Birthstone by Month: All 12 Months and Their Gemstones Explained
Every month has its own birthstone – a gemstone symbolically linked to people born in that month. This tradition is centuries old and found in many cultures. Birthstone jewelry is one of the most personalized gifts you can give: it shows that you have considered the birth month. In this comprehensive guide, you will learn everything about all 12 birthstones.
The History of Birthstones
The tradition of birthstones dates back to the Old Testament. The high priest Aaron wore a breastplate with twelve gemstones representing the twelve tribes of Israel. These stones were later assigned to the twelve months of the year. In 1912, the American National Retail Jewelers Association standardized the official list of birthstones – a list that is still used today with minor adjustments.
All 12 Birthstones at a Glance
January – Garnet
Color: Deep red to dark red (also green, orange, purple in other varieties)
Meaning: Loyalty, passion, eternal love, protection on journeys
Symbolism: Garnet was considered the stone of loyalty. It is said to strengthen relationships and protect the wearer on long journeys.
Perfect gift for: Everyone born in January. Particularly beautiful: A garnet ring in yellow gold for a deep, warm look.
February – Amethyst
Color: Delicate lavender to deep purple violet
Meaning: Wisdom, calm, protection, mental clarity
Symbolism: In Greek, "Amethystos" means "not intoxicated." It was believed that the stone protected against drunkenness and excessive indulgence. It was the stone of bishops and kings.
Perfect gift for: February-born individuals. Amethyst stud earrings in silver or an amethyst ring in gold.
March – Aquamarine
Color: Sky blue to sea blue
Meaning: Clarity, calm, honesty, protection on journeys and at sea
Symbolism: The stone of the sea – sailors wore it as a protective amulet. It symbolizes clarity of thought and honest communication.
Perfect gift for: March-born individuals. An aquamarine pendant in white gold is particularly elegant.
April – Diamond
Color: Colorless to yellowish, also black, blue, pink in rare varieties
Meaning: Eternal love, indestructibility, purity, strength
Symbolism: The hardest material on Earth as a symbol of everlasting love and strength. April-born individuals are lucky to have diamond as their birthstone.
Perfect gift for: April-born individuals. Diamond stud earrings or Moissanite as an affordable alternative.
May – Emerald
Color: Intense emerald green
Meaning: Fertility, hope, renewal, Cleopatra wore it as a symbol of her power
Symbolism: In ancient times, emerald was a sacred stone of the goddess Venus. It represents fertility, growth, and the renewing power of spring.
Perfect gift for: May-born individuals. An emerald ring or pendant in yellow gold.
June – Pearl / Moonstone / Alexandrite
Color: White/Cream (Pearl); Milky white with blue shimmer (Moonstone); Color-changing Green/Red (Alexandrite)
Meaning: Purity, feminine energy, intuition, transformation
Symbolism: June has several birthstones. The pearl stands for purity and elegance. Moonstone for feminine intuition and cycles. Alexandrite for luck and balance.
Perfect gift for: June-born individuals. Moonstone ring or pearl stud earrings.
July – Ruby
Color: Delicate rose-red to luminous blood red
Meaning: Passion, courage, eternal love, vitality
Symbolism: "King of gemstones" – Ruby was the most valuable stone in the ancient world. It symbolizes passion and the energy of life.
Perfect gift for: July-born individuals. Ruby stud earrings in yellow gold for a festive look.
August – Peridot / Spinel
Color: Olive green to light green (Peridot); Red, Pink, Blue, Orange (Spinel)
Meaning: Protection, warmth, brightness, strength
Symbolism: Peridot was called "stone of the sun" in ancient times – it is said to dispel darkness and offer protection at night. Since 2016, Spinel has also been an official August birthstone.
Perfect gift for: August-born individuals. A peridot ring in yellow gold for a summery, fresh look.
September – Sapphire
Color: Cornflower blue to midnight blue (also pink, yellow, green)
Meaning: Loyalty, wisdom, constancy, royal dignity
Symbolism: The stone of kings and cardinals. Sapphire stands for deep loyalty and constancy of feelings. Lady Diana's engagement ring was a sapphire.
Perfect gift for: September-born individuals. Sapphire stud earrings or a ring in white gold.
October – Opal / Tourmaline
Color: Rainbow-shimmering white to black (Opal); All colors (Tourmaline)
Meaning: Creativity, hope, innocence, emotional sensitivity
Symbolism: Opal is the most magical of all gemstones – it unites all colors within itself. It stands for creativity and the versatility of life. Tourmaline offers a colorful alternative with its variety of colors.
Perfect gift for: October-born individuals. Opal pendant or tourmaline ring.
November – Citrine / Topaz
Color: Golden yellow to orange (Citrine); Blue, Yellow, Pink, Colorless (Topaz)
Meaning: Joy, prosperity, creativity, positive thinking
Symbolism: Citrine is called "sunstone" – it brings warmth and positive energy into life. Blue topaz stands for loyalty and constancy.
Perfect gift for: November-born individuals. A citrine ring in yellow gold for a warm, sunny look.
December – Turquoise / Tanzanite / Zircon
Color: Turquoise blue to blue-green (Turquoise); Deep blue-violet (Tanzanite); All colors (Zircon)
Meaning: Protection, luck, friendship, prosperity
Symbolism: Turquoise is one of humanity's oldest gemstones – a protective stone and good luck charm. Tanzanite, only discovered in 1967, stands for uniqueness and transformation.
Perfect gift for: December-born individuals. Tanzanite stud earrings or a turquoise pendant.
Birthstone Jewelry as a Gift Idea
Birthstone jewelry is so popular as a gift because it shows: I know which month your birthday is in. This seemingly small gesture has a profound effect. Particularly beautiful: Several birthstones in one piece – as a necklace with stones for all children for a mother, or as a ring with one's own and the partner's birthstone.
Birthstone Jewelry at Corelune Jewellery
The right piece for every month – at Corelune Jewellery you will find gemstone jewelry for all 12 birthstones.
👉 Discover birthstone jewelry now – the most personal gift!
