Birthstones by Month: The Complete Guide

Natural stone and pearl pieces from our collection

Birthstone jewellery is one of the most personal gifts there is — a stone tied to someone's own month. The tradition has ancient roots, but the modern list most jewellers use was standardised in 1912 and updated a few times since. Here's the complete guide.

The twelve months

Month Birthstone(s) Traditionally associated with
January Garnet Protection, friendship
February Amethyst Calm, clarity
March Aquamarine Courage, the sea
April Diamond Strength, eternity
May Emerald Rebirth, love
June Pearl, alexandrite, moonstone Purity, new beginnings
July Ruby Passion, vitality
August Peridot, spinel Good fortune
September Sapphire Wisdom, loyalty
October Opal, tourmaline Creativity, hope
November Topaz, citrine Warmth, abundance
December Turquoise, tanzanite, blue zircon Prosperity, protection

A few honest notes for gift-buyers

First, on meanings: the associations above are traditions and folklore, not properties of the stones — we share them because they're a lovely part of the story, not as claims. Second, on durability: some birthstones are tougher than others. Pearls, opals and turquoise are soft or porous and need gentle care (no perfume, no swimming, wiped after wear), while amethyst, garnet, topaz and quartz handle daily life easily. Third, on budget: several months have famously expensive stones — which is why June babies often receive freshwater pearls rather than alexandrite, and April is well served by lab-created alternatives like moissanite that deliver the diamond look without the price.

Beyond your own month

Nothing says you can only wear your own stone. Combining family birthstones in one piece — a child's stone beside your own — has become one of the most meaningful modern jewellery traditions, and stones like amethyst, rose quartz, jade and turquoise are worn worldwide simply because they're beautiful.