Birthstone Chart: Birthstone Guide by Month
Are you looking for a heartfelt gift for a loved one or a special gift for yourself to enhance your life and enjoy the healing powers of different stones?
Then getting some birthstone jewellery is the perfect solution.
The concept of birthstones goes back to ancient times, with different stones representing different times throughout the year, expelling negative energies, boosting positive energy, and looking beautiful at the same time.
Birthstone jewellery is perfect as a thoughtful present that can come in a variety of styles and forms, including rings, pendants, bracelets, earrings and more.
It might be that you already know what your birthstone is, but do you know why you have that birthstone and what it actually means?
In this guide, we are going to explain a little more about where birthstones have come from, the meaning of that beautiful little stone and what birthstone corresponds to every month.
A History of Birthstones
It is commonly believed that the concept of the birthstone dates back to biblical times.
According to history, Aaron - the first High Priest of the Israelites - wore a chest plate that was adorned with twelve stones, each stone representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel.
It is said that each stone had a different color and unique powers that could also tell people of their destiny.
It was in the 5th century when the stones were initially believed to be linked to the signs of the zodiac, and later birthstones by month.
People began to wear each stone according to the time of year for its healing properties and to ward off evil spirits.
It was not until the 16th Century that the tradition that we see today of wearing the stone that corresponds to the month of your birth became popular.
There are also links to the ancient Hindus who associated a different stone with the days of the week, celestial bodies, and deities.
In 1912, the National Association of Jewelers standardized the list of the modern birthstone and how they are associated with the month of birth.
Today, a birthstone is worn according to your birth month for its aesthetic beauty as well as its healing properties.
Our guide will take you through the birthstones by month, helping you to find the perfect birthstone for you or a loved one, gem enthusiasts, or those who would treasure a piece of stunning birthstone jewellery.
Birthstone Chart - Birthstones by Month
January Birthstone
According to the National Association, the January birthstone is garnet.
It is a rare stone that is found in various places around the world.
The pyrope garnet stone typically has a deep red color - the color of a pomegranate seed, but actually, the garnet can be found in a spectrum of colors ranging from orange to green.
Meaning of January birthstone
The birthstone garnet is said to be grounding, giving its wearer the security and stability to explore life and remove blockages while feeling supported.
February Birthstone
The February birthstone is amethyst.
It is a member of the quartz family and the beautiful stone is found in various shades of lilac.
Meaning of February birthstone
The February birthstone is associated with providing balance to its wearer as well as promoting good health and well-being, urging you to make choices with good health in mind.
March Birthstone
The March birthstone is aquamarine - the Latin word for seawater, referring to its sea-like shade of blue-green.
The stone represents purity through its crystal clear bluish-green color.
Meaning of March birthstone
The March birthstone is in the beryl family and is used to promote freedom, leaving anxieties and stresses behind and losing your inhibitions.
April Birthstone
The April birthstone is a diamond - a girl's best friend.
Known for their intense, clear sparkle, diamonds suit everything from traditional outfits to modern tastes.
Meaning of April birthstone
The diamond is the hardest stone, signifying strength and the ability to withstand pressure.
It encourages its wearer to shine through any challenges, and the stone was used by the ancient Hindus as the weapon of Indra.
May Birthstone
The birthstone of May is the emerald.
Known for its stunning green color, the emerald features strongly throughout history, while the purest are some of the world's rarest gemstones.
The stone is in the beryl family and is said to have been one of Cleopatra's preferred mineral species.
Meaning of May birthstone
The ancient Romans linked the emerald with love and beauty - linking it to Venus.
The modern birthstone of emerald is linked to creativity, abundance, and wealth, as well as wisdom, inspiration, protection, and friendship.
June Birthstone
The classic pearl is the June birthstone.
Created under pressure within the shell of a living creature, the pearl is decedent, exotic, and the perfect accompaniment to any outfit.
Meaning of June birthstone
The ancient Greeks believed that the pearl was made from the tears of Aphrodite - their Goddess of Love and also linked it to the feminine strength of the moon.
A pearl is created within the mollusk shell, after a lot of hard work, serving as a reminder that under intense pressure and with a lot of effort, the most beautiful results can be achieved.
Pearls are said to calm the nerves and help their wearers to focus on achieving their goals.
July Birthstone
The July birthstone is one of the most iconic of the traditional birthstones - the ruby.
Meaning of July birthstone
The deep red shade comes from its purple hues - known as pigeon's blood, and it is no surprise that the July birthstone signifies passion and love for its wearer.
The stone, ruby is also said to be grounding and protecting as well as boosting motivation and energy for those who wear it.
August Birthstone
August's birthstone is the lime green peridot. Sardonyx and spinel are also considered to be August birthstones.
The stone is usually found in areas that have high volcanic activity - in places such as Hawaii and was once treasured by the ancient Egyptians.
Meaning of August birthstone
The traditional August birthstone, peridot is known for its healing properties as well as for helping to disperse negative emotions and energies such as jealousy and insecurity.
September Birthstone
The September birthstone is the iconic, deep blue sapphire.
Its name comes from the Greek word, 'sapherios' and the Latin word, 'saphirus' - both meaning 'blue'.
In fact, blue sapphires aren't the only sapphires available - they can also be found in other shades such as aqua, green and purple.
Meaning of September birthstone
The September birthstone has traditionally been linked to wisdom and connection to the higher self, as well as having healing powers.
Some believe that the sapphire is also empowering and signifies purity.
October Birthstone
Opal or pink tourmaline is the October birthstone.
Meaning of October birthstone
The milky white opal draws you into it, signifying hidden depths and the importance of looking below the surface as well as confidence and faithfulness.
It can, however, be delicate and is a stone that is not always ideal for use as jewellery.
For this reason, the National Association of Jewelers added tourmaline to the birthstone chart.
The stone is often used as an alternative to opal as birthstone jewellery.
November Birthstone
Topaz is the birthstone for those born in November.
It is commonly found in orange or yellow, but the white topaz and blue topaz are also popular for jewellery.
Meaning of November birthstone
The November birthstone is linked with making the right moral decisions, repelling selfishness and ego, boosting love and affection, and promoting mental clarity and intellect.
December Birthstone
The December birthstone is turquoise. Alongside turquoise, tanzanite and blue zircon have also been classified as December birthstones.
They all present in shades of blue, which, incidentally, look perfect with the white sapphire.
The famous blue-green stone is one of the most traditional birthstones and is steeped in history going back to the middle ages.
Meaning of December birthstone
Turquoise signifies links to the natural world and its healing properties with its calming and supportive powers.
Birthstone jewellery - the Perfect Gift
Whether you are looking for a piece of jewellery for a loved one or are looking to enjoy the good fortune and healing powers of a rare gem, birthstone jewellery is a wonderful gift.