When it’s time to celebrate a special someone’s birthday, few presents can express what’s in the heart quite like a beautiful piece of jewelry handcrafted with the appropriate birthstone serving as the centerpiece. Each month of the year has its own precious or semiprecious gemstone associated with it, providing a beautifully personalized option that is sure to dazzle.
Not sure what stone to explore for a particular birth date? Here’s a brief guide that covers each month and the stone traditionally associated with it:
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January (Garnet)
The garnet is technically found in a variety of colors, but the stone is most famed in its rich red form. The stone is also found in greens, blues, purplish reds and even oranges. Garnets are known to be a bit softer than some of the other precious gemstones, falling between 6.5 and 7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. The stone is associated not only with January births, but also was once used in the creation of ancient Roman signet rings. They are also traditional gifts for 2nd wedding anniversaries.
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February (Amethyst)
The amethyst is a type of quartz mineral that is highly sought after for its eye-catching purple tones. The stone ranks a 7 on the Mohs scale and is also a traditional gift for 6th and 17th wedding anniversaries. Some believe it has the property to protect its wearers from temptation.
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March (Aquamarine)
The aquamarine is most commonly known in its light blue form, but may also be found in greenish-blue shades, as well. The stone was once believed to have properties that could keep sailors safe at sea. It rates between a 7 and 8 on the Mohs scale, tying with the emerald.
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April (Diamond)
Those born in this month will find the diamond, the hardest mineral known to man, is the gem that signifies their birth month. Diamonds are found in a variety of colors with true “colorless” pieces among the most highly sought after. Some believe diamonds have powerful healing properties. They are also a traditional gift for 60th and 75th wedding anniversaries.
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May (Emerald)
Emeralds are best known for their rich, deep green hue, but may also be found in varying shades that range from spring green to a more bluish-green. This stone rates an 8 on the Mohs scale and is believed by some to have calming properties. The emerald is also a traditional gift for 20th and 35th wedding anniversaries.
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June (Pearl and Alexandrite)
June is one of a few months blessed with two birthstones: the pearl and alexandrite. Pearls are the only gems created inside a living creature, formed when a mollusk wraps a tiny irritant in layer after layer of lustrous nacre. Prized for their soft, glowing luster, they range from classic white and cream to shades of pink, silver and black, and rate a gentle 2.5 to 3 on the Mohs scale, making them one of the softest gems. Pearls are a traditional gift for the 3rd and 30th wedding anniversaries. The second June birthstone, alexandrite, is favored for its beautiful coloration that may change depending on the light. The stone is often seen as green in direct sunlight, but might appear red under a lamp. This color-changing gem falls around 8.5 on the Mohs scale and is believed by some to promote prosperity and longevity. It also happens to be the gemstone associated with the 55th wedding anniversary.
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July (Ruby)
Rubies belong to the same family as sapphires and are characterized by their rich red color in most cases. These hard stones come in just behind diamonds on the Mohs scale with a 9 rating. Some believe rubies have the power to fight darkess and fear while bringing happiness and love. They are also associated with the 15th and 40th wedding anniversaries.
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August (Peridot)
This month’s birthstone is the peridot. The stone is generally a yellowish-green in color and is found in lava, in the earth’s mantle and also in meteorites. Softer than some of the other precious gems, this stone rates a 6.5 on the Mohs scale. Some believe peridots have the power to strength the spirit of their owners while promoting emotional balance. The stone is also associated with the 15th wedding anniversary.
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September (Sapphire)
Sapphires take center stage for those born in September. Although best known as a deep blue stone, they are also found in violets, greens, pinks, purples and other shades. Like the ruby, they are corundums and rate a 9 on the Mohs scale. This stone is believed to protect its wearer while offering healing properties. It is also associated with the 5th and 45th wedding anniversaries.
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October (Tourmaline)
Tourmalines are found in a wide variety of colors, but it is the pink variety associated with this month. The stone tends to rate between a 7 and 7.5 on the Mohs scale. It is believed by some to have the ability to boost energy and bring love. It is also believed to have some healing properties. Tourmaline is also associated with the 8th wedding anniversary.
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November (Topaz and Citrine)
November is another month blessed with two birthstones: topaz and citrine. Topaz is found in a variety of colors that range from a honey yellow to pink. It is most commonly recognized in that yellowish honey form, however. The stone rates an 8 on the Mohs scale. It is believed to help combat insomnia while promoting internal enlightenment. It is also a traditional 4th and 23rd anniversary gift. The second November birthstone, citrine, is a golden variety of quartz that ranges from pale lemon yellow to deep amber and honey brown. Affordable and widely available, it rates a 7 on the Mohs scale and is often associated with warmth, prosperity and positive energy. Citrine is a traditional gift for the 13th wedding anniversary.
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December (Turquoise and Tanzanite)
December is celebrated with two striking blue birthstones: turquoise and tanzanite. Turquoise is one of the oldest gemstones known, prized for thousands of years for its warm sky blue to blue-green color, often marked with delicate brown or black veining. This opaque stone is usually polished into smooth cabochons and rates a 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale, so it calls for gentle care. Turquoise is a traditional gift for the 11th wedding anniversary. Tanzanite, the second December birthstone, is a much newer discovery, unearthed in Tanzania in the 1960s and found nowhere else on earth. Prized for its rich violet-blue glow that shifts with the light, this transparent gem rates a 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale and is a traditional gift for the 24th wedding anniversary.
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For another perspective on birthstones, including where the tradition comes from and how the modern list was standardized in 1912, see this independent guide to birthstones by month.
To explore the beauty of birthstones in greater depth, we invite you to explore our extensive collection of handcrafted, fine jewelry.
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