Birthstones for Each Month: History, Meaning, and Stunning Jewelry
Gemstones and Traditions
For centuries, gemstones have been more than beautiful adornments — they have carried symbolic meaning, protective powers, and deep cultural connections. Birthstones for each month are perhaps the most well-known way these precious and semi-precious stones are linked to personal identity. The idea of wearing a gem that corresponds to your birth month stretches back to ancient civilizations, each believing that certain stones held magical or healing properties when worn during their specific month.
Today, birthstones serve both as fashionable statements and as symbols of personal meaning. Whether you wear them for luck, spiritual balance, or pure beauty, birthstones connect you to a timeless tradition while offering a unique, customized touch to your style.
Birthstone Traditions
The concept of birthstones dates back to biblical times, particularly to the Breastplate of Aaron described in the Book of Exodus. This ceremonial garment was said to feature twelve stones representing the twelve tribes of Israel. Over time, scholars connected these stones to the twelve months of the year and the zodiac signs, paving the way for the modern birthstone system.
Through the centuries, interpretations evolved. The Gregorian calendar introduced a standardized version of birthstones for each month in Western culture. Gem trade associations later updated the list in the 20th century to reflect modern gem availability, adding alternative stones for affordability and variety.
Which Birthstone Goes with Each Month?
Before we look at the modern list, it’s worth exploring the Gregorian Birthstone Poem, which gives us one of the earliest widely adopted guides to monthly stones.
Gregorian Birthstone Poem
The Gregorian Birthstone Poem, published in 1870, was a Victorian-era favorite and remains a romantic reference for traditional birthstone meanings.
January
“By her who in January was born
No gem save garnets shall be worn;
They will ensure her constancy,
True friendship, and fidelity.”
Meaning & Lore: Garnet has been associated with protection, friendship, and trust. In history, garnet was carried by travelers for safe passage.
February
“The February-born shall find
Sincerity and peace of mind,
Freedom from passion and from care,
If they the amethyst will wear.”
Meaning & Lore: Amethyst symbolizes clarity, peace, and sobriety. Ancient Greeks believed it could protect against intoxication.
March
“Who in this world of ours their eyes
In March on aquamarine shall prize,
Are from affection’s bonds as free
As fish that swim the mighty sea.”
Meaning & Lore: Aquamarine has long been the sailor’s talisman for safe voyages, representing calm seas and tranquility.
April
“She who from April dates her years,
Diamonds shall wear, lest bitter tears
For vain repentance flow; this stone,
Emblem of innocence, is known.”
Meaning & Lore: Diamonds are symbols of purity, strength, and everlasting love — a favorite for engagement rings.
May
“Who first beholds the light of day
In spring’s sweet flowery month of May
And wears an emerald all her life
Shall be a loved and happy wife.”
Meaning & Lore: Emeralds are symbols of renewal, fertility, and love — beloved by royalty throughout history.
June
“Who comes with summer to this earth
And owes to June her day of birth,
With ring of agate on her hand
Can health, wealth, and long life command.”
Meaning & Lore: The poem mentions agate, but modern traditions celebrate pearl, moonstone, and alexandrite for June.
July
“The glowing ruby shall adorn
Those who in July are born;
Then they’ll be exempt and free
From love’s doubts and anxiety.”
Meaning & Lore: Ruby is the king of precious stones, symbolizing passion, vitality, and love.
August
“Wear a sardonyx or for thee
No conjugal fidelity;
The August-born without this stone,
‘Tis said, must live unloved, alone.”
Meaning & Lore: Modern August stones also include peridot, spinel, and onyx.
September
“A maiden born when autumn leaves
Are rustling in September’s breeze,
A sapphire on her brow should bind;
‘Twill cure diseases of the mind.”
Meaning & Lore: Sapphire represents wisdom, virtue, and serenity.
October
“October’s child is born for woe,
And life’s vicissitudes must know;
But lay an opal on her breast,
And hope will lull those foes to rest.”
Meaning & Lore: Opal is famed for inspiring creativity and protecting the wearer from harm.
November
“Who first comes to this world below
With drear November’s fog and snow
Should prize the topaz amber hue —
Emblem of friends and lovers true.”
Meaning & Lore: Topaz and citrine are both known for bringing warmth and optimism.
December
“If cold December gave you birth,
The month of snow and ice and mirth,
Place on your hand a turquoise blue,
Success will bless whate’er you do.”
Meaning & Lore: Turquoise, tanzanite, and zircon bring protection and good fortune.
Modern Birthstones for Each Month
The modern list was standardized by the American National Retail Jewelers Association (now Jewelers of America) in 1912, with updates since to include additional stones.
January Birthstone: Garnet
Rich red garnet symbolizes trust and safe travel. It has been prized since ancient Egypt and Rome for its deep, glowing beauty.
February Birthstone: Amethyst
This regal purple gem was once as valuable as sapphire and ruby, representing clarity, calmness, and royalty.
March Birthstone: Aquamarine
Pale blue aquamarine evokes the sea, bringing peace, courage, and clarity to its wearer.
April Birthstone: Diamond
Diamonds are the ultimate symbol of everlasting love, making them timeless favorites for engagement rings.
May Birthstone: Emerald
Vibrant green emeralds are symbols of hope, growth, and renewal — perfect for the heart of spring.
June Birthstones:
- Pearl: Classic and elegant, pearls represent purity and timeless style.
- Moonstone: Shimmering moonstone is linked to love, intuition, and protection.
- Alexandrite: A rare stone that changes color, alexandrite symbolizes adaptability and joy.
July Birthstone: Ruby
Rubies are associated with love, courage, and passion, treasured for their intense red hue.
August Birthstone:
Peridot
Bright green peridot is believed to bring protection and prosperity.
Spinel
Available in various colors, spinel represents energy and revitalization.
Onyx
Onyx offers grounding energy and strength.
September Birthstone: Sapphire
Known for its deep blue, sapphire represents wisdom, loyalty, and protection.
October Birthstone: Opal
Opals display a kaleidoscope of colors, symbolizing creativity and inspiration.
November Birthstone: Citrine & Topaz
Citrine shines with golden warmth, while topaz offers protection and positive energy.
December Birthstone: Turquoise, Tanzanite, & Zircon
These blue-toned stones are symbols of peace, protection, and prosperity.
Birthstone Jewelry
From the ancient breastplates of high priests to today’s elegant necklaces and rings, birthstones have always been a way to wear beauty with meaning. Wearing your birthstone connects you to centuries of tradition and adds a personal touch to your style.
Whether you want to honor your own month, celebrate a loved one, or simply enjoy the beauty of a gem, you’ll find something extraordinary in our birthstone jewelry collection.
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