The tradition of birthstones dates back to ancient times, with origins in both religious and cultural beliefs. Different cultures have assigned different gemstones to different months, and these assignments can vary.
In the modern standardized list of birthstones, which was established by the American National Retail Jewelers Association (now known as Jewelers of America) in 1912, each month has one or more associated birthstones.
What is a birthstone?
A birthstone is a gemstone that is traditionally associated with a specific month or astrological sign (zodiac sign) and is often thought to bring good luck, protection, or other positive qualities to individuals born during that time.
Birthstones have a long history and cultural significance in various societies, and they are often used in jewelry or other decorative items.
Are birthstones by month or zodiac sign?
While there is a common notion that birthstones are only assigned by month, there is also such a thing as birthstones by zodiac signs or zodiac stones.
What is the difference between your birthstone month and zodiac sign birthstone?
Zodiac stones bring out, reflect, and strengthen your sign’s best characteristics, while birthstones reflect the meaning and strength of your birth month.
What are the birthstones for each month?
Here is a list of modern birthstones by month:
- January: Garnet
- February: Amethyst
- March: Aquamarine or Bloodstone
- April: Diamond
- May: Emerald
- June: Pearl, Alexandrite, or Moonstone
- July: Ruby
- August: Peridot or Spinel
- September: Sapphire
- October: Opal or Tourmaline
- November: Topaz or Citrine
- December: Turquoise, Tanzanite, or Zircon
Birthstones are often incorporated into jewelry pieces such as rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, making them popular gifts for birthdays or other special occasions.
While many people enjoy the symbolism and personal connection that birthstones represent, it’s important to note that the significance of birthstones is primarily cultural and traditional rather than scientifically proven.
What is my birthstone?
To determine your birthstone, you need to know your birth month. Once you know your birth month then you can determine which stone associates with the month.
Click the links below to jump to your birthday month!
- January birthstone and gift ideas
What is January birthstone
The birthstone for January is the garnet. The most common color of garnet is deep red, but it can also come in various shades of red, as well as green, orange, and other colors.
January garnet birthstone gift ideas
Here are three ideas for birthstone birthday gifts featuring garnet for someone born in January:
- Garnet Jewelry: A classic choice would be to gift them garnet jewelry, such as a necklace, ring, or earrings. A deep red garnet piece can be both elegant and meaningful.
- Garnet-Embedded Keepsake: Consider a decorative item like a picture frame, keychain, or small sculpture with garnet accents. This way, they can have a daily reminder of their birth month.
- Custom Birthstone Art: Commission a piece of artwork or a custom piece of jewelry that prominently features garnet. This could be a painting, a piece of pottery, or even a handcrafted item that incorporates garnet creatively.
What is February’s birthstone
The birthstone for February is the amethyst. Amethyst is a purple variety of quartz. It can range in color from pale lavender to deep violet.
February amethyst birthstone gift ideas
Here are three ideas for birthstone birthday gifts featuring amethyst for someone born in February:
- Amethyst Jewelry: Consider gifting them a piece of jewelry featuring amethyst, such as amethyst necklace, bracelet, or pair of earrings. The purple hue of amethyst can add a touch of elegance to any outfit.
- Amethyst Decor: You could choose a decorative item, such as a geode bookend, a candle holder, or a small sculpture, all adorned with amethyst crystals. These can be both visually stunning and spiritually meaningful.
- Amethyst Birthstone Crystal Set: Create a personalized crystal set with amethyst as the central stone. Include other crystals that complement amethyst’s properties, such as clear quartz or rose quartz. This thoughtful gift can be used for meditation, relaxation, or home decor.
What is March birthstone
The birthstone for March is the aquamarine. Aquamarine is a blue to greenish-blue variety of beryl, ranging in color from pale, almost transparent blue to deeper blue shades.
March aquamarine birthstone gift ideas
Here are three ideas for birthstone birthday gifts featuring aquamarine for someone born in March:
- Aquamarine Jewelry: Consider gifting them a piece of jewelry featuring aquamarine, such as a necklace, an aquamarine ring, or pair of earrings. The serene blue color of aquamarine can evoke feelings of calmness and tranquility.
- Aquamarine-Infused Bath Set: Create a luxurious bath set with aquamarine-themed items, like aqua-colored bath salts, a scented candle, and a soft towel. This creates a relaxing and pampering experience.
- Custom Birthstone Artwork: Commission a piece of artwork that incorporates aquamarine as a dominant color. This could be a painting, a piece of pottery, or even a digital print that resonates with the tranquil qualities associated with aquamarine.
What is the birthstone for April
The birthstone for April is the diamond. Diamonds are typically colorless and are known for their dazzling brilliance. However, diamonds can also come in various fancy colors like yellow, pink, blue, and more.
April diamond birthstone gift ideas
Here are three ideas for birthstone birthday gifts featuring diamonds for someone born in April:
- Diamond Jewelry: Gifting them a piece of diamond jewelry, such as a pendant, bracelet, or a pair of diamond studs, can be a classic and elegant choice. Diamonds are often associated with timeless beauty and sophistication.
- Custom Engraved Diamond Keepsake: Consider a personalized gift like a diamond-studded locket or a diamond photo frame that can be engraved with a meaningful message or date. This adds a sentimental touch to the sparkling beauty of diamonds.
- Diamond-Infused Experience: Plan an experience that involves diamonds, like a visit to a jewelry museum or a guided tour of a diamond cutting and polishing facility. This unique gift idea offers a blend of education and luxury.
What is the birthstone for May
The birthstone for May is the emerald. Emeralds are typically green gemstones, ranging from deep, rich greens to lighter, more vibrant shades.
May emerald birthstone gift ideas
Here are three ideas for birthstone birthday gifts featuring emeralds for someone born in May:
- Emerald Jewelry: Gift them a piece of jewelry featuring emeralds, such as an emerald necklace, ring, or pair of earrings. The lush green color of emeralds is associated with renewal and vitality.
- Custom Birthstone Ring: Consider a personalized birthstone ring that combines the emerald with the person’s birthdate or initials. This can make for a unique and sentimental gift.
- Botanical-inspired Gift: Given the green color of emeralds, consider a botanical-themed gift like a potted plant, a terrarium, or a floral arrangement. This ties into the emerald’s symbolism of growth and nature.
What is the birthstone for June
The birthstone for June is the pearl. Pearls are unique among gemstones as they are formed within living creatures, primarily oysters. They come in a range of colors including white, cream, pink, and even black.
June pearl birthstone gift ideas
Here are three ideas for birthstone birthday gifts featuring pearls for someone born in June:
- Pearl Jewelry: Gift them a piece of pearl jewelry, such as a classic strand of pearls, a pearl bracelet, or pearl stud earrings. Pearls are often associated with elegance and sophistication.
- Pearl-Adorned Accessories: Consider accessories like a clutch purse with pearl embellishments, a pearl-embroidered scarf, or even a pair of pearl-adorned sunglasses.
- Pearl-Infused Spa Experience: Create a relaxing spa-themed gift basket with pearl-infused skincare products like pearl powder face masks or pearl extract lotions. This ties into the idea of pearls’ nurturing and renewing qualities.
What is the birthstone for July
The birthstone for July is the ruby. Rubies are red gemstones, ranging from deep, vivid reds to slightly pinkish hues.
July ruby birthstone gift ideas
Here are three ideas for birthstone birthday gifts featuring rubies for someone born in July:
- Ruby Jewelry: Gift them a piece of jewelry featuring rubies, such as a ruby ring, necklace, or a pair of ruby earrings. Rubies symbolize passion and love.
- Personalized Birthstone Pendant: Consider a personalized pendant with their birthstone (ruby) along with their initial or birthdate. This creates a unique and sentimental gift.
- Red-themed Experience: Plan a day centered around the color red, symbolizing the ruby birthstone. This could involve a visit to a red-themed garden, a cooking class focused on red foods, or even a movie night featuring classic red-themed films.
What is August birthstone
The birthstone for August is the peridot. Peridot is a bright green gemstone, often associated with the color of fresh spring leaves.
August Peridot birthstone gift ideas
Here are three ideas for birthstone birthday gifts featuring peridot for someone born in August:
- Peridot Jewelry: Gift them a piece of jewelry featuring peridot, such as a peridot pendant, peridot bracelet, or a pair of peridot earrings. The vibrant green color of peridot is linked with renewal and growth.
- Peridot-Infused Home Decor: Consider gifting them home decor items like peridot-colored cushions, blankets, or even a peridot-themed plant. This brings the refreshing green into their living space.
- Spa Day with Peridot Themes: Treat them to a spa day with peridot-themed treatments, like a green tea facial, or a massage using aromatherapy oils with refreshing scents. This connects the gemstone’s color with relaxation and well-being.
What is September birthstone
The birthstone for September is the sapphire. Sapphires are typically blue gemstones, ranging from deep navy blues to lighter shades.
September sapphire birthstone gift ideas
Here are three ideas for birthstone birthday gifts featuring sapphires for someone born in September:
- Sapphire Jewelry: Gift them a piece of jewelry featuring sapphires, such as a sapphire necklace, ring, or a pair of sapphire earrings. Blue sapphires are associated with wisdom and serenity.
- Personalized Birthstone Locket: Consider a locket with a small sapphire inside, along with a picture or a tiny note. This combines the beauty of the sapphire with a sentimental touch.
- Starry Night Experience: Plan a star-gazing night, either at a local observatory or in a picturesque outdoor setting, to tie into the deep blue color of sapphires and the notion of the night sky.
What is October birthstone
The birthstone for October is opal. Opals are known for their iridescent play of colors, often showing a mixture of colors like white, blue, green, pink, and more.
October opal birthstone gift ideas
Here are three ideas for birthstone birthday gifts featuring opals for someone born in October:
- Opal Jewelry: Gift them a piece of opal jewelry, such as an opal pendant, opal ring, or opal earrings. The shifting colors of opals make them unique and mesmerizing.
- Opal-Infused Aromatherapy Set: Combine the beauty of opals with relaxation by creating an aromatherapy gift set. Include an essential oil diffuser and opal-themed scented oils or candles.
- Custom Opal Artwork: Commission a piece of artwork that incorporates opal colors or motifs. This could be a painting, a glass sculpture, or even opal-inspired digital art.
What is the birthstone for November
The birthstone for November is topaz. Topaz comes in a range of colors, but for November, the most common variety is the yellow to golden-brown topaz.
November topaz birthstone gift ideas
Here are three ideas for birthstone birthday gifts featuring topaz for someone born in November:
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- Topaz Jewelry: Gift them a piece of jewelry featuring topaz, such as a topaz pendant, ring, or earrings. Yellow topaz can bring warmth and vibrancy to their jewelry collection.
- Custom Birthstone Mug: Create a personalized mug featuring their birthstone color and their name or a special message. This is a simple yet thoughtful gift.
- Golden Retreat Experience: Plan a day of relaxation and pampering with a “golden” theme. Include treatments like a spa massage using topaz-infused oils or a golden-hued bath soak. Consider these Pure Gold Anti-Aging Collagen Hyaluronic Acid Under Eye Masks.
What is the birthstone for December
The birthstone for December is turquoise. Turquoise is typically known for its blue-green color, resembling the shades of the ocean and the sky.
December turquoise birthstone gift ideas
Here are three ideas for birthstone birthday gifts featuring turquoise for someone born in December:
- Turquoise Jewelry: Gift them a piece of jewelry featuring turquoise, such as a turquoise necklace, bracelet, or a pair of turquoise earrings. The vibrant color of turquoise is associated with protection and positive energy.
- Turquoise Home Decor: Consider turquoise-themed home decor items like throw pillows, wall art, or a vase. This brings the soothing and calming color of turquoise into their living space.
- Spa Retreat with Turquoise Touch: Create a spa-like experience with turquoise-infused treatments. Consider a blue-green themed spa day with turquoise-colored bath salts, towels, and a relaxing bathrobe.
When choosing a gift, think about the recipient’s style and how the calming and rejuvenating qualities of turquoise can align with their personality and preferences.
Discovering your birthstone adds a touch of personal significance to special occasions. Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift or treating yourself, I hope these curated birthstone-inspired ideas help you celebrate in style.
Have questions or comments regarding this article? Feel free to drop a comment below! We’d love to hear from you!
Until next time…
Cheers Lovelies!
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