Birthstones For Each Month

Worn as jewelry or a pendant, birthstones are gemstones associated with an individual’s birth month. Each month of the year has a different birthstone associated with it.

It is speculated the origin of birthstones may date back to biblical times, when priests wore a breastplate decorated with 12 gems.

Eventually, people associated the gems to the zodiac and would wear a different colored stone each month for good luck. At some point prior to the Victorian period, birthstones became associated with the months of the year rather than the zodiac signs. People started believing each gem held various powers for individuals born in a certain month, and wore the gem associated with their birth month throughout the year.

The American National Association of Jewelers published a list associated gems with birth months in 1912, which was updated in 1952 by the Jewelry Industry Council of America. Today it is recognized as the definitive guide to birthstones.

Click on any month below for more info.

January

Garnet

The word “garnet” is derived from the word garanatus - ” meaning “seedlike” - because it resembles a pomegranate seed. It is believed to keep the wearer safe during travel.

February

Amethyst

The word means “intoxicated,” a reference to the belief held by the ancient Greeks that the stone protected its wearer from drunkenness.

March

Acquamarine

The name is derived from two words meaning “water” and “of the sea.” It has been said that the stone gives the wearer protection against foes in battle, making him or her unconquerable.

April

Diamond

Evidence supports that diamonds were collected and traded in India as early as the fourth century BC. India was the original source of the world’s diamonds until supply declined in the 1700s. Diamonds are mined in many parts of the world today.

 

May

Emerald

The Romans and Greeks loved emeralds, associating the gem with the goddesses Venus and Aphrodite.

June

Pearl & Moonstone

June is the one of two months that has three birthstones associated with it; pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone.

July

Ruby

The ruby is the second hardest natural gemstone, with only diamonds being harder. In addition to being the July birthstone, rubies are traditional gifts for 15th and 40th wedding anniversaries.

August

Peridot, Sardonyx, & Spinel

August is the one of two months that has three birthstones associated with it; the peridot, sardonyx, and spinel.

 

September

Sapphire

A variety of the mineral corundum, sapphires are typically blue but also come in a range of every color in the rainbow except red. Sapphires get their beautiful colors from traces of iron, chromium, titanium and other elements.

October

Opal

One of the most popular gems, a single opal stone can flash every color of the rainbow with an intensity and quality that rivals a diamond.

November

Citrine & Topaz

The November birthstone and traditional gift for a 4th wedding anniversary is actually available in a variety of colors, and may not even be related to the gemstones that originally used its name.

December

Turquoise, Zircon, Tanzanite, & Blue Topaz

Blue is the color for December birthstones, and all four gemstones for the month represent a different hue of this color: turquoise, zircon, tanzanite, and blue topaz.

 

Featured April Birthstone Jewel

marquis opal gold solitaire ring

Sold out

This Art Deco lavalier pendant is a delicate, white gold beauty. A wee old mine cut diamond is tulip set in the center of a double diamond-shaped frame, suspended from a long bar. Both floral and geometric. Two points of articulation give this pendant a graceful movement. The modern, recycled 14k white gold chain slides thru a simple and smooth bale. Circa 1920.

Re-cycle, Re-use, Re-love, Gem Set Love.

Details.....The pendant measures 1.75" long and 0.60" wide. The chain is 16" long. In Excellent Vintage Condition. You should always expect some wear on vintage and antique jewels, we consider it part of the charm.

4 interest-free installments

 

Buy now, pay later

 

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