Birthstones by month are one of the oldest ways of making a piece of jewellery personal. Choose the stone of the month she was born, and a necklace stops being a necklace and becomes hers. Below, every month in turn: its stone, its colour, what it has long been said to mean, and how to wear it with gold.
Where the birthstone list comes from
The idea is ancient. Twelve stones set in the breastplate of the High Priest, described in the Book of Exodus, were later matched to the twelve months and the signs of the zodiac. For centuries the pairings varied from country to country. The list most jewellers follow today was agreed by American jewellers in 1912 and has been updated a few times since; spinel, for instance, joined August in 2016.
That is why some months have more than one stone. A modern list sits beside a traditional one, and a few months gained a second or third option so there is a stone for every taste and every budget.
Birthstones for each month
- JanuaryGarnetDeep wine red. Constancy and friendship; travellers once carried it for safe return.
- FebruaryAmethystViolet to soft lilac. Calm and clarity; its Greek name means “not intoxicated”.
- MarchAquamarinePale sea blue. Courage and calm waters; bloodstone is the traditional alternative.
- AprilDiamondColourless light. Strength and enduring love, from the Greek adamas, unconquerable.
- MayEmeraldRich green. Renewal, growth and the first days of spring.
- JunePearl, alexandrite, moonstoneLustrous white, colour-changing, softly glowing. Purity, balance and intuition.
- JulyRubyVivid red. Passion, vitality and protection; long called the king of stones.
- AugustPeridot, spinel, sardonyxLime green, many colours, banded red and white. Light, strength and good fortune.
- SeptemberSapphireMidnight to cornflower blue. Truth, wisdom and sincerity.
- OctoberOpal, tourmalinePlay of colour, every hue. Creativity, hope and a little magic.
- NovemberTopaz, citrineGolden honey and warm amber. Warmth, joy and generosity.
- DecemberTurquoise, tanzanite, zirconSky blue to violet blue. Protection, calm and good luck for the year ahead.
Modern and traditional birthstones
When a month has more than one stone, there is no wrong choice. The modern stone is usually the one you will find most easily; the traditional one carries the older story. Many people simply choose the colour they love most. A March baby who never wears blue might prefer the deep green of bloodstone; a June baby who loves gold will find that nothing flatters it like a pearl.
How to wear your birthstone
A birthstone does not need to be the centrepiece. The pieces worn most often are the quiet ones, so think small and constant.
- Close to the face. Studs and small drops catch the light every time she turns her head, and they are the first thing she will put on each morning.
- On a fine chain. A single stone on a short gold chain sits at the collarbone and layers easily with longer necklaces.
- Stacked, not matched. Mix her birthstone with yours, or with a partner’s and children’s, on one hand or one chain. The family story is in the mix.
- Let gold do the warming. Yellow gold deepens reds, greens and honey tones and softens cool blues. It is the most forgiving setting for almost every stone on the list.
Choosing a birthstone gift
If you are giving one, check the month twice: the stone list differs between countries, and a few months have changed over the years. When a month offers a choice, the colour she already wears is the safest guide. And if her stone is hard to find in a style she likes, give its colour instead: a warm gold for November, a soft white pearl for June. Our Gift Edit gathers the pieces we would choose first, and every jewellery order arrives in the ALVANY gift box.
Questions, answered
What is my birthstone?
Find the month you were born in the list above. If it has more than one stone, the first is the modern choice and the others are traditional or later additions; any of them is yours.
Which months have more than one birthstone?
June, August, October, November and December all have two or three, and March has a traditional alternative in bloodstone.
Can I wear a birthstone that is not mine?
Of course. Many people wear the stone of someone they love, or simply the colour that suits them. The tradition is a starting point, not a rule.
Which finger should a birthstone ring go on?
Any finger you like. Traditionally the index finger is for confidence and the ring finger for love, but most people choose the one where the ring feels comfortable and visible.
How do I care for a birthstone set in gold plate?
Put it on last and take it off first, away from perfume, water and lotions, and store it in its pouch. Our guide to caring for gold-plated jewellery covers the rest.
