The Complete Guide to Birthstones by Month — Meanings, History & How to Choose Yours

Birthstones — the personal gemstone tied to your birth month — have been worn for over two thousand years. The tradition traces back to the breastplate of Aaron in the Book of Exodus, where twelve gems represented the twelve tribes of Israel. Over centuries those gems became linked to the months, then to the zodiac, and today they sit on the most-loved birthstone rings, birthstone necklaces, and birthstone bracelets in the world.

January birthstone: garnet. Deep red, symbolizing protection and devotion. Most-searched as 'January birthstone ring' and 'garnet meaning'. Mined in India, Madagascar, and Brazil.

February birthstone: amethyst. Royal violet quartz, symbolizing clarity and calm. A favorite for both stacking rings and statement pendants.

March birthstone: aquamarine. Soft sea-blue beryl. Sailors carried it as a talisman for safe passage. Popular as a March birthstone necklace gift.

April birthstone: diamond. The hardest natural mineral and a symbol of eternal love. April birthstone jewelry never goes out of style.

May birthstone: emerald. Lush green beryl, symbol of rebirth and abundance. Cleopatra famously claimed every emerald mine in Egypt.

June birthstone: alexandrite (and pearl). Color-shifting from green in daylight to purple-red under lamplight. June babies have the rarest gemstone of all.

July birthstone: ruby. Pure red corundum, symbol of passion. The finest specimens are called 'pigeon's blood' rubies.

August birthstone: peridot. Sunlit lime green — one of only two gems found in meteorites that fell to Earth.

September birthstone: sapphire. Royal blue corundum, symbol of wisdom and faithful love. Princess Diana's engagement ring was a 12-carat Ceylon sapphire.

October birthstone: opal & tourmaline. Iridescent opals flash a one-of-one 'fire' pattern — no two are identical.

November birthstone: topaz & citrine. Golden, warm, and joyful — citrine is nicknamed the 'merchant's stone' for attracting wealth.

December birthstone: turquoise, tanzanite, and zircon. December is the only month with three official birthstones — pick the one that's most you.

How to choose your birthstone piece: start with the month, then pick the form factor — ring, necklace, bracelet, or earrings. Stackable birthstone rings are the most-gifted format because they can be added to over time.

Birthstone gifts are personal because they're chosen for the wearer specifically. The most-gifted birthstone jewelry pieces are pendant necklaces (universal sizing), stackable rings, and birthstone bracelets.

Frequently asked: Are birthstones real gemstones? In our pieces, yes — every birthstone is a real, hand-set gem. Are birthstones the same in every culture? Modern Western birthstones were standardized by the American National Association of Jewelers in 1912 and updated periodically — most countries follow this list today.