What Is Your Birthstone?
Birthstones have a long tradition. Each stone was ascribed different physical and spiritual traits that could be associated with an individual's date of birth. Although historically different cultures had their own lists of birthstones, in 1912 The American National Association of Jewelers established an official list of standardized birthstones, which has faced minor modern additions.
Here we've included a list that incorporates both modern and traditional birthstones for each month. It is typical to draw from either list to choose the birthstone that most appeals to you based on accessibility or personal taste.
January - Garnet
Garnet is available in almost any color, though they are most commonly associated with red. Some believe that garnets have protective powers, which made them popular among warriors and royalty.
February - Amethyst
Amethysts come in many shades of purple, and since they have a relatively high hardness, they are very scratch resistant. Due to their beautiful color, they have historically been connected with royalty.
March - Aquamarine & Bloodstone
The name aquamarine is derived from the Latin word for seawater, and indeed the stone has a beautiful aquatic blue-green color. Because of this, the stones were historically thought to protect seafarers.
April - Diamond
Diamonds are prized for their classic beauty and clarity, but are also a good choice due to their durability and stunning beauty. They are associated with strength and eternal love, and so are commonly chosen for engagement and wedding rings.
May - Emerald
Emeralds are classically a stunning green color, and were said to imbue the wearer with heightened intelligence and objective thinking in legends.
June - Pearl & Alexandrite
Pearls are the only gems found in living creatures, but since they are rare in nature, most pearls on the market today are cultivated or cultured. They are associated with traits such as honesty, purity, and wisdom.
Depending on what light it is viewed in, alexandrite displays stunning color changes. Alexandrite was thought to enhance intelligence and invite good luck, and was historically a favorite of the Russian royal family.
July - Ruby
Rubies are always red, but can range from pink to orange tones. They were historically thought to be connected with the human body by warriors and were credited with improving strength and stamina for the wearer.
August - Peridot, Sardonyx & Spinel
Peridot is generally a light yellow-green, but has considerable variation. Because of their sun-like brilliance, they have been credited with protecting the wearer at night.
September - Sapphire
Sapphires can come in a stunning array of colors, though blue is the most traditional. They are very durable and have historically been ascribed medicinal properties. Sapphires are one of the few stones that show natural asterism, which means they can form a six-point star.
October - Opal & Tourmaline
Despite being among the most delicate gemstones, opals maintain their popularity due to their inner fire and beautiful diversity. Some cultures were superstitious of opals, but others associated them with light and magic.
Tourmaline comes in many colors, and a single stone may display a gradient of multiple colors within it. They have been credited with improving creativity and so were favored by artists and writers.
November - Citrine & Topaz
Citrine is a bold yellow variety of crystalline quartz. This sunny stone is associated with happiness and healing. Many are unimpressive amethyst or smoky quartz when they emerge from the ground, but become bold yellows and oranges when heat-treated.
December - Turquoise, Zircon, Lapis Lazuli
Many turquoises are colorless or pale blue when they come out of the ground, but heat treatment turns them a traditional vivid blue.
Blue zircon is a more modern birthstone and very affordable. Like its other December counterparts, it is associated with serenity and perception.
Conclusion
Still have questions about which stone is best for you or your loved one? Reach out to your local jewelers, who can answer any of your questions about choosing and caring for your perfect stone.