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Most people have probably heard of birthstones, and you might even know what your birthstone is. If you don’t, not to worry. In this article, we will discuss the various birthstones and their history, so you can find out what your birthstone is.
Basically, a birthstone is a gemstone associated with the month in which you were born. There is a birthstone chart associated with the months of the year, but there is also one associated with the zodiac calendar. The two charts are quite similar but not identical due to the way the zodiac calendar is organized.
As mentioned, a birthstone is the gemstone associated with one’s birthday. There is a modern and a traditional birthstone chart, but for the purposes of this article, we will be focusing on modern birthstones. We would also like to clarify that birthstones can vary widely between different cultures and countries. This article focuses specifically on the modern US birthstone chart. The US birthstone chart is maintained by the American Gem Society/American Gem Trade Association and the Jewelers of America.
The existence of both traditional and modern birthstone charts reflects a blend of historical traditions and modern commercial practices. This duality allows individuals to choose birthstones based on personal preference, cultural significance, or aesthetic appeal. Some people may prefer traditional birthstones due to their historical significance, while others might choose modern birthstones for their beauty or availability.
The concept of birthstones is believed to have originated from the Breastplate of Aaron, described in the Book of Exodus in the Bible. This breastplate featured twelve gemstones representing the twelve tribes of Israel. However, the traditional birthstones chart is thought to have been developed in Poland between the 16th and 18th centuries. It was influenced by religious, cultural, and astrological beliefs that associated specific gemstones with each month.
In 1912, the American National Retail Jewelers Association (now Jewelers of America) created a standardized list of birthstones to simplify and commercialize the concept for the jewelry market. This list is known as the modern birthstone chart. The modern chart was designed to include gemstones that were more readily available and suitable for jewelry making. It often features transparent stones that are easier to work with and more appealing in jewelry.
Birthstones have been a cherished element in jewelry design for centuries, adding a personal touch to each piece. The significance of birthstones in jewelry making lies in their ability to connect the wearer to their birth month, astrological sign, and personal characteristics. Each birthstone holds its own unique symbolism and meaning, making it a thoughtful and meaningful addition to any jewelry piece.
Whether it’s a garnet ring for a January birthday or a sapphire necklace for a September celebration, birthstone jewelry is a timeless way to honor one’s identity and heritage. These gemstones are not just beautiful; they carry stories, traditions, and a sense of belonging that transcends generations. Birthstone jewelry is often passed down as heirlooms, making them even more special and significant.
Across the world, throughout history, civilizations have attributed profound symbolic meanings and powers to minerals, rocks, and crystals. Ancient cultures believed that specific gemstones carried mystical properties, often linking them to the forces of nature or the cosmos. Over time, these beliefs evolved, leading to the birthstone traditions we know today.
In a modern context, birthstone jewelry is more than just a personal adornment; it is a reflection of one’s identity, with each stone carrying its own unique lore. Even within the royal family, the symbolism of birthstones is evident. Prince William, for example, gave Kate Middleton a ring combining their birthstones, a pearl and garnet, symbolizing their individual qualities and the unity of their relationship.
From the deep red of rubies to the vibrant green of emeralds, each birthstone color tells a unique story, embodying the elements and minerals that shape its appearance and the symbolic meanings they’ve come to represent.
Gemstones derive their distinct colors from specific minerals, and these colors are often thought to enhance the stone’s symbolic meaning. Peridot, August’s birthstone, is characterized by its bright green color, which comes from the iron within the crystal structure. This stone has long been associated with healing properties, particularly for calming emotions and encouraging strength and vitality. Similarly, topaz and citrine, November’s birthstones, display a range of yellow to golden hues. Topaz often contains traces of fluorine and chromium, while citrine owes its warm color to iron impurities. Both stones symbolize joy, abundance, and energy, making them popular choices for those seeking to bring positivity into their lives.
On the other hand, blue sapphires are admired not only for their captivating deep blue hue but also for their symbolic connection to wisdom, loyalty, and nobility. The rich blue color in sapphires comes from the presence of titanium and iron within the stone, imbuing it with a regal aura. In contrast, pink tourmaline, a gemstone associated with love, compassion, and emotional healing, gets its delicate pink color from trace amounts of manganese.
Birthstones were first recognized by the American National Association of Jewelers in 1912. Another list was created in 1937 by the National Association of Goldsmiths in Britain. Let’s compare the zodiac chart to the modern birthstone chart:
The garnet is quite a unique birthstone and kicks off the birthstone chart on a high note. It is found in Australia, Spain, India, and North and South America. While most people associate garnets with a pure red color, they can also be dark green or even colorless. The stone is rich in manganese, aluminum, and iron, lending it its brilliant colors.
We cover January’s birthstone in more detail here.
When we think about semi-precious stones, amethyst is often on the list of fan favorites. Many people the world over cherish this variation of quartz for its brilliant purple color. While the purple variety is the most common, you can also find green amethyst and two-tone varieties.
The modern birthstone for March is aquamarine, while bloodstone is listed as the traditional birthstone. In this article we will focus on aquamarine, as it is the more popular of the two. Aquamarine stones pay homage to the colors of the sea and can range from light green to a deep blue color. The color of these transparent gems is determined by the specific qualities of the minerals within each stone.
If you want to know more about the two birthstones for March, check out our other article here.
Few gems are as luxurious and opulent as the diamond, and people born in April have the honor of having this precious stone as their birthstone. The diamond is one of only four gemstones that are considered precious stones (the others being ruby, sapphire, and emerald).
While white diamonds are the most popular stone for engagement rings, these precious gems are also available in other colors, including red, pink, blue, yellow, and green. However, colored diamonds are much rarer than white diamonds and often command premium prices. This conflicts with the popular belief that white diamonds are the rarest of them all. Don’t believe us? Think about how many people you know who own at least one piece of diamond jewelry.
The emerald is also one of the “Big Four” precious stones. Along with aquamarine, it is a member of the beryl family. However, the emerald gets its amazing deep green color from the chromium in its makeup. While emeralds are highly sought after, they often contain imperfections known as ‘jardin’, making them relatively fragile gems.
The moonstone and pearl are older birthstones associated with the month of June. Today, alexandrite is the more common June birthstone.
Alexandrite is a rare gemstone that can change color under incandescent light, transforming from a greenish-blue hue to red. It makes an eye-catching option for birthstone jewelry.
You can read more about June’s other birthstones, pearl and moonstone, by clicking here.
The ruby is arguably the most beautiful birthstone on the list. It represents passion and love, and besides being July’s birthstone, it makes for a truly spectacular 40th anniversary gift. Gemstones with a purplish-red hue are referred to as ‘pigeon’s blood’ rubies and are the most coveted variety of this gem.
Peridot is one of the oldest-known gems on the birthstone chart, but it still manages to remain low-key among gemstone enthusiasts. Peridot was revered by ancient Egyptians and is mostly found in Hawaii’s volcanic lava fields today. Many believe peridot has healing powers and some might equate it with divine nature. While the peridot is associated with the color green, it is much lighter than emerald.
The sapphire and ruby are often pitted against each other since they belong to the same mineral corundum family and take up opposite sides of the color spectrum.
While blue sapphires are the most popular and sought-after gemstones in jewelry, you can also find white, green, pink, and yellow sapphires. Much like peridot, many ancient civilizations believed that the sapphire had healing powers.
Although opal is associated with the month of October, it does not have the durability required for everyday wear and is, therefore, not a popular jewelry option. The alternative birthstone for October is pink tourmaline.
Citrine and topaz are associated with the month of November but, despite being commonly confused with each other, these gems are not related at all. Citrine is a type of quartz and topaz is part of the silicate mineral family. Due to the availability of quartz, topaz is the more popular and more expensive of the two. It is available in a full spectrum of colors, while citrine only occurs in orange and yellow hues. Blue topaz, for example, is quite popular, although it is typically associated with December.
December has quite a few options when it comes to birthstones, including blue topaz, blue zircon, tanzanite, and turquoise. We have an entire article dedicated to these gems, which you can read here.
Choosing the right birthstone and incorporating it into jewelry involves understanding the symbolism, durability, and personal significance of each gemstone. Here’s a short guide to help you make informed choices.
When choosing a birthstone, consider the wearer’s birth month, astrological sign, and personal preferences. Think about the personality and style of the person who will wear the jewelry. A vibrant and bold blue topaz can make a striking statement for someone with a dynamic personality, while the soft and romantic pink tourmaline might be perfect for someone who appreciates subtle elegance. By considering these factors, you can create a piece of jewelry that is not only beautiful but also deeply meaningful.
Personal Preference
Incorporating birthstones into your jewelry designs can be as simple as adding a single gemstone to a pendant or ring. You can also combine multiple birthstones to create a unique and personalized piece. Consider the style and occasion of the jewelry piece, as well as the wearer’s personal preferences, when choosing a birthstone.
Some popular ways to incorporate birthstones into jewelry designs include:
Birthstones offer a timeless way to connect with your birth month, zodiac sign, or personal traits, making them more than just beautiful gemstones. Whether you’re drawn to the wisdom of blue sapphires, the emotional healing properties of pink tourmaline, or the joy and abundance symbolized by topaz and citrine, each stone tells a story. As you explore the meanings and histories behind these stones, you’ll discover that birthstone jewelry can be both a personal expression and a cherished heirloom, full of tradition, symbolism, and beauty.
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