Birthstones

Birthstones by Month and Meaning

 

The modern list of birthstones was standardized by the Jewelers of America (and its predecessors) throughout the 20th century, though many months have more than one stone, reflecting both traditional and alternative options.

 

Month	Birthstone(s)	Primary Color	Symbolic Meaning
January	Garnet	Deep Red	Protection, strength, and trust
February	Amethyst	Violet/Purple	Peace, serenity, and inner strength
March	Aquamarine	Pale Blue	Tranquility, courage, and clarity (Also Bloodstone)
April	Diamond	Clear/Colorless	Enduring love, strength, and purity
May	Emerald	Vivid Green	Rebirth, fertility, and successful love
June	Pearl, Alexandrite	White, Color-Change	Purity, innocence, and noble intentions
July	Ruby	Fiery Red	Passion, protection, and prosperity
August	Peridot, Spinel	Lime Green	Strength, influence, and protection from evil
September	Sapphire	Deep Blue	Wisdom, loyalty, and royalty
October	Opal, Tourmaline	Play of Color, Pink/Green	Hope, creativity, and faithfulness
November	Topaz, Citrine	Golden/Yellow	Warmth, strength, and abundance
December	Tanzanite, Turquoise	Blue/Violet, Blue-Green	Peace, good fortune, and success (Also Zircon)

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History and Significance

 

The tradition of birthstones is ancient and has evolved significantly over time.

 

1. Biblical Origins

 

The earliest widely cited origin is the Breastplate of Aaron (High Priest of the Israelites), described in the Book of Exodus. This sacred garment was adorned with twelve unique gemstones, each representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel.

 

2. Zodiac and Calendar

 

By the 1st and 5th centuries, historians began linking these twelve stones to the twelve months of the year and the twelve signs of the zodiac. Originally, the custom was to own all twelve stones and wear a different one each month to maximize its power.

 

3. Modern Tradition

 

The current practice of wearing only the stone associated with one’s birth month is believed to have originated in 16th-century Germany or 18th-century Poland and later became popular in Western cultures.

 

4. Meaning and Beliefs

 

Throughout history, wearing one’s birthstone was thought to bring:

• Protection: Many stones (like Garnet and Turquoise) were used as talismans to ward off evil or danger.

   

• Healing: Gems were often attributed with specific medicinal or therapeutic properties.

   

• Luck: They were believed to enhance positive traits and attract good fortune to the wearer.