Every month has a gemstone associated with it, each with its own color, history, and traditional meaning. From January's deep red garnet to September's brilliant blue sapphire, birthstones by month offer a personal way to connect jewelry with a birthday, a special memory, or someone you love.
Whether you're curious about your own birthstone meaning or looking for a thoughtful birthday gift, knowing the story behind each gemstone can make choosing birthstone jewelry feel a little more meaningful. And with different colors and styles to explore, there's more to birthstones than simply matching a gem to your birth month.
Birthstones by Month: Complete Chart
Each month has one or more gemstones traditionally associated with it. Their colors and symbolic meanings vary, and some months have multiple recognized birthstones. The chart below brings together commonly recognized U.S. birthstones, their typical colors, and the meanings traditionally associated with them.
Note: Birthstone traditions are not completely standardized. Some sources list one primary stone per month, while others include additional traditional or modern alternatives. Symbolic meanings are based on cultural traditions and gemstone folklore rather than scientific properties.
January to June: Birthstone Colors and Meanings
January: Garnet
The January birthstone is garnet, best known for its rich, deep-red color. Often associated with protection, friendship, and commitment, garnet has a long history in jewelry and has traditionally been worn as a symbol of strength and lasting connection. Its warm color makes garnet jewelry a distinctive choice for those who love deeper gemstone tones.
February: Amethyst
The February birthstone is amethyst, a variety of quartz recognized for its beautiful purple shades, ranging from pale lavender to deep violet. Traditionally associated with calm, clarity, and balance, amethyst has been valued across different cultures for centuries. Its versatile color makes amethyst jewelry easy to pair with both silver and gold finishes.
March: Aquamarine and Bloodstone
March has two commonly recognized birthstones: aquamarine and bloodstone. Aquamarine is known for its soft blue color, reminiscent of clear water, while bloodstone features a deep green base with distinctive red flecks. Aquamarine is traditionally associated with serenity and courage, while bloodstone has long been linked to protection and strength. Both offer very different looks for March birthstone jewelry.
April: Diamond
The April birthstone is diamond, celebrated for its brilliance, clarity, and exceptional hardness. Traditionally associated with strength and everlasting love, diamonds have become a popular choice for engagement rings and meaningful gifts. Although colorless diamonds are the most familiar, natural diamonds can also occur in a variety of colors, making diamond jewelry appealing across different styles.
May: Emerald
The May birthstone is emerald, a gemstone known for its rich green color and connection to the natural world. Traditionally associated with renewal, growth, and wisdom, emerald has been treasured in jewelry for thousands of years. Its distinctive green hue gives emerald jewelry a timeless look that stands out without needing elaborate designs.
June: Pearl, Alexandrite and Moonstone
June is one of the months with multiple recognized birthstones. Pearl is known for its soft, luminous appearance, while alexandrite is especially fascinating for its ability to change color under different lighting. Moonstone, meanwhile, has a subtle glow that seems to move across its surface. Traditionally associated with purity, transformation, and intuition, these three stones offer very different interpretations of the June birthstone.
For those drawn to the gentle, iridescent look of pearls, mother-of-pearl jewelry offers a related aesthetic, with its natural layers of shimmering color. Although mother-of-pearl and pearl are not the same material, both bring a distinctive organic beauty to jewelry.
July to December: Birthstone Colors and Meanings
July: Ruby
The July birthstone is ruby, a gemstone celebrated for its vibrant red color. A variety of the mineral corundum, ruby is traditionally associated with passion, vitality, and courage. Its rich color has made it a popular choice for statement pieces and meaningful gifts. For those who love bold gemstone colors, ruby jewelry brings warmth and character to any collection.
August: Peridot, Spinel and Sardonyx
August has three recognized birthstones: peridot, spinel, and sardonyx. Peridot stands out for its fresh yellow-green color, while spinel comes in a wide range of shades, from pink and red to blue. Sardonyx is known for its distinctive reddish-brown and white bands. Traditionally associated with renewal, strength, and stability, these stones offer plenty of variety for August birthstone jewelry.
September: Sapphire
The September birthstone is sapphire, best known for its rich blue color, although it can naturally occur in other shades. Traditionally associated with wisdom, loyalty, and sincerity, sapphire has long been admired for its beauty and durability. Its classic blue appearance makes sapphire jewelry a timeless choice for both everyday wear and special occasions.
October: Opal and Tourmaline
October has two recognized birthstones: opal and tourmaline. Opal is loved for its shifting flashes of color, often displaying an iridescent play of light across its surface. Tourmaline, on the other hand, comes in an impressive variety of colors, including pink, green, and blue. Traditionally associated with creativity, hope, and balance, these gemstones offer two very different ways to celebrate the October birthstone.
November: Topaz and Citrine
The November birthstones are topaz and citrine, both known for their warm golden and yellow tones. Topaz occurs in several colors, while golden and orange varieties are especially popular in birthstone jewelry. Citrine is recognized for its sunny yellow to orange hues and is traditionally associated with warmth, abundance, and joy. Together, they make November birthstone jewelry a lovely choice for anyone drawn to warm, cheerful gemstone colors.
December: Tanzanite, Turquoise and Zircon
December offers three recognized birthstones: tanzanite, turquoise, and zircon. Tanzanite is admired for its striking blue-violet color, turquoise for its distinctive blue-green appearance, and zircon for its brilliance and range of natural colors. Traditionally associated with transformation, protection, and prosperity, these gemstones offer different interpretations of the December birthstone, making them especially interesting for those who prefer distinctive colors and personal style.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is my birthstone?
Your birthstone is traditionally determined by your birth month. For example, January's birthstone is garnet, February's is amethyst, and September's is sapphire. Check a birthstone chart to find the gemstone associated with your month.
Can a month have more than one birthstone?
Yes. Some months have multiple recognized birthstones. June, for example, includes pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone, while August includes peridot, spinel, and sardonyx. Different traditions and gemstone organizations may recognize different alternatives.
Can you wear someone else's birthstone?
Absolutely. Birthstone jewelry doesn't have to match your own birth month. Many people choose a partner's, child's, or family member's birthstone as a personal reminder of someone important to them.
Are birthstone meanings scientifically proven?
No. Traditional birthstone meanings come from cultural beliefs, historical traditions, and gemstone folklore rather than scientific evidence. Their significance is personal, and many people enjoy choosing stones for the stories or symbolism associated with them.
Is birthstone jewelry a good birthday gift?
Yes. Birthstone jewelry makes a thoughtful birthday gift because it connects a gemstone with someone's birth month. A birthstone necklace is a particularly popular option, offering a personal touch that can be worn and enjoyed long after the celebration.
Final Note
Every birthstone carries a different color, story, and tradition. Whether you're celebrating your own birth month or choosing something meaningful for someone you love, the right gemstone is ultimately the one that feels personal to you.
Explore our birthstone jewelry collection and find a piece that makes every special moment a little more memorable.