Birthstones by Month — The Complete Guide
Every month of the year has a birthstone — a gemstone associated with it by tradition, symbolism, and centuries of meaning. Some months have one stone, others have two or three. Some are precious, some are semi-precious, and all of them make genuinely meaningful jewellery gifts.
This guide covers all 12 months, what each birthstone looks like, what it means, and where it comes from — plus a quick reference chart so you can find yours at a glance.
Birthstone Chart — All 12 Months at a Glance
| Month | Birthstone | Colour |
|---|---|---|
| January | Garnet | Deep red |
| February | Amethyst | Purple |
| March | Aquamarine | Blue-green |
| April | Diamond or Clear Quartz | Clear/white |
| May | Emerald | Vivid green |
| June | Pearl or Moonstone | White/iridescent |
| July | Ruby | Deep red |
| August | Peridot | Light green |
| September | Sapphire | Deep blue |
| October | Opal or Tourmaline | Multi-colour/pink |
| November | Topaz or Citrine | Yellow/amber |
| December | Turquoise, Tanzanite or Blue Topaz | Blue |
What Is a Birthstone?
A birthstone is a gemstone associated with the month of your birth. The tradition is ancient — its roots trace back to the breastplate of Aaron described in the Book of Exodus, which featured twelve gemstones representing the twelve tribes of Israel. Over centuries those stones became linked to the twelve months of the year, and eventually to the individuals born in each month.
The modern standardised list was established in 1912 by the National Association of Jewellers in the United States, with some updates since. Most jewellers today work from this modern list, though traditional lists exist alongside it — which is why some months have multiple stones.
Wearing your birthstone is thought to bring good fortune, protection, and a connection to the symbolic properties of that stone. More practically, it's a meaningful and personal choice for jewellery — something that says something specific about the wearer rather than simply being beautiful.
January Birthstone — Garnet
Garnet is most commonly found in deep red, though it also comes in green, orange, and even rare blue varieties. Associated with passion, creativity, and strength, garnet is a grounding stone with a warm, rich colour that suits all skin tones and jewellery styles.
It's one of the most wearable birthstones — versatile enough for everyday jewellery but striking enough to stand out. January garnet jewellery makes an excellent gift for anyone with a winter birthday, carrying warmth into the coldest month.
February Birthstone — Amethyst
Amethyst ranges from pale lilac to deep violet — one of the most recognisable gemstone colours in the world. Associated with calm, clarity, and spiritual awareness, it's been prized for centuries as a stone of protection and balance.
February amethyst jewellery is perennially popular, in part because the stone's purple tones work beautifully in both silver and gold settings. It's also one of the more affordable precious stones, making it accessible at every price point.
March Birthstone — Aquamarine
Aquamarine takes its name from the Latin for seawater — and its clear blue-green colour reflects exactly that. Associated with courage, communication, and good luck, it's a stone with a long history of maritime symbolism.
Worn as a necklace, aquamarine's connection to the throat chakra makes it particularly meaningful for communication and self-expression. March birthstone jewellery tends toward the elegant and understated — aquamarine's clarity suits simple settings that let the stone speak.
April Birthstone — Diamond or Clear Quartz
April has the most famous birthstone of all — diamond. Hard, brilliant, and enduring, it's associated with inner strength, clarity, and the enhancement of love. Those born in April are lucky to have one of the world's most precious stones as their own.
Clear quartz is the alternative birthstone for April — equally beautiful in its way, and carrying its own powerful reputation as the master healer and amplifier of intentions. A clear quartz pendant makes a meaningful and more accessible April gift.
May Birthstone — Emerald
Emerald is one of the most coveted gemstones in the world — deep, vivid green and associated with love, renewal, and prosperity. It's a birthstone that feels genuinely special: rich in history, striking in appearance, and deeply meaningful.
May emerald jewellery suits bold, confident choices — an emerald pendant or ring in gold is a statement piece that also carries real personal significance for anyone born in May.
June Birthstone — Pearl or Moonstone
June has two beautiful and distinctly different birthstones. Pearl — formed layer by layer inside a mollusc — is associated with purity, wisdom, and femininity. It's one of the most timeless choices in jewellery. Moonstone carries an iridescent glow reminiscent of moonlight, associated with new beginnings, femininity, and inner growth.
Both make exceptional gifts. Pearl necklaces and moonstone rings are among the most classic choices in the Abiza range.
Read our full moonstone guide for the stone's complete meaning and healing properties.
July Birthstone — Ruby
Ruby is one of the most valued gemstones in existence — deep red, associated with passion, vitality, and love. In many cultures it was considered the king of gemstones, believed to protect the wearer and bring good fortune.
July ruby jewellery is one of the most meaningful birthday gifts you can give. A ruby pendant, ring, or pair of earrings carries centuries of symbolism and looks striking in any setting.
August Birthstone — Peridot
Peridot has a distinctive lime green colour unlike any other gemstone — warm, bright, and immediately recognisable. Associated with happiness, joy, and positive energy, it's one of the few gemstones found in only one colour — always green, though ranging from yellowish to olive.
August peridot jewellery is cheerful and distinctive — a good choice for someone who wants a birthstone that stands out from the more traditional deep-coloured stones.
September Birthstone — Sapphire
Sapphire is one of the most beloved gemstones in the world — deep blue, associated with wisdom, loyalty, and nobility. September has arguably the most iconic birthstone on the entire list: blue sapphire is instantly recognisable, deeply meaningful, and genuinely beautiful in any jewellery format.
Lapis lazuli is the traditional alternative — a deep blue stone flecked with gold, associated with enlightenment and self-awareness.
October Birthstone — Opal or Tourmaline
October has two of the most visually striking birthstones on the list. Opal is unique among gemstones for its play of colour — shifting flashes of rainbow hues that change with the light. No two opals are alike, making every piece genuinely one-of-a-kind. Tourmaline comes in virtually every colour, with pink and watermelon tourmaline being the most popular for jewellery.
October birthday jewellery is perhaps the most varied of any month — you can go bold with opal or colourful with tourmaline.
November Birthstone — Topaz or Citrine
November has two warm, golden stones. Topaz in its imperial form is a rich amber-orange, associated with confidence, strength, and abundance. Citrine is a yellow variety of quartz with a sunny warmth, associated with creativity, prosperity, and positive energy.
Both suit November perfectly — warm, autumnal tones that feel right for the season. Read our full November birthstone guide for everything on topaz and citrine, including how they compare and which to choose.
December Birthstone — Turquoise, Tanzanite, or Blue Topaz
December has three birthstones, all in the blue family. Turquoise is one of the oldest gemstones used in jewellery — a distinctive blue-green associated with protection and communication. Tanzanite is rare and relatively newly discovered, a deep blue-violet found only in Tanzania. Blue topaz ranges from sky blue to Swiss blue to London blue — clean, clear, and versatile.
December birthstone jewellery offers more variety than almost any other month — the three stones range from casual to formal and cover a wide span of blue tones.
What Is the Difference Between Modern and Traditional Birthstones?
The modern birthstone list was standardised in 1912 and updated periodically since. The traditional list predates it and varies by culture and region. The main differences are:
- Some months have different primary stones across the two lists
- The modern list tends toward more accessible and transparent stones
- The traditional list includes some stones that are rarer or more expensive
For most practical purposes — buying birthstone jewellery, gifting, or wearing your own birthstone — the modern list is what most jewellers and recipients will recognise. Both lists are valid.
Birthstone Jewellery — How to Wear It
Birthstone jewellery works in every format — necklaces, rings, earrings, and bracelets all suit birthstones well. A few considerations:
Your own birthstone — wear it in whatever format you reach for most. A pendant worn close to the heart is particularly meaningful for emotionally resonant stones like rose quartz or ruby.
As a gift — a necklace or ring are the safest formats for gifting, as sizing is less critical than for bracelets. A birthstone pendant on an 18-inch chain is a universally wearable starting point.
Stacking and layering — birthstone jewellery layers beautifully. Stacking the birthstones of children, a partner, or family members into a single bracelet or necklace is one of the most popular personalised jewellery choices.
Browse our full birthstone jewellery collection — or explore our wider gemstone jewellery range for individual stone pieces.
For more detail on any individual birthstone, follow the links in the chart above — each month has its own dedicated guide covering the stone's history, meaning, and jewellery options in full.
Leave a comment