Birthstones by Month: Meanings, Colours & Jewellery Ideas
If you've ever stood at a jewellery counter on the way to someone's birthday, trying to remember whether March is aquamarine or amethyst, you're in good company. Birthstones are surprisingly easy to get slightly wrong, because the lists aren't quite as fixed as most people assume.
This guide covers the birthstone for every month, including the extra stones that some months share. For each one you'll find the colours it comes in, what it's traditionally said to symbolise, how well it wears, which jewellery suits it, and one practical thing to check before you buy. Later sections cover metals, gift ideas, care and the questions people ask most often.
January garnet, February amethyst, March aquamarine, April diamond, May emerald, June pearl (or alexandrite or moonstone), July ruby, August peridot (or spinel or sardonyx), September sapphire, October opal (or tourmaline), November topaz (or citrine), December turquoise (or tanzanite or zircon). Where a month has more than one stone, that isn't an error. Different lists have been published over the years, and you're free to choose whichever you like best.
- Every month has a main birthstone, and June, August, October, November and December have one or more recognised alternatives
- There is no single official list. UK and US lists differ slightly, and both have been updated over time
- Birthstone meanings are traditions and folklore, not properties of the stone itself
- Most birthstones come in more than one colour, so you don't have to buy the classic shade
- Hardness (scratch resistance) isn't the same as toughness (resistance to chipping), and both affect everyday wear
- Diamond, ruby, sapphire, alexandrite and spinel suit daily rings. Pearl, opal and turquoise are better as pendants and earrings
- You can wear any birthstone you like: a partner's, a child's, or simply your favourite
- Ask whether a stone is natural, lab-created or treated, and what that means for value and care
- Birthstones by Month at a Glance
- What Is a Birthstone?
- Traditional, Modern and Alternative Birthstones
- Every Birthstone, January to December
- Birthstone Colours and Meanings
- Which Birthstones Are Best for Everyday Jewellery?
- Beyond Hardness: What Else Affects Durability
- How to Choose Birthstone Jewellery
- Birthstone Gift Ideas for Every Occasion
- Can You Wear More Than One Birthstone?
- Birthstones vs Zodiac Stones
- How to Care for Birthstone Jewellery
- Frequently Asked Questions
Birthstones by Month at a Glance
Here's the quick reference. Tap a month to jump straight to its full section.
| Month | Birthstone | Colour | Traditionally associated with |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Garnet | Deep red | Protection, commitment |
| February | Amethyst | Purple | Calm, clarity |
| March | Aquamarine | Pale blue | Calm, courage |
| April | Diamond | Colourless | Strength, enduring love |
| May | Emerald | Green | Renewal, growth |
| June | Pearl, alexandrite, moonstone | White, colour-changing, blue-white sheen | Purity, transformation, intuition |
| July | Ruby | Red | Passion, vitality |
| August | Peridot, spinel, sardonyx | Lime green, various, banded brown | Protection, positivity |
| September | Sapphire | Blue | Wisdom, loyalty |
| October | Opal, tourmaline | Play of colour, various | Creativity, individuality |
| November | Topaz, citrine | Golden, blue, yellow-orange | Warmth, abundance |
| December | Turquoise, tanzanite, zircon | Sky blue, blue-violet, blue | Protection, prosperity |
Born in a month with several stones? Start with the first one listed, since it's the most widely recognised, then look at the others if you want a different colour, a different price or a harder-wearing stone. You can browse birthstone jewellery by month to see what's available.
What Is a Birthstone?
A birthstone is a gemstone linked to the month you were born, worn for its colour and for what it's traditionally said to represent. None of it is scientific. The meanings are cultural, built up over centuries of folklore, religious writing and, more recently, jewellery marketing, so they're best treated as a good story to wear rather than a property of the stone.
The idea is often traced back to the twelve stones set in the Breastplate of Aaron described in the Old Testament. Later writers connected those stones with the months of the year, and by the 1700s, wearing a stone for your birth month had become a recognisable custom in parts of Europe. The lists we use now are far more recent. A standard American list was agreed in 1912, and a British list from the National Association of Goldsmiths followed in the 1930s.
Since then, stones have been added and swapped: alexandrite and citrine in the mid-twentieth century, tanzanite in 2002 and spinel in 2016. That's why two jewellers can give you slightly different answers for the same month, and both can be right.
Traditional, Modern and Alternative Birthstones
You'll often see these three labels, and they're useful as rough categories. Exactly which stone falls into which depends on the list you follow, so don't expect a perfect split.
| Type | What it means | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional | Stones with a long history of use in older lists and folklore | Sardonyx for August, moonstone for June |
| Modern | Stones standardised by jewellers' associations in the twentieth century | Peridot for August, alexandrite for June |
| Alternative | Newer additions or common substitutes, often chosen for colour, durability or price | Spinel for August, tanzanite for December |
There are a few practical reasons some months have more than one stone. Some original stones were rare or expensive, so more accessible options were added. Some, like pearl and opal, are delicate, and a harder alternative gives people a choice for everyday rings. And the lists of different countries were gradually merged rather than replaced.
The months most likely to cause confusion are June, August, October, November and December. If you're buying a gift, it helps to know the recipient's favourite colour before you choose between them.
Every Birthstone, January to December
Each month below follows the same pattern: a direct answer, the key facts at a glance, what the stone means, what makes it interesting, jewellery ideas, how it wears and one buying tip. Where a month has more than one stone, the main stone gets the full treatment and the alternatives follow in shorter cards.
January Birthstone: Garnet
Quick answer: January's birthstone is garnet, best known as a deep, wine-red gem. Garnet is a family of related minerals rather than a single stone, which is why it also turns up in orange, green, pink and purple.
Colour
Most people picture the dark, slightly brownish red of almandine or pyrope garnet, and that's what is usually sold as a January birthstone. The wider family is far more colourful. Tsavorite is a vivid green, spessartite glows orange, and rhodolite leans towards raspberry-purple. If red isn't your colour, there's probably a garnet that is.
Meaning and symbolism
Garnet is traditionally associated with protection, commitment and lasting affection. In older folklore it was said to keep travellers safe, and it has long been given as a token of friendship. That's tradition rather than science, but it makes a thoughtful gift for a January birthday.
What makes garnet special?
The name is usually traced to the Latin granatum, meaning pomegranate, because small red garnet crystals look a lot like the fruit's seeds. Garnet has been set in jewellery since ancient times, and Victorian jewellers loved it, often in tight clusters of small stones.
January birthstone jewellery ideas
- Rings: an oval or cushion garnet, or garnet flanked by diamonds, from our gemstone rings
- Earrings: studs for daily wear, or drops for evenings, in our gemstone earrings
- Pendants: a single teardrop garnet on a fine chain from the gemstone necklace range
- Bracelets: a row of small garnets, often easier to wear than a ring; see gemstone bracelets
Is it suitable for everyday jewellery?
Garnet sits in the middle of the durability range. Most types are hard enough for a ring, and dark red stones hide tiny scratches well, but a ring worn every day will pick up marks over time. Earrings and pendants stay looking newer for longer.
Very dark garnets can look almost black indoors. View the stone in daylight and under shop lighting before you buy, because a slightly lighter red often shows far more life.
February Birthstone: Amethyst
Quick answer: February's birthstone is amethyst, the purple variety of quartz. Colours run from pale lilac to deep, saturated violet.
Colour
The most prized amethysts are a rich purple with flashes of red or blue. Paler lilac stones, sometimes called Rose de France, are lovely in their own right and easier on the budget. Colour is often uneven inside the stone, and a good cut helps to hide the darker and lighter zones.
Meaning and symbolism
Amethyst is traditionally linked with calm and a clear head. The name comes from the Greek amethystos, meaning 'not intoxicated', and the ancient Greeks believed the stone guarded against drunkenness. Today it's more often given for peace of mind.
What makes amethyst special?
Amethyst was once ranked alongside ruby and sapphire as a precious stone. Large deposits in Brazil made it far more available, which is why you can now buy a generously sized stone without a huge price tag.
February birthstone jewellery ideas
- Rings: emerald-cut or oval amethysts look striking as cocktail-style rings; browse amethyst rings
- Earrings: drops in a pear or oval shape; see amethyst earrings
- Necklaces: a simple pendant works well under a shirt collar; see the amethyst necklace collection
- Bracelets: a line of amethysts adds colour without shouting; see amethyst bracelets
Is it suitable for everyday jewellery?
At 7 on the Mohs scale, amethyst handles regular wear well. Keep it out of strong, prolonged sunlight and away from heat, as the colour can fade over time.
Amethyst is fairly affordable, so you can choose a larger stone than you could with sapphire or emerald. Go for even colour rather than the biggest one you can find.
March Birthstone: Aquamarine
Quick answer: March's birthstone is aquamarine, a pale blue to blue-green gem from the beryl family.
Colour
Clean, slightly saturated blue is what most buyers want, though soft sea-green stones are perfectly natural too. Many aquamarines are gently heated to remove green tints, a long-accepted practice that's worth asking about.
Meaning and symbolism
Aquamarine is traditionally associated with calm, courage and safe travel. The name comes from the Latin for sea water, and sailors were said to carry it for protection on the waves.
What makes aquamarine special?
Aquamarine is a close cousin of emerald: both are beryl, coloured by different trace elements. Unlike emerald, aquamarine is usually very clean inside, so it is transparent and bright, and it forms in large crystals, which makes bigger stones realistic.
March birthstone jewellery ideas
- Rings: emerald-cut or oval solitaires show off the clarity; see aquamarine rings
- Earrings: drops and studs pair well with diamond accents; see aquamarine earrings
- Necklaces: longer pendants let the colour breathe; see aquamarine necklaces
- Bracelets: a soft blue that suits everyday outfits; see aquamarine bracelets
Is it suitable for everyday jewellery?
Aquamarine is hard enough for regular ring wear, and because it tends to be free of inclusions it has fewer weak points than emerald. A protective setting is still sensible for a ring worn daily, since a sharp knock can chip any gem.
Pale stones can look washed out against white metal. Ask to see the stone against both white and yellow or rose gold, as a slightly deeper blue often makes the more noticeable ring.
April Birthstone: Diamond
Quick answer: April's birthstone is diamond, best known as a colourless gem and the hardest natural material on earth.
Colour
The classic diamond is colourless, graded on a scale from D (colourless) to Z (light yellow or brown). Natural fancy-coloured diamonds in yellow, pink and blue also exist but are rare. Our guide to the 4Cs of diamonds explains how colour, clarity, cut and carat fit together.
Meaning and symbolism
Diamond is traditionally associated with strength and enduring love, which is a big part of why it became the engagement stone. The name is usually traced to the Greek adamas, meaning unbreakable.
What makes diamond special?
Diamond is pure carbon arranged in a crystal structure that makes it exceptionally hard. Lab-grown diamonds have the same chemistry and structure as mined ones, and both are widely available; the difference is origin and price. Our comparison of lab-grown and natural diamonds covers the details.
April birthstone jewellery ideas
- Pendants: a simple solitaire is the classic April gift; see diamond solitaire pendants
- Earrings: studs go with everything; see diamond stud earrings
- Bracelets: a tennis bracelet is a favourite for milestone birthdays; see diamond tennis bracelets
- Rings: solitaires, eternity bands and stacking rings; see diamond rings
Is it suitable for everyday jewellery?
Diamond is the hardest gem, so it resists scratching better than any other stone. It isn't indestructible, though. Diamonds have cleavage planes, and a hard knock at the wrong angle can chip one, particularly at a thin edge or sharp corner.
Cut has the biggest effect on sparkle, so don't trade it for extra carat weight. Ask for a grading certificate; GIA and IGI reports are widely recognised.
May Birthstone: Emerald
Quick answer: May's birthstone is emerald, the rich green variety of beryl.
Colour
The finest emeralds are a vivid green with a slight blue undertone. Paler stones are sold as green beryl. Colour matters more than clarity with emerald, and almost every stone has natural inclusions, known in the trade as the jardin, French for garden.
Meaning and symbolism
Emerald is traditionally linked with renewal, growth and fresh starts, which suits a stone the colour of spring leaves. It has been prized since ancient times, and Egyptian emerald mines were worked long before the Romans.
What makes emerald special?
Most emeralds are treated with colourless oils or resins to improve their appearance, an accepted and widely disclosed practice. It's worth asking what treatment a stone has had, because it affects both value and care.
May birthstone jewellery ideas
- Rings: emerald-and-diamond designs, ideally with a protective setting; see emerald rings
- Earrings: the safest way to wear emerald daily; see emerald earrings
- Necklaces: a single stone pendant shows the colour well; see emerald necklaces
- Bracelets: best for occasion wear; see emerald bracelets
Is it suitable for everyday jewellery?
Emerald scores well on hardness, but it's more brittle than the number suggests because of those internal inclusions. Knocks can cause fractures, so an emerald ring is better reserved for occasions, or worn with a protective setting. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners, which can affect treated stones. For a comparison with a tougher green-blue alternative, see emerald vs sapphire.
A slightly included emerald with rich colour is generally a better choice than a clean but pale one. For a ring, choose a bezel or low setting to protect the corners.
June Birthstone: Pearl, Alexandrite and Moonstone
Quick answer: June's traditional birthstone is the pearl, a gem formed inside a living mollusc rather than mined from the ground. Alexandrite and moonstone are the two alternatives.
Colour
White and cream are the classics, but pearls also come in pink, silver, gold and a deep peacock black, depending on the mollusc and the water it lived in. The soft glow of the surface, called lustre, matters more than the shade. A bright, mirror-like finish is the sign of a good pearl.
Meaning and symbolism
Pearl is traditionally associated with purity, calm and grace, which is why pearls are such a familiar choice for wedding days.
What makes pearl special?
Natural pearls are extremely rare. Almost every pearl sold today is cultured, meaning a person seeds the mollusc but the animal still builds the pearl itself. Akoya, freshwater, Tahitian and South Sea pearls differ in size, colour and price, so it's worth knowing which you're looking at.
June birthstone jewellery ideas
- Earrings: the easiest way to wear pearls daily; see pearl and diamond earrings
- Necklaces: a single pearl pendant or a classic strand; see necklaces and pendants and our necklace size guide
- Bracelets and rings: lovely for occasions, less so for daily wear
Is it suitable for everyday jewellery?
Pearls are soft and organic, so they scratch easily and react to acids, perfume and hairspray. They suit earrings and necklaces better than daily rings. Put them on last when dressing and wipe them with a soft cloth afterwards.
Look at the pearls in daylight and check the surface for a bright, even lustre. Perfectly round pearls cost more, but baroque shapes can look wonderful and often cost less.
Alternative June birthstones
Alexandrite shifts from bluish green in daylight to purplish red under incandescent light. It was found in Russia's Ural Mountains in the 1830s and is usually said to be named after the future Tsar Alexander II. Fine natural stones are very rare and expensive, so most alexandrite jewellery uses lab-created stones, which are real alexandrite in composition. Its hardness makes it suitable for rings.
Moonstone is prized for a floating, milky glow called adularescence that seems to move as you turn it. Blue sheen on a clear body is the most sought after. It's traditionally linked with new beginnings and intuition. It can cleave if knocked, so pendants and earrings are safer than rings.
July Birthstone: Ruby
Quick answer: July's birthstone is ruby, the red variety of the mineral corundum.
Colour
Ruby gets its red from traces of chromium. The most valued shade is a strong, slightly bluish red, often called 'pigeon's blood' in the trade. Lighter pink-red stones sit on a blurry line between ruby and pink sapphire, and not everyone in the trade draws that line in the same place.
Meaning and symbolism
Ruby is traditionally associated with passion, vitality and courage. In some historic traditions it was worn into battle as protection. As with all birthstone meanings, that's folklore rather than fact, but red has always been the colour of strong feeling.
What makes ruby special?
Ruby and sapphire are the same mineral. Only the colour separates them, and red corundum is the one that gets the name 'ruby'. Fine rubies are scarcer than fine sapphires, so large, clean stones of top colour are among the most valuable coloured gems per carat.
July birthstone jewellery ideas
- Rings: ruby and diamond designs, including eternity bands; see ruby rings
- Earrings: studs or halo drops; see ruby and diamond jewellery
- Necklaces: a pendant with a deep red centre stone; see ruby necklaces
- Bracelets: ruby lines are a classic 40th anniversary gift idea; see ruby bracelets
Is it suitable for everyday jewellery?
At 9 on the Mohs scale, ruby is second only to diamond, and it's tough as well as hard, so it copes well with daily wear. It's one of the best colourful choices for an everyday ring.
Ask whether the ruby is heated only or has been glass-filled. Heat treatment is standard and accepted; glass filling is not, and should be priced far lower.
August Birthstone: Peridot, Spinel and Sardonyx
Quick answer: August's most widely known birthstone is peridot, a lime to olive green gem. Spinel and sardonyx are the alternatives.
Colour
Peridot only comes in green, coloured by iron in its own structure. Shades run from fresh lime and yellow-green to deeper olive. The most valued stones are a pure, slightly deeper green without too much brown.
Meaning and symbolism
Peridot is traditionally associated with protection and positivity, and it's sometimes called the 'gem of the sun'. Ancient Egyptians mined it on an island in the Red Sea.
What makes peridot special?
Few gems come in a single colour, and peridot is one of them. It's also one of the rare gems found beyond the earth: some peridot crystals occur in pallasite meteorites.
August birthstone jewellery ideas
- Rings: oval or cushion peridots for special occasions; see peridot rings
- Earrings: studs and drops, the most practical choice; see peridot earrings
- Necklaces: a fresh green pendant; see peridot necklaces
- Bracelets: a light, summery option; see peridot bracelets
Is it suitable for everyday jewellery?
Peridot is fine for earrings and pendants. For a ring it suits occasional wear rather than daily use, because it can show wear on the facet edges over time. Avoid knocks and ultrasonic cleaners.
Choose a peridot with a strong, clear green, ideally around one carat or more, as very small stones can look pale.
Alternative August birthstones
Spinel comes in red, pink, blue, lilac and more, and is often untreated. For centuries red spinels were mistaken for rubies; the famous Black Prince's Ruby in the Imperial State Crown is actually a spinel. It joined the American birthstone list in 2016. Hard and bright, it's a strong pick for a ring.
Sardonyx is a banded form of chalcedony, a type of quartz. Its striped layers made it a favourite for carved cameos and seal rings from Roman times. It's traditionally associated with strength and protection. Being opaque, it suits signet-style rings and carved pieces best.
September Birthstone: Sapphire
Quick answer: September's birthstone is sapphire, best known in blue but available in almost every colour.
Colour
Cornflower to deep royal blue are the classics. But sapphire is corundum, and every colour of corundum except red counts as sapphire: pink, yellow, green, purple, colourless and the rare pink-orange padparadscha. So a September birthday doesn't have to mean blue. If you like the idea of a warmer stone, see how yellow sapphires compare with yellow diamonds.
Meaning and symbolism
Sapphire is traditionally associated with wisdom, loyalty and faithfulness, which explains its long history as an engagement stone. Our guide to sapphire engagement ring meaning goes deeper into the symbolism.
What makes sapphire special?
Sapphire combines rich colour with real toughness, a rare mix among coloured gems. Its popularity as a royal engagement stone has kept it in the public eye for decades.
September birthstone jewellery ideas
- Rings: classic blue sapphire solitaires, halos and three-stone designs; see blue sapphire rings
- Earrings: sapphire and diamond studs and drops; see sapphire earrings
- Necklaces: a deep blue pendant; see blue sapphire necklaces
- Bracelets: sapphire lines that hold up to daily wear; see sapphire bracelets
Is it suitable for everyday jewellery?
Sapphire is one of the best coloured gems for everyday jewellery. At 9 on the Mohs scale and with good toughness, it resists both scratches and knocks, which makes it an excellent choice for a ring worn daily.
Look at colour saturation before size. A smaller, well-coloured sapphire will usually look better than a large, greyish one. Heat treatment is standard, but ask about it, and ask for a lab report on higher-value stones.
October Birthstone: Opal and Tourmaline
Quick answer: October's birthstone is opal, prized for the flashes of colour that move across its surface. Tourmaline is the widely accepted alternative.
Colour
Opal doesn't have one colour. Instead, flashes of colour shift as you turn the stone. White and crystal opals have a pale body, black opal has a dark body that makes the colours stand out, and fire opal is a warm orange-red that often has no play of colour at all.
Meaning and symbolism
Opal is traditionally associated with creativity and individuality. It carries a reputation for bad luck in some Victorian folklore, often blamed on a novel by Sir Walter Scott, though jewellers have long since put that idea to rest.
What makes opal special?
Opal is made of hydrated silica, so it contains water, and it isn't crystalline like most gems. That's also why no two pieces look the same. Australia supplies the vast majority of the world's precious opal.
October birthstone jewellery ideas
- Pendants: the safest and most popular way to wear opal; see opal necklaces
- Earrings: studs and drops in a protected setting; see gemstone earrings
- Rings: beautiful for occasional wear; see opal rings
- Bracelets: a delicate option for careful wearers; see opal bracelets
Is it suitable for everyday jewellery?
Opal is softer and more fragile than most gems, and it can crack with sudden temperature changes or in very dry conditions. It's best in earrings or pendants; a ring is fine for occasional wear in a protected setting.
Check the brightness and pattern of colour in natural light, and ask whether the stone is solid opal, a doublet or a triplet. Layered stones cost less but aren't solid opal throughout and shouldn't be soaked in water.
Alternative October birthstone
Tourmaline has one of the widest colour ranges of any gem, from pink and green to blue and the two-tone 'watermelon' stones. Neon blue Paraíba tourmaline is rare and expensive. It's traditionally linked with balance and inspiration. Tough enough for rings; see our green tourmaline rings. Colour can look different from different angles, so view it from a few sides.
November Birthstone: Topaz and Citrine
Quick answer: November's birthstone is topaz, with citrine as the popular alternative. Both are warm and golden, but topaz comes in far more colours.
Colour
Topaz is best known today in blue. Most blue topaz has been colour-treated from colourless stones, a stable and widely disclosed process, which is why it's affordable. The rarer golden-orange 'imperial' topaz, sometimes with a pink tint, is the traditional November stone and is far more valuable.
Meaning and symbolism
Topaz is traditionally associated with warmth, confidence and strength. Golden topaz in particular has long been linked with the sun and good spirits.
What makes topaz special?
Topaz is hard, but it has perfect cleavage, meaning it can split along a flat internal plane if struck the wrong way. Good cutters and settings take this into account, so choose a jeweller who does.
November birthstone jewellery ideas
- Rings: blue topaz solitaires and halos; see blue topaz rings
- Earrings: studs and drops in every shade of blue; see blue topaz earrings
- Pendants: a pear or oval topaz pendant; see topaz pendants
- Bracelets: topaz lines and bangles; see topaz bracelets
Is it suitable for everyday jewellery?
Topaz is hard enough for rings, but because of its cleavage it needs a little care. A setting that protects the corners and sides helps, and it's best to remove it before heavy work.
Blue topaz comes in shades commonly sold as Sky, Swiss and London blue, from light to deep. Choose the shade you like first; the price differences are modest but the look is very different.
Alternative November birthstone
Citrine is the golden-yellow to orange-brown form of quartz. Natural citrine is fairly pale, and much of the deeper stone on the market is heat-treated amethyst, which is widely accepted. It's traditionally linked with joy and abundance. Affordable in large sizes and hard enough for rings. See citrine earrings.
December Birthstone: Turquoise, Tanzanite and Zircon
Quick answer: December's traditional birthstone is turquoise, an opaque sky-blue gem. Tanzanite and zircon are the more recent alternatives, and some lists also include blue topaz.
Colour
Colours run from robin's-egg to sky blue, often crossed by a web of brown or black lines called matrix. In general, more copper gives a bluer stone and more iron gives a greener one.
Meaning and symbolism
Turquoise is traditionally associated with protection and good fortune. It has been used for thousands of years, from Egyptian and Persian jewellery to Native American silverwork.
What makes turquoise special?
The name is usually traced to the French for 'Turkish', because the stone reached Europe along Turkish trade routes. Turquoise is porous, so much of it is stabilised with resin to make it more durable, which is a normal and accepted practice.
December birthstone jewellery ideas
- Necklaces: beaded strands and cabochon pendants; see gemstone necklaces
- Earrings: silver drops and studs; see gemstone earrings
- Rings: for occasional wear, since the stone is soft; see gemstone rings
Is it suitable for everyday jewellery?
Turquoise is soft and porous, so oils, cosmetics, perfume and strong sunlight can affect it over time. It's best kept for earrings and pendants, with a ring reserved for occasions. Wipe it with a dry cloth and don't soak it.
Ask whether the turquoise is natural, stabilised or reconstituted. All three exist, and the difference in price can be large.
Alternative December birthstones
Tanzanite is a blue-violet form of zoisite, found in one small area near Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and named by Tiffany & Co. after its discovery in the 1960s. It joined the December list in 2002. It shows different colours from different angles and is usually heat-treated. It can chip, so pendants and earrings are safest. See tanzanite earrings and tanzanite rings.
Natural zircon is a real gemstone with fire that rivals diamond, and it's often found in blue, gold and colourless. It is not the same as cubic zirconia, which is a lab-made diamond simulant. Zircon can be brittle along its edges, so protect it from hard knocks.
Birthstone Colours and Meanings
Here's every birthstone in this guide with its typical colour and its traditional associations. Remember that these meanings are cultural traditions, not properties of the stones themselves, and that most gems come in more than one shade.
| Birthstone | Month | Typical colour | Traditionally associated with |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garnet | January | Deep red | Protection, commitment |
| Amethyst | February | Purple | Calm, clarity |
| Aquamarine | March | Pale blue | Calm, courage |
| Diamond | April | Colourless | Strength, enduring love |
| Emerald | May | Green | Renewal, growth |
| Pearl | June | White to cream | Purity, grace |
| Alexandrite | June | Colour-changing (green to purple-red) | Transformation |
| Moonstone | June | Milky white with blue sheen | Intuition, new beginnings |
| Ruby | July | Red | Passion, vitality |
| Peridot | August | Lime to olive green | Protection, positivity |
| Spinel | August | Red, pink, blue and more | Vitality, revival |
| Sardonyx | August | Banded red-brown and white | Strength, protection |
| Sapphire | September | Blue (also many other colours) | Wisdom, loyalty |
| Opal | October | Play of colour | Creativity, individuality |
| Tourmaline | October | Pink, green, blue and more | Balance, inspiration |
| Topaz | November | Golden, blue, pink | Warmth, confidence |
| Citrine | November | Yellow to orange | Joy, abundance |
| Turquoise | December | Sky blue to blue-green | Protection, good fortune |
| Tanzanite | December | Blue-violet | Transformation, individuality |
| Zircon | December | Blue, gold, colourless | Wisdom, honour |
Which Birthstones Are Best for Everyday Jewellery?
If you plan to wear the piece daily, durability matters as much as colour. The table below ranks the birthstones by Mohs hardness, the standard scale for scratch resistance, and adds a practical view of how each one copes in a ring.
| Birthstone | Mohs hardness | Everyday ring? | Best jewellery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diamond | 10 | Excellent | All jewellery |
| Ruby | 9 | Excellent | Rings, earrings, bracelets |
| Sapphire | 9 | Excellent | Rings, earrings, bracelets |
| Alexandrite | 8.5 | Excellent | Rings, earrings, pendants |
| Spinel | 8 | Very good | Rings, earrings, pendants |
| Topaz | 8 | Good, with care | Rings with protective settings, earrings, pendants |
| Aquamarine | 7.5–8 | Good | Rings, earrings, necklaces |
| Emerald | 7.5–8 | Take care | Earrings, pendants, careful ring wear |
| Tourmaline | 7–7.5 | Good | Rings, earrings, pendants |
| Amethyst | 7 | Good | Rings, earrings, pendants |
| Citrine | 7 | Good | Rings, earrings, pendants |
| Garnet | 6.5–7.5 | Good, with care | Rings, earrings, pendants |
| Zircon | 6.5–7.5 | Take care | Earrings, pendants, careful ring wear |
| Peridot | 6.5–7 | Moderate | Earrings, pendants, occasional rings |
| Tanzanite | 6.5–7 | Moderate | Pendants, earrings, occasional rings |
| Sardonyx | 6.5–7 | Good | Signet rings, carved pieces, pendants |
| Moonstone | 6–6.5 | Take care | Pendants, earrings |
| Opal | 5.5–6.5 | Occasional only | Pendants, earrings, occasional rings |
| Turquoise | 5–6 | Occasional only | Pendants, earrings, beads |
| Pearl | 2.5–4.5 | Occasional only | Earrings, necklaces, special-occasion pieces |
Treat the table as a guide, not a guarantee. A well-made setting on a softer gem can outlast a poorly made setting on a harder one. If you're unsure about a specific stone, ask the jeweller how it should be worn and cared for.
Beyond Hardness: What Else Affects Durability
Mohs hardness is a useful starting point, but it only measures scratch resistance. These other factors decide how a stone actually behaves on your hand.
Hardness
Hardness is resistance to scratching, measured on the Mohs scale from 1 (talc) to 10 (diamond). It's a ranking, not an even scale: diamond is many times harder than ruby or sapphire, even though they sit only one step apart.
Toughness
Toughness is resistance to chipping or breaking. A stone can be hard but not tough. Diamond and topaz are hard but can split; jade is softer but very tough.
Cleavage
Some stones, including diamond, topaz and tanzanite, have internal planes along which they can split if knocked at the wrong angle.
Inclusions and treatments
Natural inclusions, as in emerald, and treatments such as oiling or filling can make a stone more delicate than its hardness suggests.
The setting
A bezel or low setting protects a stone far better than tall, thin claws. For softer gems, a protective setting matters as much as the stone itself.
How to Choose Birthstone Jewellery
Once you know the stone, six decisions turn it into a piece of jewellery you'll actually wear.
Start with the birth month
Use the table at the top of this guide to find the stone. If the month has alternatives, decide which fits the wearer best.
Think about colour before anything else
A September birthday doesn't have to mean blue sapphire. Pink, yellow or green sapphire might suit the wearer far better. If you know their favourite colour, work from that.
Decide how the piece will be worn
A ring worn every day needs a hard, tough stone such as sapphire, ruby, diamond or spinel. Softer stones like opal, pearl and turquoise are better in earrings or pendants. The durability table above will help.
Choose the metal
Warm yellow gold flatters garnet, topaz and emerald, while white gold and platinum suit cool blues and diamonds. Our guides to types of gold, 9ct vs 18ct gold and platinum vs white gold can help you decide.
Check whether it's natural, lab-created or treated
Neither of these is automatically better. Many gems are routinely heated, and lab-created stones are real gems in composition. What matters is that it's disclosed, and that the price reflects it.
Balance colour, clarity, cut and size
Colour usually matters most in coloured gems. A well-cut, well-coloured smaller stone almost always beats a large, dull one. The most expensive stone isn't automatically the best fit.
Choosing the metal at a glance
| Metal | The look | Works well with |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow gold | Warm, classic, rich | Garnet, emerald, ruby, peridot, topaz, citrine, turquoise |
| White gold or platinum | Cool, clean, modern | Diamond, aquamarine, sapphire, tanzanite, pearl, moonstone |
| Rose gold | Soft, romantic | Amethyst, garnet, opal, pink-toned stones |
| Sterling silver | Bright, versatile, affordable | Turquoise, amethyst, opal, moonstone |
Birthstone Gift Ideas for Every Occasion
Birthstone jewellery works for far more than birthdays. Here are some realistic ideas by occasion; our guide to jewellery gifts for every occasion has plenty more.
🎂 Birthdays
The natural starting point. Choose the recipient's stone in a style they already wear: studs for someone who wears small earrings, a pendant for someone who layers necklaces. Browse personalised birthstone gifts.
🌸 Mother's Day
Many people like to wear the birthstones of their children together, in one pendant or a stack of rings. It's a sentimental gift that's easy to add to over time. See Mother’s Day jewellery.
💍 Anniversaries
Combine the wedding anniversary gemstone with a partner's birthstone, or choose the stone from the month you married. See anniversary jewellery.
👶 New baby
An initial pendant set with the baby's birthstone is a keepsake that can be worn by the mother now and passed on later. See milestone gifts and initial necklaces.
👗 Bridesmaids
Individual birthstone earrings or pendants for each bridesmaid feel personal without being fussy. See wedding jewellery gifts.
🎄 Christmas
If you're not sure what to choose, a small pendant or stud earrings in their birthstone rarely misses. See gifts for special occasions.
💛 Just because
A birthstone piece doesn't need an occasion. If you're choosing for someone else, browse jewellery for her for ideas.
Can You Wear More Than One Birthstone?
Yes. There's no rule saying you can only wear the stone for your own month. Common choices include:
- a partner's or parent's birthstone, as a personal gift
- the birthstones of your children, combined in one pendant or a stack of rings
- the gemstone for your wedding anniversary
- simply your favourite gem, whatever the month
For a mother's necklace or a family ring stack, choose stones with a similar hardness so they wear evenly. Mixing a diamond with a pearl, for example, means the diamond can scratch the pearl if they touch. Our personalised birthstone gifts range is a good place to start.
Birthstones vs Zodiac Stones
A birthstone is linked to your birth month, while a zodiac stone is linked to your astrological sign. Because signs start and end partway through a month, the two don't always match. Zodiac lists also vary even more widely between sources than birthstone lists do, so treat them as another way to choose a meaningful stone rather than a fixed rule.
If you're curious about the history behind coloured stones more generally, see our guide to the history and types of gemstones and precious vs semi-precious stones.
How to Care for Birthstone Jewellery
There isn't one cleaning method that suits every gemstone. A few habits will keep most pieces looking good, and the exceptions are worth knowing.
Clean gently: warm water, a drop of mild washing-up liquid and a soft brush are safe for most hard stones. Rinse and pat dry with a soft cloth.
Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners unless you're sure about the stone. They can damage emerald, opal, pearl, tanzanite, topaz, turquoise and any stone that has been oiled or filled.
Keep pearls, opal and turquoise dry: wipe them with a soft, damp cloth and never soak them.
Put jewellery on last: perfume, hairspray, cosmetics and chlorine can all affect gems and metals.
Store pieces separately: diamond, ruby and sapphire will scratch softer gems if they're tossed into the same box.
Have prongs checked: once a year for rings worn daily. See our guides to cleaning rings at home and jewellery cleaning products.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is my birthstone?
Your birthstone depends on your birth month: garnet (January), amethyst (February), aquamarine (March), diamond (April), emerald (May), pearl (June), ruby (July), peridot (August), sapphire (September), opal (October), topaz (November) and turquoise (December). Several months also have accepted alternatives, so you can choose the one you prefer.
Does every month have only one birthstone?
No. June, August, October, November and December each have more than one recognised birthstone, and different countries and jewellers' associations publish slightly different lists. All of the options in this guide are widely accepted, so choose the stone whose colour and durability suit you best.
What is the hardest birthstone?
Diamond, April's birthstone, is the hardest at 10 on the Mohs scale. Ruby and sapphire follow at 9, then alexandrite at 8.5. Hardness measures scratch resistance only. Toughness, cleavage and inclusions also affect how well a stone wears.
Which birthstones are best for everyday rings?
Diamond, ruby, sapphire, alexandrite and spinel are the most durable choices for daily wear. Aquamarine, amethyst, citrine and tourmaline are good with reasonable care. Emerald, opal, pearl and turquoise are better in earrings and pendants, or in rings worn only occasionally.
What is the difference between traditional and modern birthstones?
Traditional birthstones come from older lists and folklore, while modern birthstones were standardised by jewellers' associations in the twentieth century. Alternatives are later additions or common substitutes. Neither list is more 'correct'; they simply reflect different periods and markets.
Can I wear a birthstone that isn't mine?
Yes. There's no rule against it. Many people wear a partner's, parent's or child's birthstone, or simply the gem they love most. Mixing several birthstones in one pendant or a stack of rings is a popular way to keep a family close.
Can birthstones be different colours?
Yes, many can. Garnet, sapphire, tourmaline, topaz and spinel each come in a wide range of colours. The colour usually associated with a birthstone is the traditional or most familiar one, but you can choose a different shade of the same gem.
Are birthstones real gemstones?
Yes. Birthstones are genuine gemstones, although quality, origin and treatment vary. Some are routinely heated or oiled, and lab-created versions exist for many of them. A reputable jeweller will tell you clearly which is which, and price accordingly.
Are birthstones expensive?
It depends. Amethyst, citrine, garnet and blue topaz are relatively affordable, while fine ruby, emerald, sapphire, alexandrite and natural diamond can cost a great deal. Price reflects gemstone type, colour, size, quality, origin, treatment and the metal it is set in.
What is the rarest birthstone?
It depends on the variety and quality. Fine natural alexandrite and top-colour ruby are among the scarcest, while tanzanite comes from only one region. Lab-created stones are widely available for several birthstones, so rarity and price should be judged stone by stone.
Is zircon the same as cubic zirconia?
No. Zircon is a natural gemstone, and one of the December birthstones. Cubic zirconia is a lab-made diamond simulant with a different chemical composition. They can look similar at a glance, but they aren't the same material.
Can I give someone their birthstone as a birthday present?
Absolutely. A birthstone piece is one of the easiest ways to make a gift feel personal. Start with their month, then choose a style based on what they already wear, and check the stone's durability if you're buying a ring.
Ready to Choose a Birthstone Piece?
Start with the month, then think about the style they wear every day. If you'd like to see what's available, browse our birthstone of the month collection or explore gemstone rings and personalised gifts below.