Have you ever wondered about the birthstones by month? January is garnet, February is amethyst, March is aquamarine, April is diamond, May is emerald, June is alexandrite, July is ruby, August is peridot, September is sapphire, October is tourmaline, November is topaz, and December is blue topaz. Each of these gemstones has a special meaning and makes a great gift as a necklace, ring, earrings, or bracelet.
Birthstone jewelry has always been popular because of the special meanings people find in their gemstones. The idea of birthstones goes back to ancient times and was standardized in 1912 by the American National Association of Jewelers. Since then, the list has seen a few updates, but the beauty and significance of each stone remain timeless.
Modern vs. Traditional Birthstones by Month
The traditional birthstones known in the United States originated in Poland between the 16th and 18th centuries. In 1912, the National Association of Jewelers introduced a list of “modern birthstones,” which included only transparent gems, making it easier for jewelers to create “mother’s rings” featuring the birthstones of a woman’s children.
Jewelers continue to update the modern birthstone chart, adding options like spinel, citrine, and tanzanite. Today, people in the U.S. choose from both traditional and modern lists, often selecting stones that appeal to them. Some traditional gems, like turquoise and cultivated pearls, remain popular due to their affordability and availability.
January – Garnet
Garnet, the January birthstone, is commonly known for its deep red hue, but it actually comes in a variety of colors, including green, yellow, and orange. The name “garnet” comes from the Latin word for grain or seed, likely referring to a pomegranate. Red garnets were highly valued at the end of the Roman Empire. This gemstone family is one of the most complex in the gem world, consisting of several species and varieties, making it a versatile choice for any jewelry.
Garnet’s high refractive index gives it a brilliant, almost luminous appearance, making it a stunning choice for birthstone jewelry. Garnet is not only the January birthstone but also a traditional gift for the 2nd anniversary.
- Symbolism: Garnets are believed to be protective stones, shielding wearers from harm. They are also associated with vitality, love, light, and purity.
- Color Options: While red is the most famous, garnets can also be found in purplish, green, yellow, and orange.
- Jewelry Choices: Garnets are popular in rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets.
February – Amethyst
Amethyst, the February birthstone, is a stunning variety of crystalline quartz, ranging in color from pale lilac to deep reddish purple. With a hardness of 7, it is highly scratch-resistant, making it perfect for all types of jewelry.
Amethyst is a semi-precious gemstone found worldwide, with Africa being the leading supplier. Known for its connection to the Greek word for intoxication, ancient Greeks believed it prevented drunkenness. Popular since ancient Egypt, it remains a favorite today and is also a traditional gift for the 6th wedding anniversary.
- Symbolism: Associated with royalty, spirituality, mental clarity, and healing.
- Color: Varies from light lavender to deep dark purple; vivid stones are more valuable.
- Shop for: Rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets
Also, Read: Types of Gemstone
March – Aquamarine
Aquamarine, the March birthstone, is a beautiful blue to blue-green gem from the beryl family, named after the color of seawater. Known for its light color saturation, aquamarine is readily available and moderately priced, making it a popular choice for various jewelry.
Aquamarine gets its blue hue from iron deposits and is commonly mined in Brazil, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia. Larger stones tend to have more intense colors, and heat treatment is sometimes used to enhance their depth. Named from the Latin words “aqua” (water) and “marina” (the sea), it was historically believed to protect sailors on their voyages. Aquamarine is also a traditional gift for the 19th wedding anniversary.
- Symbolism: Thought to protect seafarers, associated with marital happiness and superior intellect.
- Color: Ranges from translucent blue to sea blue/green; always light in tone.
- Shop for: Rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets
April – Diamond
Diamond, the April birthstone, is the world’s most popular choice for rings, celebrated for its timeless beauty and exceptional clarity.
Diamonds are not only the most expensive and sought-after gemstones but also the hardest natural material, composed of carbon and renowned for their luminosity. Formed between 1 billion and 3.5 billion years ago deep in the Earth’s mantle, diamonds were originally found only in India around the 9th century BC. Today, they are mined worldwide, with an annual production of approximately 130 million carats valued at $9 billion.
- Symbolism: Representing strength and eternal love due to their extreme hardness and durability, diamonds are a common choice for engagement and wedding rings.
- Color: While most diamonds are colorless, they also come in a spectrum of fancy colors including rare reds, deep blues, and warm yellows, catering to various tastes and occasions.
- Shop for: Rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets
Also, Read: Silver Jewelry Manufacturing Process
May – Emerald
Emerald, the birthstone for May, has been revered for its lush green color since ancient times. As a member of the beryl family, emerald stands proudly among the traditional “Big Four” gems alongside diamond, ruby, and sapphire.
Emeralds derive their rich green hue from trace amounts of chromium and are cherished as precious gemstones worldwide. Though scratch-resistant on the surface, emeralds are structurally susceptible to fracturing from impacts. They are rare within the beryl family, making them highly prized. Emeralds also symbolize the 20th and 35th wedding anniversaries, making them perfect for celebrating enduring love and commitment.
- Symbolism: Believed to enhance intelligence, objectivity, and healing abilities; some cultures associate it with future prediction.
- Color: The finest emeralds display a deep, even green with possible blue undertones; valued for minimal inclusions.
- Shop for: Rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets
June – Pearl or Alexandrite
Pearls, the traditional June birthstone, are unique gems formed within living creatures, both saltwater and freshwater mollusks. While natural pearls are exceedingly rare today, most pearls available are cultured, and crafted with jewelry care.
Pearls are created by layers of nacre, which contribute to their lustrous appearance. Cultured pearls from different mollusks, whether freshwater or saltwater, exhibit similar beauty with slight variations. They remain a timeless choice for jewelry and are traditional gifts for the 3rd and 30th wedding anniversaries.
- Symbolism: Associated with qualities like honesty, purity, and wisdom; considered tears from heaven in some cultures.
- Color: Available in various hues including white, black, green, gold, and more, depending on their origin.
- Shop for: Rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets
July – Ruby
Ruby, the birthstone for July, is renowned as one of the most cherished gems, valued for its exceptional durability and vivid red hues.
Ruby stands as the rarest and most precious form of corundum, often commanding record prices exceeding $1,000,000 per carat for fine-quality stones. It holds significance as a traditional gift for the 15th, 40th, and 80th wedding anniversaries, symbolizing enduring love and commitment.
- Symbolism: Historically associated with physicality, strength, and courage, often worn by warriors for protection and vigor. It is believed to calm anger and promote harmony in relationships.
- Color: Radiant red, derived from chromium in the corundum mineral family, though variations with orange or pink undertones exist.
- Shop for: Rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets
August – Peridot
Peridot, the August birthstone, has been cherished for centuries for its unique green hue, which varies depending on its origin.
Peridot is a gem-quality olivine and silicate mineral, renowned for its natural green color due to the presence of iron in its crystal structure. Unlike many gemstones, peridot is never treated to enhance its color. Its rarity and association with positive energy make it a precious choice. Traditionally, peridot is also a symbol of the 16th wedding anniversary.
- Symbolism: Peridot is believed to protect its wearer from night terrors, linking it to sunlight and positive energy.
- Color: Typically olive-green, peridot can vary in intensity and may display yellowish or brownish tones.
- Shop for: Rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets
September – Sapphire
Sapphire, the September birthstone, has captivated humanity for centuries with its pure blue hues and remarkable durability. While typically associated with blue, sapphires actually come in a spectrum of colors.
Sapphires are part of the corundum family, prized not only for their beauty but also for industrial applications such as infrared optical components and watch crystals. The Apple Watch Series 3, for instance, features lab-created sapphire crystal for enhanced durability. Natural sapphire prices vary based on color, clarity, size, cut, and treatment, with untreated stones commanding higher values. Celebrate special milestones like the 5th, 45th, and 70th wedding anniversaries with this exquisite gemstone.
- Symbolism: Known for protection against harm, envy, and as a spiritual stone for priests. Some sapphires exhibit a natural asterism.
- Color: Varieties include blue, yellow, and purple; red corundum is classified as ruby.
- Shop for: Rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets
October – Opal or Tourmaline
In October, the birthstone choices are Opal and Tourmaline, each unique in its own right.
Opal
- Distinctive Patterns: Opals are renowned for their unique patterns, each stone being distinctly individual.
- Care Requirements: Being delicate, opals require special care when worn.
- Symbolism: Associated with light, magic, and healing properties for the eyes. Some believe opals bring good luck, while others avoid them due to superstitions.
- Color: Opals may exhibit play-of-color, a mesmerizing display of moving colors.
- Shop for: Rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets
Tourmaline
Tourmaline boasts the widest range of colors found in any gemstone, including bi-color and multi-color crystals like watermelon tourmaline.
- Distinct Mineral: Originally mistaken for other gems, tourmaline was recognized as a distinct mineral species in the 1800s.
- Symbolism: Represents creativity, love, and compassion.
- Price Range: Prices vary due to the diversity of colors and patterns.
- Shop for: Rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets
Both opal and tourmaline make excellent choices for October birthstone jewelry, offering a spectrum of colors and unique characteristics that cater to diverse tastes.
Whether you prefer the mystical allure of opals or the vibrant hues of tourmalines, explore these birthstones to find the perfect piece for yourself or as a meaningful gift. It is also a present for the 8th wedding anniversary.
November – Citrine
Citrine, the November birthstone, is a vibrant yellow to red-orange variety of crystalline quartz. Its popularity has surged due to clever marketing and its alignment with modern “earth tone” fashion trends.
Citrine is readily available and durable, making it a popular choice for jewelry. Its warm tones and affordability make it a versatile option for both casual and formal wear. Explore citrine jewelry options to find the perfect piece that resonates with the warmth and positivity associated with this beautiful birthstone.
- Symbolism: Like its cousin amethyst, citrine is part of the quartz family and is associated with healing and happiness. It’s believed to provide relief from ailments like stomachaches, insomnia, and stress.
- Color: Known for warm orange and yellow hues, often with hints of brown. Some citrines start as less impressive amethysts or smokey quartzes and are heat-treated to enhance their colors.
- Shop for: Rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets
December – Blue Topaz or Tanzanite or Blue Zircon
Blue Topaz
Blue topaz is one of the December birthstones, known for its transformation from colorless or pale blue to vivid greenish-blue through a heat and radiation treatment process. Affordable and stunning, blue topaz is a popular choice for jewelry.
Blue topaz makes a distinctive gift, whether celebrating a birthday or the 4th wedding anniversary. Discover the beauty and symbolism of this gemstone and find the perfect blue topaz piece to cherish.
- Symbolism: Historically associated with wealth and mystical powers to attract gold.
- Color: Available in varieties like “London Blue,” “Swiss Blue,” and “Sky Blue,” each offering different hues from dark steel blue to pale blue.
- Shop for: Rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets
Tanzanite
Tanzanite, an alternative December birthstone, is prized for its captivating violet-blue hue. Discovered only in Tanzania in the late 1960s, tanzanite has quickly become cherished for its rarity and beauty.
- Symbolism: Represents spirituality, wisdom, and transformation.
- Color: Known for its vivid violet-blue color with a hint of purple.
- Shop for: Rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets
- Benefits: Believed to promote relaxation and relieve stress.
Blue Zircon
Blue zircon is another December birthstone option, prized for its brilliant blue hues and exceptional brilliance. Often mistaken for synthetic gems, natural blue zircons are highly valued for their intense color and rarity. It is also a present for the 24th wedding anniversary.
- Symbolism: Associated with prosperity, wisdom, and honor.
- Color: Known for its deep blue color with flashes of brilliance.
- Shop for: Rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets
Conclusion
In conclusion, birthstones by month weave a rich tapestry of history, symbolism, and personal significance. Whether you’re drawn to the ancient traditions or modern interpretations, these gemstones offer a unique way to commemorate birthdays, anniversaries, and cherished moments. From the deep red of January’s garnet to the shimmering blue options of December such as blue topaz, tanzanite, or blue zircon, each stone carries its own distinct allure and symbolism.
Embrace the beauty and meaning of birthstones with Eongems, a premier gemstone manufacturing company in Jaipur. Explore our exquisite collection crafted with expert craftsmanship. Contact us today at +91-8769104410 or email gaurav@eongems.com to find the perfect gemstone that tells your story beautifully.
