Birthstones are gemstones traditionally associated with each month of the year. For centuries, they have been worn as symbols of identity, protection, and meaning, and today they remain one of the most popular ways to personalize jewelry. Whether you are buying a gift, choosing everyday jewelry, or exploring gemstone symbolism, understanding birthstones helps you make informed and meaningful choices.
This guide explains:
The history of birthstones
The modern birthstone list by month
What each birthstone symbolizes
Practical buying tips for birthstone jewelry
A birthstone is a gemstone associated with a specific month of the year. The tradition of birthstones dates back thousands of years and is believed to have originated from ancient civilizations that attributed protective and healing properties to gemstones.
While some cultures assigned gemstones to zodiac signs, modern birthstones are linked specifically to calendar months.
The concept of birthstones is often traced to the Biblical Breastplate of Aaron, which featured twelve gemstones representing the twelve tribes of Israel. Over time, these stones became associated with the twelve months of the year.
Modern birthstone lists were standardized in the early 20th century by jewelry industry organizations to create consistency. While historical and cultural variations exist, the modern list is widely recognized today.
Below is the modern birthstone list, along with meanings and practical insights for each gemstone.
Meaning: Protection, strength, vitality
Color: Deep red (also available in green, orange, and purple)
Garnet has been worn for centuries as a protective stone. It is known for its rich color and durability, making it suitable for everyday wear.
Buying tips:
Look for deep, vibrant color
Garnet is durable and affordable
Minimal treatments are common
Meaning: Calm, balance, clarity
Color: Purple (ranging from light lavender to deep violet)
Amethyst has long been associated with clarity of mind and emotional balance. It remains one of the most popular purple gemstones.
Buying tips:
Color saturation is key to value
Widely available and budget-friendly
Suitable for regular wear with proper care
Meaning: Serenity, courage, clarity
Color: Pale blue to blue-green
Aquamarine’s soft blue tones evoke the sea and have historically symbolized calm and protection for travelers.
Buying tips:
Lighter colors are traditional, but deeper blue is more valuable
Heat treatment is common and accepted
Durable enough for everyday wear
Meaning: Strength, commitment, endurance
Color: Typically colorless, but also found in fancy colors
Diamonds are prized for their brilliance and unmatched hardness. As an April birthstone, they symbolize lasting strength and clarity.
Buying tips:
Evaluate using the Four Cs: cut, color, clarity, carat
Excellent for daily wear
Lab-created options are widely available
Meaning: Growth, renewal, love
Color: Rich green
Emeralds have been cherished for thousands of years and were favored by ancient royalty. Their lush green color symbolizes rebirth and vitality.
Buying tips:
Inclusions are common and expected
Oil treatments are standard but should be disclosed
Better for occasional wear due to softness
June is unique in having multiple birthstones.
Meaning: Purity, wisdom, elegance
Color: White, cream, pink, black
Pearls are organic gemstones formed by mollusks and have a timeless appeal.
Buying tips:
Luster is more important than size
Requires gentle care
Not suitable for daily wear
Meaning: Transformation, balance
Color: Color-changing (green to red)
Alexandrite is rare and prized for its dramatic color change under different lighting.
Buying tips:
Natural stones are extremely rare
Lab-created versions are more accessible
Best purchased with certification
Meaning: Intuition, harmony
Color: White to blue with iridescence
Moonstone is valued for its soft glow and mystical appearance.
Meaning: Passion, vitality, protection
Color: Red
Rubies are among the most valuable colored gemstones and symbolize power and energy.
Buying tips:
Color is the most important factor
Heat treatment is common
Durable and suitable for daily wear
Meaning: Strength, positivity
Color: Olive green
Peridot is known for its bright, fresh color and historical significance.
Meaning: Energy, revitalization
Color: Wide range including red, pink, blue
Spinel has gained popularity for its durability and vibrant colors.
Meaning: Stability, courage
Color: Layered red and white
Meaning: Wisdom, loyalty, integrity
Color: Blue (also available in many other colors)
Sapphires are highly durable and widely used in fine jewelry.
Buying tips:
Color saturation drives value
Excellent for everyday wear
Available in natural and lab-created forms
Meaning: Creativity, inspiration
Color: Multicolor play-of-color
Opals are known for their unique internal color patterns.
Buying tips:
Requires careful handling
Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures
Best for occasional wear
Meaning: Healing, balance
Color: Wide range, including pink and green
Tourmaline offers versatility and durability.
Meaning: Strength, affection
Color: Blue, yellow, pink
Topaz is versatile and durable.
Meaning: Joy, abundance
Color: Yellow to orange
Citrine is affordable and bright, making it popular for everyday jewelry.
Meaning: Protection, wisdom
Color: Blue to green
Meaning: Transformation
Color: Blue-violet
Meaning: Prosperity, wisdom
Color: Blue, white, yellow
Some gemstones are better suited for daily wear than others. Diamonds, sapphires, rubies, and spinels are among the most durable.
Many birthstones undergo treatments to enhance color or clarity. Treatments should always be disclosed.
Metal choice affects durability and appearance:
14K gold and platinum are ideal for daily wear
Sterling silver is more affordable but softer
Birthstone jewelry is available across a wide range of price points. Focus on quality within your budget.
Birthstone jewelry makes meaningful gifts for:
Birthdays
Anniversaries
Mother’s jewelry
Milestone celebrations
Personalization adds emotional value beyond aesthetics.
Myth: You must wear your traditional birthstone
Reality: Many people choose alternative or modern birthstones
Myth: Birthstones are less valuable
Reality: Some birthstones are among the most valuable gemstones
Birthstones combine tradition, symbolism, and personal meaning. Understanding each stone’s characteristics, durability, and care requirements allows buyers to choose birthstone jewelry that is both beautiful and practical.
Your birthstone corresponds to your birth month according to the modern birthstone list.
Yes. Several months have more than one recognized birthstone.
Some are, such as diamonds and sapphires, while others require more care.
Birthstone jewelry is meaningful because it connects personal identity with timeless gemstones. Whether chosen for symbolism, beauty, or tradition, a well-selected birthstone piece can be cherished for years to come.