commonly used in jewelry like rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets, often paired with other gemstones or diamonds to enhance their beauty.
JUNE BIRTHSTONE
Alexandrite
It is well-known for displaying one of the most remarkable color changes in the gem world. It is a rare and expensive June birthstone, turning green in sunlight and red in translucent light. Alexandrite is a variety of the mineral chrysoberyl. It is relatively hard, with a hardness of 8.5 on the Moh’s scale.
Color
The “alexandrite effect” is a phenomenon where high-quality alexandrite gemstones display distinct color changes, ranging from green in daylight to reddish-purple under incandescent light, with lower-quality stones displaying mixed or muddied appearances.
Symbolism
Alexandrite, discovered in Russia in the 19th century, symbolizes creativity, imagination, emotional balance, adaptability, and transformation. Russian royalty wore it, enhancing intellect and bringing good luck.
Use
It is a favored choice for various types of jewelry, including statement necklaces, bracelets, and statement rings. Its color-changing nature makes it a conversation starter and a prized collector’s item.
Pearl
Pearls are cultivated and have enduring appeal for jewelry, especially as the traditional June birthstone. Pearls are unique, timeless, and associated with the beginning of summer, and purity. Some cultures associate pearls with the divine, believing that pearls were tears shed from heaven, while others placed pearls in the graves of their loved ones.
Color
The color of most pearls has a soft and inviting quality. While most still think of pearls as white, they are now available in a range of colors including black, green, gold, silver, and various pastels depending on where they are farmed.
Symbolize
Pearls symbolize wisdom, wealth, and luck and are found in living creatures like salt and freshwater mollusks. It is also associated with qualities like purity, innocence, and loyalty. Ancient Chinese lore claims that pearls represent wisdom and power carried by dragons.
Use
Whether it comes to necklaces, earrings, rings, bracelets, or brooches, pearls are a timeless option. They are frequently utilized in both classic and contemporary designs.
JULY BIRTHSTONE
Ruby
Ruby, a popular traditional jewelry stone, is known for its deep red hue and historical significance. Its fine-grade rubies can be expensive, with carat weight records exceeding $1,000,000. Ruby is the birthstone of July.
Color
Rubies are celebrated with an intense red color, which ranges from deep crimson to vibrant pinkish-red.
The most valuable rubies exhibit a pure and vivid red with minimal to no secondary hues.
Symbolize
Rubies are associated with qualities such as physicality, strength, passion, and love. Rubies are thought to calm anger and help the wearer navigate passionate social situations.
Use
Rubies are exceptionally hard, with a hardness of 9 on the Moh’s scale, making them durable for every piece of jewelry. These are commonly used in various jewelry items like rings, bracelets, earrings, necklaces, and brooches, and their vibrant red color makes them eye-catching.
AUGUST BIRTHSTONE
Peridot
Peridot, the birthstone for August, is a vibrant green gemstone associated with positive energy and well-being. Originating from the Earth’s mantle, it can be brought to the surface through volcanic activity or meteorites. Peridot is also called the “evening emerald” because of its unique capacity to sparkle under natural or artificial light.
Color
A gemstone known for its vivid green color, can range from neon to olive or yellowish-green, with intensity influenced by iron content.
Its unique yellowish overtone and brownish appearance as also notable.
Symbolise
Peridot, a gemstone associated with happiness, positivity, and protection, is believed to bring good luck, dispel negative emotions, and promote harmony in relationships. Its lively appearance repels nighttime evil spirits
Use
It consists of a moderate hardness of 6.5-7 on the Moh’s scale, and popular choice for various jewelry pieces due to its bright green color, including rings, earrings, necklaces, brooches, and bracelets.
Spinel
Spinel gemstone with a diverse range of colors is often mistaken for other gems, such as the “Black Prince Ruby” from the imperial state crown. It is associated with August and is known for its brilliance and variety.
Color
It comes in a diverse array of colors, including red, pink, purple, blue, green, brown, and black.
Red spinel is particularly prized and can be easily mistaken for rubies.
Symbolise
It is associated with qualities such as energy, vitality, and renewal. It was also believed that red spinel could help remedy all types of blood loss and inflammatory diseases.
Use
The wide range of colors allows for versatile and creative designs and is used in various types of jewelry, including rings, bracelets, earrings, necklaces, and brooches.
Sardonyx
Sardonyx is a reddish-brown or orange gemstone made from sand and onyx, with bands of white and black. It was used in Roman seals and signet rings, and is associated with August, the month of strength, protection, and inner harmony. The name “Sard” refers to the ancient city of Sardis and “onyx” means fingernail.
Color
It comes in various color combinations, with the most common being reddish brown (sard) and black (onyx) bands.
It also has white bands or even other colors as well, such as blue or green.
Symbolism
It is associated with qualities like strength, courage, or protection. Sardonyx promotes a sense of inner balance. It also helps strengthen marriages and partnerships.
Use
It is used in various jewelry styles like rings, cameos, pendants, and beads. It was also carved into intricate designs and used for signet rings, amulets, and deals in ancient times.
SEPTEMBER BIRTHSTONE
Sapphire
Few stones have captured our interest for as long as sapphire has. It is a unique gemstone because of its brilliance, blue hues, and amazing durability. The birthstone of September is Sapphire. While sapphires may also come in a wide range of different colors, they are wonderful gemstones noted for their gorgeous blue tint.
Color
Blue is the most famous color for sapphires; they come in various shades, from light blue to deep blue, and even other colors like pink, yellow, green, and orange. It traditionally refers to blue corundum.
Symbolism
It is often associated with qualities such as loyalty, wisdom, and nobility. They have been considered symbols of truth, and sincerity. They are found in many places like Sri Lanka, Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, and Australia.
Use
They are often featured in both traditional and modern designs. They are widely used in all types of jewelry, including, rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and brooches.
OCTOBER BIRTHSTONE
Tourmaline
Tourmaline is one of the modern birthstones associated with October, offering individuals born in this month a beautiful array of colors to choose from. No other gem comes in as many colors, including multi-colors, as tourmaline. Some of these color combinations are incredible.
Color
It can be found in shades of pink, green, blue, yellow, brown, black, and even multi-colored varieties.
Some well-known varieties of tourmaline like pink tourmaline(rubellite), green tourmaline, watermelon tourmaline (which has a pink center and green outer rim), and Paraiba tourmaline (known for its vivid blue-green color)
Symbolise
It enjoys worldwide popularity. Some believe that it has healing and stress-relieving properties. They have also been credited with boosting creativity, and are favored by artists and writers.
Use
It is a relatively hard gemstone with a hardness of 7- 7.5 on the Moh’s scale. Due to vibrant color and versatility, a wide range of jewelry designs including rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and brooches, are available for both classic and contemporary pieces.
Opal
Opal is so unique its patterns have their descriptive vocabulary. It is one of the traditional birthstones of October. Opals are also the most delicate gemstones commonly worn and require special care.
Color
It is renowned for its play-of-colors, dazzling flashes of color that move as the stones are turned.
These are the only gemstones that show these effects but not all opals do.
Symbolise
It is associated with qualities such as creativity, inspiration, and imagination. Due to their dynamic appearance, opals are associated with light and magic.
Use
It is a relatively soft gemstone with a hardness of 5.5 to 6.5 on the Moh’s scale. It is used in various varieties of jewelry, including, rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and brooches.
NOVEMBER BIRTHSTONE
Citrine
Citrine is one of the birthstones of November. It is a yellow-to-red-orange variety of crystalline quartz. They are formed naturally but many citrine gemstones in the market are heat-treated amethyst or smoky-quartz. Significant sources of citrine include Brazil. Madagascar, Zambia, and the United States.
Color
Its color ranges from pale yellow to deep orange or amber. Heat treatment can enhance or change the color to the characteristic of yellow or orange citrine.
Symbolise
It is associated with qualities like joy, abundance, and positivity. It is also seen as a symbol of prosperity and happiness. Whether you’re having a stomach ache, suffering from insomnia, or just feeling stressed, citrines are thought to bring relief.
Use
It has a good level of durability, which has a hardness of 7 on the Moh’s scale. Citrine is a popular choice for all types of jewelry, including, rings, bracelets, earrings, necklaces, and brooches. Because of its warm and inviting color adds a cheerful and radiant touch to jewelry designs.
Topaz
Topaz is one of the traditional birthstones of November. It is one of the beautiful gemstones known for its various colors and sparkling brilliance. Topaz is found in various parts of the world, with notable sources including Brazil, Russia, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, and the United States. It is also used to celebrate the 4th and 19th wedding anniversaries.
Color
It comes in a wide range of colors, including yellow, brown, orange, pink, blue, and colorless.
Some of the most valuable topaz include imperial topaz and blue topaz.
Symbolise
It is associated with qualities such as strength, wisdom, and protection. Different colors of topaz are often linked to different attributes, such as blue topaz, which represents calm and communication.
Use
It has a good level of durability, with a hardness of 8 on the Moh’s scale. Due to this, it is used in a wide range of jewelry designs, including rings, bracelets, earrings, necklaces, and brooches.
DECEMBER BIRTHSTONE
Zircon
Zircon is one of the traditional birthstones of the month December. It is a fascinating gemstone known for its brilliant luster and diverse range of colors. It is found in various parts of the world, including, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Myanmar(Burma), Thailand, and Australia. Whether given as a gift or worn as a personal adornment.
Color
Blue Zircon displays a light yet saturated color. It occurs in a wide spectrum of colors, including blue, green, brown, orange, yellow, and colorless.
Blue Zircon, in particular, is highly prized for its vibrant and intense color.
Symbolise
It is associated with qualities such as clarity, self-confidence, and spiritual growth. Zircon is believed to enhance metal clarity and help individuals make wise decisions. It is known for its excellent brilliance and depression.
Use
Zicron is relatively durable, with a hardness of 6.6 to 7.5 on the Moh’s scale. It is used in various types of jewelry, including rings, bracelets, earrings, necklaces, and brooches.
Tanzanite
Tanzanite is one of the modern birthstones of December. It is the exquisite blue-purple variety of the mineral Zoisite that is only found in one part of the world. Found in Tanzania, tanzanite can show intense blue and violet hues after heat treatment. It can mimic fine sapphire at a fraction of the price but requires a protective setting.
Color
Trace amount of Vanadium, mixed with extreme heat, range of blue and violet hues, often with a hint of red and burgundy in certain lightning conditions, which also ranges from pale blue to intense ultramarine with violet undertones.
Symbolise
It is associated with qualities such as transformation, spiritual growth, communication, facilitate a higher consciousness, intuition, and perception. Its blue color is also thought to bring calmness to the wearer.
Use
Due to its hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Moh’s scale, it is suitable for various types of jewelry, where it should be handled with care to prevent scratches and fractures. This includes jewelry like rings, necklaces, pendants, earrings, and bracelets.
Turquoise
Turquoise is one of the traditional birthstones of December. It is regarded as a love charm. This gemstone is known for its attractive and eye-catching color. It is the only gemstone that has a color named after it. It is a hydrous phosphate mineral that comes from arid regions where copper-rich groundwater reacts with aluminum and phosphate.
Color
Turquoise is renowned for its blue hues, including sky-blue, blue-green, to apple green.
Sleeping Beauty turquoise is a pure blue color and is very sought after. The color can vary depending on the presence of different minerals and impurities.
Symbolise
It is a symbol of good fortune and success, and it is believed to relax the mind and protect its wearer from harm. It also boosts positive energy and promotes happiness, honesty, and prosperity.
Use
It is a soft stone with a hardness of 6 on the Moh’s scale. Due to its softness, it is suitable for jewelry like rings, bracelets, necklaces, brooches, pins, bohemian, antique, and vintage jewelry.
FAQ’s
According to the book of Exodus in the Bible, a Hebrew high priest named Aaron was ordered by God to create a breastplate with 12 gemstones.
Birthstones are used in jewelry and are believed to have mystical powers. Birthstone jewelry is worn as a symbol of wellness and good fortune.
You can find multiple stones for different months or astrological signs. Those lucky enough to be born in June, August, October, November, or December each get double (sometimes triple) the options of everyone else.
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