In arriving at our list of Birthstones, we read numerous articles and came across numerous lists, each with its own slight differences. Finally we decided to use the List of Modern Birthstones shown below.
Modern Birthstones January - Garnet February – Amethyst March – Aquamarine April – Diamond May – Emerald June – Pearl July – Ruby August – Peridot September – Sapphire October – Opal and Tourmaline November – Yellow Topaz and Citrine December – Blue Topaz and Tanzanite
In 1912, an American Association ‘Jewelers of America’ in an attempt at standardization adopted a list of twelve birthstones that is popularly also referred to as ‘modern birthstones’. This list of stones appears to be the most commonly used. In 2002, the American Gem Trade Association added Tanzanite as a birthstone for the month of December.
As can be seen below there are some variations depending on whether you use the modern or traditional lists. There are also variations based on the signs of the Zodiac etc.
January Birthstones
Modern - Garnet Traditional - Garnet
February Birthstones Modern - Amethyst Traditional - Amethyst
March Birthstones Modern - Aquamarine Traditional - Bloodstone
April Birthstones Modern - Diamond Traditional - Diamond
May Birthstones Modern - Emerald Traditional - Emerald
June Birthstones Modern - Pearl, Moonstone Traditional - Alexandrite
July Birthstones Modern - Ruby Traditional - Ruby
August Birthstones Modern - Peridot Traditional - Sardonyx
September Birthstones Modern - Sapphire Traditional - Sapphire
October Birthstones Modern - Opal, Tourmaline Traditional - Tourmaline
November Birthstones Modern - Yellow Topaz, Citrine Traditional - Citrine
December Birthstones Modern - Turquoise, Topaz, Tanzanite Traditional - Zircon, Lapis Lazuli
Birthstones are attributed with a meaning; this can also vary depending where in the world you are.
Modern Birthstones by Month Chart with Meanings
Month
Birthstone
Meaning
January
Garnet
Fidelity
February
Amethyst
Sincerity
March
Aquamarine
Courage
April
Diamond
Innocence
May
Emerald
Affection
June
Pearl
Happiness
July
Ruby
Health
August
Peridot
Virtue
September
Sapphire
Prosperity
October
Opal
Protection
November
Topaz
Friendship
December
Turquoise
Success
Birthstone Information
January - Garnet
Celebrated for their deep red hue, Garnets are the birthstone for January. These gems exhibit a wide range of colours. Garnets are brilliant and moderately hard and one of the very few gemstone varieties that are not treated. They are also the zodiac stones for ‘Aquarius’ and anniversary stone for the second year of marriage. It is believed that Garnet helps cure inflammatory diseases and anger.
February – Amethyst
The February birthstone, Amethyst is a purple hued gem from the Quartz family and is one of the most popular of the natural coloured gemstones. The gemstone was once believed to bring peace to the mind and prevent one from getting drunk. Amethysts are also stones for the zodiac sign ‘Pisces’ and anniversary stone for 6th year of marriage. The gemstone has been coveted through the ages as a symbol of wisdom, strength and confidence.
March – Aquamarine
The birthstone of March is Aquamarine and it is loved for its sea blue colour. Its stunning colour is the first thing one would notice about this gem and so its name that has been derived from Latin where it can be literally translated as ‘sea water’. The gemstone has been celebrated as the treasure of the mermaids. It was believed that the strength of this gem intensifies when it is submerged in water. Many sailors in ancient times used to wear this gem to protect them from any accidents on their voyages. Aquamarine is the planetary stone for ‘Scorpio’. They are also the anniversary stone for 19th year of marriage. The gemstone is regarded as a universal symbol of youth and health.
April – Diamond
This gemstone needs no introduction, Diamond is the birthstone for April. Given their inimitable brilliance and radiance, Diamonds have fascinated man for thousands of years. Throughout history Diamonds have been an eminent part of royal jewels and treasuries. Until a few centuries ago, Diamonds were only for the Royals in a country and no one else was allowed to own them.
Diamonds are also the anniversary stones for 60 and 75 years of marriage. These gems are regarded as an epitome of eternal love and dedication.
May – Emeralds
Nothing describes these gems better than a line by the Roman historian Pliny the Elder “Nothing Greens Greener”. No gemstone offers a green as radiant, as lively as an Emerald. Given this virtue the gemstone is regarded as one of the most beautiful gemstones, These gemstones of eternal youth are also the anniversary stones of 20 and 35 years of marriage. The gemstone is believed to bring wisdom and prosperity to its wearer.
June – Pearls
These organic gems are loved for their radiance and are the birthstones of June. There was also a time when Pearls were considered an important financial asset; the price of real Pearls was comparable to that of real estate. Some ancient legends describe Pearls as drew drops from heaven that fell into the sea. Pearls come in many colours and varieties. They are a classic and can be paired with any kind of outfit. Pearls are also the anniversary stone for the 3rd year of marriage and are regarded as symbol of purity, sincerity and chastity.
July – Ruby
Celebrated for its fiery red hue, the gemstone Ruby is the birthstone for July. Many traditions regarded this gem as the king of gemstones. Rubies belong to the same family of stones as Sapphires and are known to exhibit excellent hardness. The gemstone Ruby is also the anniversary stone for 15th and 40th years of marriage. It is regarded as an epitome of love, passion and power.
August – Peridot
Famous for its citrus hues, the gemstone Peridot is the birthstone for August. The gemstone was often seen as a part of Roman and Egyptian jewellery. The gemstone Peridot occurs in a single colour and was believed to be the cure to evil spells. Peridot is the anniversary stone for the 16th year of marriage, and is believed to aid friendship and free the mind from any kind of envious thoughts.
September – Sapphire
Although it comes in many astounding colours, the gemstone Sapphire is loved and celebrated for its brilliant royal blue hue. The colour led many to believe Sapphire to be a gift from the heavens. Considered a sign of royalty, blue Sapphires have adorned many a royal. These gemstones are considered an epitome of eternal love, sincerity and loyalty; another reason that makes Sapphire rings a popular choice as engagement rings. Sapphires are considered ideal gifts for the 5th and 45th years of marriage.
October – Opal and Tourmaline
the gemstones Opal and Tourmaline are the two birthstones for October. The gemstone Opal is like a canvas with all the beautiful colours splurged into one. The ancients believed that on his way to earth the creator passed by a rainbow and that’s how the stone got its colour. The gemstone Tourmaline exhibits just about every colour that one could possible imagine. Each Tourmaline stone usually displays two or more colours and thus it derives its name from the Sinhalese word which means ‘mixed colours’.
November – Yellow Topaz and Citrine
Yellow Topaz and Citrine are the two birthstones for November. The gemstone Topaz has been known to exist for more than 2000 years. Romans dedicated this gem to Jupiter. Topaz is also the anniversary stone for the 4th year of marriage. Adored for its golden hue the gemstone Citrine is the other November birthstone. Although the gem looks a quite a bit different from yellow topaz, it however has its history closely interwoven with that of topaz.
December – Blue Topaz and Tanzanite
Birthstone of December, Tanzanite is a relatively new member of the gemstones family. It was only discovered in 1967 and is mined in only place in the whole world, Tanzania. The stunning violet blue hue of this gem combined with its rarity adds to its popularity. Tanzanite owes its name to the New York Jewellery Company, Tiffany, who launched many a campaign to increase awareness and market these gems.
