Everything to Know About Birthstones
Birthstones have fascinated people for centuries, believed to hold mystical powers and properties specific to each month. Understanding their history and gemological properties provides insight into their symbolism and meanings. This guide covers everything you need to know about birthstones, whether you’re purchasing birthstone jewelry or curious about the gemstones associated with your birth month.
The History of Birthstones
The concept of birthstones has its roots in the Old Testament. The book of Exodus contains a passage that describes the Breastplate of Aaron as a majestic piece of armor inset with 12 distinct jewels, each representing one of the 12 tribes of Israel. Biblical scholars, still somewhat connected to polytheistic religious traditions, linked these 12 stones with the 12 signs of the Greco-Roman zodiac, establishing the first association between gemstones and the time of year.
Later, in the eighth and ninth centuries, the stones became associated with the Twelve Apostles. During this time, the church actually mandated that the general public honor each of the apostles by wearing a different stone every month, further reinforcing the link between the stones and the months of the year.
Modern Birthstones Versus Traditional Birthstones
Over the centuries, these customs shifted and evolved, but it wasn’t until 1912 that “birthstones” were made official. The U.S. organization then known as the National Association of Jewelers published a list of standardized stones, one for each month of the year. Since then, there have been a few additions / alternative stones mixed in, but the general list remains the same.
What is My Birthstone?
Comparing Each Month’s Birthstones
January’s Birthstone: Garnet
Resembling the seeds of a pomegranate, the dark red Garnet gemstone represents both the modern and traditional birthstones for January. Garnet is actually a group of minerals that can come in the many different colors of the rainbow, but the range of red is the most common occurring color. Garnets have been associated with many different meanings and beliefs. Some ancient cultures believed that garnets had the power to ward off evil spirits, protect the wearer from harm, and promote good health. They were also thought to symbolize friendship and trust.
Learn more about the Garnet gemstone representing the 2nd wedding anniversary in our January birthstone blog!
February’s Birthstones: Amethyst and Jasper
Amethyst is one of the birthstones for the month of February and is a beautiful purple gemstone that belongs to the quartz family. It gets its name from the Greek word “amethystos,” meaning “not drunk” as it was thought to prevent drunkenness. Amethysts come in various shades of purple, red, and blue, and their color intensity depends on the amount of iron and manganese present in the stone. The most valuable amethysts have a deep purple hue and red flashes.
While Amethyst is the primary birthstone for February, another gemstone associated with this month is Jasper. Jasper is a dense and opaque gemstone found in various shades including brown, red, yellow, green, and orange. It is a type of chalcedony and is believed to possess spiritual and healing properties. Found all over the world, Jasper has been used in jewelry and decorative items for centuries. It makes a versatile and unique addition to any collection.
Learn more about the Tanzanite and Jasper gemstones representing the 24th and 11th wedding anniversaries, respectively, in our February birthstone blog!
March’s Birthstones: Aquamarine and Bloodstone
Aquamarine is one of the birthstones for the month of March and is a beautiful beryl gemstone that is most commonly known for its light blue or blue-green color. Its name means “water of the sea” in Latin, reflecting its oceanic hues. Aquamarine’s clarity and transparency make it a popular choice for jewelry and decorative pieces. The gemstone has a rich history of beliefs and meanings, from protecting sailors to healing ailments. Today, it is still highly valued and gifted for its spiritual and emotional properties, including promoting communication and relaxation.
Bloodstone, also known as heliotrope, is the second birthstone for the month of March and is a unique gemstone that is most commonly known for its dark green color with red or brown speckles. The name “bloodstone” comes from the belief that the red speckles on the gemstone resemble drops of blood. Bloodstone is also believed to have spiritual and emotional properties, such as promoting courage, strength, and vitality.
Learn more about the Aquamarine and Bloodstone gemstones representing the 24th and 11th wedding anniversaries, respectively, in our March birthstone blog!
April’s Birthstone: Diamond
Diamond is the birthstone for the month of April and is one of the most sought-after gemstones in the world. Known for their unmatched brilliance and durability, diamonds have been treasured for thousands of years. Diamonds are often used in engagement rings and fine jewelry as they are associated with love and commitment. Formed from pure carbon deep within the Earth’s mantle, it can be colorless or range from yellow, brown, and pink, to blue. The value of a diamond depends on its size, clarity, cut, and color. They are believed to enhance relationships, promote clarity of thought, and boost confidence.
Learn more about the Diamond gemstone representing the 2nd wedding anniversary in our April birthstone blog!
May’s Birthstones: Emerald and Agate
Emerald is one of May’s birthstone and is known for its striking green color. It’s a type of beryl and is one of the four precious gemstones along with diamonds, rubies, and sapphires. Emeralds form deep within the Earth, commonly found in countries like Colombia, Brazil, and Zambia. Some ancient cultures believed that emeralds had the power to bring good luck, enhance creativity, and soothe the soul. It was once believed that emeralds were Cleopatra’s favorite gemstone as well. They are thought to have many spiritual and emotional properties, such as promoting balance, harmony, and abundance.
Agate is a unique and versatile gemstone that is commonly found in various shades of gray, white, and brown. It is formed from layers of chalcedony, a mineral in the quartz family, and can be found in many countries around the world, including Brazil, India, and the United States. Agate has been used in jewelry and decorative items for thousands of years and is still popular today. It is believed to have many spiritual and emotional properties, such as promoting inner stability, strength, and balance. Agate is also thought to enhance mental clarity, improve focus, and increase self-confidence.
Learn more about the Emerald and Agate gemstones representing the 35th and 39th wedding anniversaries, respectively, in our May birthstone blog!
June’s Birthstones: Pearl, Alexandrite, and Moonstone
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Learn more about the Pearl, Alexandrite, and Moonstone gemstones representing the 30th, 15th and 55th, and 3rd wedding anniversaries, respectively, in our June birthstone blog!
July’s Birthstone: Ruby and Onyx
Ruby is one of the birthstones for the month of July and is a beautiful gemstone known for its vibrant red color. This gemstone belongs to the corundum mineral family and is one of the four precious gemstones, along with diamonds, emeralds, and sapphires. Rubies come in deep red with a hint of blue, and also pink and purplish-red hues. Their value is based on color, clarity, carat weight, and cut. Rubies were believed to protect wearers from harm and bring good fortune, and are associated with love and passion. They’re still used in fine jewelry and are thought to promote vitality, passion, and self-confidence.
Onyx is the second birthstone of July and is a unique gemstone that is most commonly known for its solid black color. It is a variety of chalcedony and is found in many countries, including Brazil, India, and the United States. Onyx has been used for centuries in jewelry and decorative items and is still popular to this day. It is believed to have many spiritual and emotional properties, such as promoting strength, focus, and protection against negative energy.
Learn more about the Ruby and Onyx gemstones representing the 15th and 40th, and 7th and 10th wedding anniversaries, respectively, in our July birthstone blog!
August’s Birthstones: Peridot, Spinel, and Sardonyx
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Learn more about the Peridot, green Spinel, and Sardonyx gemstones representing the 1st, 9th, and 44th wedding anniversaries, respectively, in our August birthstone blog!
September’s Birthstone: Sapphire
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Learn more about the Sapphire gemstone representing the 5th and 45th wedding anniversaries in our September birthstone blog!
October’s Birthstones: Opal and Tourmaline
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Learn more about the Opal and Tourmaline gemstones representing the 14th and 8th wedding anniversaries, respectively, in our October birthstone blog!
November’s Birthstones: Topaz and Citrine
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Learn more about the blue Topaz and Citrine gemstones representing the 4th and 13th wedding anniversaries, respectively, in our November birthstone blog!
December’s Birthstones: Tanzanite, Zircon, and Turquoise
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Learn more about the Tanzanite, blue Zircon, and Turquoise gemstones representing the 24th, 4th, and 11th wedding anniversaries, respectively, in our December birthstone blog!
Replacing Your Missing Birthstone
Thinking about restoring a loved one’s sentimental birthstone piece? You’re in the right place to restore their precious memories.
Gemstones provide life and brilliance to any piece of jewelry, yet have the highest potential to damage. Whether it be a loose, lost, or scratched-up birthstone, we take restoring the life of your treasures seriously. Any gem, any damage, we’ll make your jewelry sparkle as bright as the day you got it.
We have a team of specialists in place to properly source every type of gem needed for your treasured item. We understand your gemstones are unique and require specific attention. Our Professional Stone Sourcing team makes sure that all of your gems, even the ones that sometimes go unnoticed, are replaced by stones of the right caliber for your piece.
Visit our Gemstone Replacement Services page to learn more about restoring the brilliance of your birthstone.
Have Questions?
Birthstone Guide
“A basic clean, polish, and inspection is part of the routine care and maintenance needed to keep your jewelry looking like new. The inspection process includes looking for loose stones, bent prongs, and any damage to the metal or stones that need to be repaired.”
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