Birthstones Explained - Month By Month
Birthstones are gemstones traditionally associated with each month of the year, each carrying its own unique meaning, symbolism, and history. The concept of birthstones has fascinated cultures for centuries, blending mythology & religion.
Whether worn as jewelry or kept as talismans, birthstones are believed by many to bring luck, protection, and personal significance to those who wear them.
The origins of birthstones can be traced back to ancient times. One of the earliest references is often linked to the biblical Breastplate of Aaron, described in the Book of Exodus. This ceremonial garment was said to be adorned with twelve different stones, each representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Over time, scholars and historians began to associate these stones with the twelve months of the year and the twelve signs of the zodiac. Although the exact stones and their order varied across cultures and eras, this connection laid the foundation for the birthstone tradition as we know it today.
For several centuries, the traditional practice was to own all twelve birthstones and wear a different one for each allocated month.
In modern times, the standardized list of birthstones was largely established in 1912 by the American National Retail Jewelers Association, now known as Jewelers of America. This effort helped unify the different lists that had developed over centuries, though some variations still exist. Over the years, additional stones have been added to certain months to offer more variety. For example, tanzanite was added to the list in 2002 and most recently spinel was added in 2016.
Each month is associated with one or more gemstones, each carrying its own story and symbolism.
[The above photo is a Lucy Jurado tsavorite garnet ring]
January - Garnet
January’s birthstone, garnet, is one of the most diverse gemstone groups with a large variety of species & varieties. They come in a rainbow of various colours with red being the most common. Historically garnets have gathered a variety of associations from offering protection & stirring female inner fire to symbolising love & friendship.
[The above is a photo of a Lucy Jurado amethyst cocktail ring]
February - Amethyst
February’s amethyst, a purple quartz, is believed to promote calmness, clarity, and spiritual awareness. The lilac to deep purple hues were once reserved for royalty & religious figures who wore it as a symbol of their important positions in society.
March - Aquamarine
March is represented by aquamarine, a pale blue stone reminiscent of the sea, that is often free of inclusions and often clear as water too. It belongs to the beryl species & is closely related to emeralds.
Historically known as the sailors stone believed to ensure safe passage at sea & offer protection for sailors.
April - Diamond
April’s birthstone, diamond, is perhaps the most well-known gemstone. Diamonds are often associated with engagement rings, highlighting their connection to love & commitment. The beauty & inner fire of the diamond has made them admired for centuries.
May - Emerald
May’s emerald is prized for its rich deep green to blue green hue and has long been associated with rebirth & renewal. Ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians where the first emeralds are believed to have been mined, valued emeralds highly. Cleopatra famously wore them.
[The above is a photo of a Lucy Jurado pearl ring in sterling silver]
June - Pearl - Alexandrite - Moonstone
June is a special month in that it has multiple birthstones, including pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone.
Pearls, formed within mollusks, are thought to symbolize purity and wisdom. Pearl jewellery is considered timeless & classic. The majority of pearls on the market are cultured pearls, they are still natural - they just come from farms rather than the open ocean. Pearl value can vary significantly due to rarity with south sea pearls topping the list at auction houses.
Alexandrite is known for its rare ability to change color depending on the light.
Moonstone, with its white, silvery-gray or colourless colour often displays a blue, white or silvery shimmer. It is often associated with intuition and femininity.
[The above is photo of a Lucy Jurado ruby sterling silver ring]
July - Ruby
July’s birthstone, ruby, often commands the highest prices of all coloured gemstones. The most valued rubies are a vibrant red colour known as pigeon's blood. Known as the king of gems, rubies have historically been associated with protection and prosperity. Many associate rubies deep red hues with love & passion.
[The above shows an image of a Lucy Jurado peridot flower cluster ring]
August - Peridot - Spinel
August’s peridot, with its bright green colour, is one of the few gemstones that occurs in only one color, though its shades can vary. In ancient Egyptian times it was called the gem of the sun and was thought to ward off evil spirits.
Spinel has excellent durability & comes in a variety of hues offering a choice of colour for an August birthstone.
[The above shows an image of a Lucy Jurado sapphire ring in sterling silver]
September - Sapphire
September’s sapphire is typically known for its deep blue color, though it can come in a rainbow of hues. For centuries, it has been closely associated with loyalty & nobility.
October - Opal - Tourmaline
October offers opal and tourmaline as its birthstones.
Opals are especially admired for their play of color, and can display a rainbow-like effect within a stone that has captivated people for centuries.
Tourmaline, available in many colors, is most common in a pastel green colour offering something different from the deep hues of emerald. They are strongly pleochroic stones - meaning they show different colours from different directions.
[The above shows an image of a Lucy Jurado London blue topaz ring]
November - Topaz - Citrine
November’s birthstone topaz comes in a large variety of colours with blue stones being the most popular.
Citrine however only comes in yellow to orange to a reddish orange. It takes place as the top selling gem of its colour.
[The above shows a Lucy Jurado sterling silver ring]
December - Turquoise - Zircon - Tanzanite
Turquoise has been valued for thousands of years as early as 4000 BC with ancient Egyptians referring to it as the stone of joy or delight. Embodying a blue to green colour, sometimes the stone can be found with a pattern resembling a spider-web of veins.
Zircon throughout the Middle Ages has been associated with wisdom and honor. At the time it was even thought to drive away bad spirits. Zircon can come in a variety of colours with blue, white & yellow being most popular.
Tanzanite is considered to be 1000 times rarer than diamond. Tanzanite value, however, when compared to diamond is often significantly more affordable. Large stones of tanzanite (10 carats plus) are more readily available than is the case for other gemstones, making fantastic sizes more accessible.
Metaphysical properties
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, birthstones are attributed with various metaphysical properties & these beliefs are an important part of the cultural and spiritual significance of gemstones. Many people choose to wear their birthstone not only as a personal identifier but also as a symbol of qualities they wish to embody or enhance in their lives.
Birthstones as gifts
Birthstones have also become a popular choice for personalized gifts. Jewelry featuring a person’s birthstone can carry emotional meaning, making it a thoughtful option for birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions. Some people even choose to wear multiple birthstones to represent loved ones, creating pieces that symbolize connections and shared memories.
Birthstones represent a rich tapestry of history, symbolism, and personal meaning that has been woven over centuries. From ancient religious texts to modern jewelry stores, the tradition of birthstones has adapted and endured, continuing to captivate people around the world.