Birthstones by Month
Birthstones are gemstones associated with each month of the year. This guide explores their unique significance and historical value.
Shop by Birthstones
Jan
Garnet
Feb
Amethyst
Mar
Aquamarine
Apr
Diamond
May
Emerald
Jun
Pearl
Jul
Ruby
Aug
Peridot
Sep
Sapphire
Oct
Tourmaline
Nov
Citrine
Dec
Blue Topaz
Birthstone Guide
Birthstones are gemstones that are traditionally associated with each month of the year. Each stone is steeped in ancient beliefs that trace their roots back to ancient times, particularly the 15th century. Beyond their aesthetic beauty with each stone boasting distinct colors one more beautiful than the other, each gem is imbued with meaning and symbolic properties. They represent the magic of their month and become a cherished keepsake when crafted into birthstone jewelry that shines with a light all its own.
But birthdays aren't the only moments birthstones are for. Welcome newborns in your family or indulge your family members with gifts that mark momentous milestones. Celebrate your wedding party with gemstones reflecting the special months and create a shared memory you'll treasure for a lifetime. Or, enjoy the beauty of self-expression by treating yourself to a personalized gift that connects you to your birthday. There is one for every occasion and for everyone you hold dear, including yourself.
This comprehensive guide on birthstones will help you learn more about your or your loved ones’ assigned birthstone and discover the symbolic meanings behind them. We are certain you can find the most thoughtful and meaningful gift at Eternate, where rainbows of gemstones await.
Birthstones for Each Month
January Birthstone: Garnet
Garnet, the birthstone for January, is known for its rich, deep red color, symbolizing peace, prosperity, and health. It is believed to provide the wearer with protection and is often associated with friendship and trust. Garnets come in a variety of colors, although red is the most common. The durability and vibrant color make garnet a popular choice for jewelry.
February Birthstone: Amethyst
Amethyst, the birthstone for February, is a variety of quartz known for its stunning purple hue. This gemstone is associated with clarity of mind and protection from negative energies. Historically, amethysts were worn by royalty and believed to promote calmness and wisdom. Its striking color and relatively affordable price make it a favorite among gem enthusiasts.
March Birthstone: Aquamarine
Aquamarine, the birthstone for March, evokes the tranquility of the sea with its beautiful pale blue color. This gem symbolizes courage, health, and clear communication. Its name is derived from the Latin for "water of the sea," and it has been believed to protect sailors and guarantee safe voyages. The light blue to blue-green shades make it a sought-after gemstone for jewelry.
April Birthstone: Diamond
Diamond, the birthstone for April, is renowned for its unmatched brilliance and hardness. Representing eternal love and strength, diamonds have been a symbol of wealth and power throughout history. The clear, sparkling appearance of diamonds makes them a timeless and versatile choice for all types of jewelry.
May Birthstone: Emerald
Emerald, the birthstone for May, is famous for its lush green color that symbolizes renewal. This gem has been cherished since ancient times and is believed to bring foresight, good fortune, and youth. The vivid green hue and rarity of high-quality emeralds make them one of the most valuable and sought-after gemstones.
June Birthstones: Pearl
June birthstones is pearl . Pearls are unique as they are gems grown in oysters and mussels. They symbolize purity, wisdom, and integrity.
July Birthstone: Ruby
Ruby, the birthstone for July, is known for its vibrant red color, symbolizing passion, love, and courage. Rubies have been treasured throughout history and are often associated with royalty and power. The intense red color and rarity of fine-quality rubies make them one of the most valuable gemstones.
August Birthstone: Peridot
If you're born in August, your birthstone is the heartwarming peridot. This beautiful greenish gem is often called the 'gem of the sun' because its color reminds us of warm sunshine. Peridot is also one of the oldest gemstones we know. It was even found in ancient Egyptian tombs. Just like other gemstones, peridot is a mineral, which means it's a natural crystal that's so beautiful and valuable that we use it in jewelry.
September Birthstone: Sapphire
Sapphire, the birthstone for September, is best known for its deep blue color, symbolizing wisdom, loyalty, and nobility. Historically, sapphires have been favored by royalty. The striking blue color and exceptional hardness make sapphires a popular choice for engagement rings and other fine jewelry.
October Birthstone: Tourmaline
If you're born in October, your birthstone is the beautiful pink tourmaline. Tourmaline is a mineral that’s made up of a variety of elements like boron, aluminum, silicon and oxygen. The combination of these very elements gives tourmaline its wide range of colors. One of the most popular types of tourmaline is pink tourmaline. Its soft, pastel pink color is what makes it so popular for any kind of jewelry.
November Birthstone: Citrine & Topaz
Citrine and topaz are the birthstones for November. Citrine is known for its warm yellow to orange color, symbolizing happiness, success, and abundance. Topaz is known for its various hues, from blue to yellow and pink, and represents love and affection.
December Birthstone: Blue Topaz
December's birthstone is the soothing blue topaz. Blue topaz is a silicate mineral made up of silicon and oxygen. It’s a member of the quartz family like some other gemstones like amethyst and citrine. We know blue topaz for its eye-catching blue color that complements any style of jewelry from statement solitaire necklaces to minimalist birthstone rings. So, if you're looking for a beautiful and calming gemstone for your jewelry that'll make you feel relaxed and look amazing, blue topaz is your answer.
Your Birthstone Awaits
At Purple Carats, we believe birthstones are a piece of you. That's why we pour our hearts into crafting exceptional jewelry, personalized just for you, and we do it the right way with ethical and sustainable practices. After all, we want you to find the birthstone that feels like a piece of yourself and wear it forever with a smile.
Now that you know more about birthstones, check out each birth month's gem and let your birthstone light up your life and the lives of those you love.
Birthstone FAQ
What is birthstone?
A birthstone is a gemstone that represents a person's birth month, often attributed with unique meanings and qualities. Birthstones are believed to bring good luck, health, and protection to the wearer. The tradition of birthstones dates to ancient times, where gemstones were thought to have mystical powers and specific connections to the zodiac. Over time, the concept evolved to associate specific gems with each month.
What are the birthstones?
Birthstones are assigned to each month as follows:
- January: Garnet
- February: Amethyst
- March: Aquamarine
- April: Diamond
- May: Emerald
- June: Pearl
- July: Ruby
- August: Peridot
- September: Sapphire
- October: Tourmaline
- November: Citrine
- December: Blue Topaz
Where do birthstones come from?
The history of birthstones dates back to ancient civilizations, where gemstones were believed to possess magical properties and connections to the zodiac. The modern list of birthstones was established in 1912 by the American National Retail Jewelers Association (now Jewelers of America) to standardize the selection. Over time, additional gemstones were added, reflecting both traditional and modern preferences.
Who decided the birthstones?
The history of traditional birthstones dates back to ancient civilizations. The modern list of birthstones was established in 1912 by the American National Retail Jewelers Association (now Jewelers of America) to standardize the selection.
How do we have birthstones?
Birthstones symbolize personal identity, spirituality, and protection. They were initially believed to hold healing powers and bring good fortune. Over time, they have become a cherished tradition, often used in jewelry to celebrate birthdays and special occasions.
How do you know your birthstone?
Determining your birthstone depends on the system you follow — modern, traditional, or zodiac-based. The simplest approach is to refer to the month of your birth:
- January: Garnet
- February: Amethyst
- March: Aquamarine
- April: Diamond
- May: Emerald
- June: Pearl
- July: Ruby
- August: Peridot
- September: Sapphire
- October: Tourmaline
- November: Citrine
- December: Blue Topaz