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Birthstone Guide - Birthstones by Month
Birthstones are gemstones corresponding to one of the 12 months of the year, each with its own unique look, value and beauty. The use of birthstones as amulets and adornments dates back to ancient times when gemstones were believed to hold wondrous cosmological powers and bring good luck and health.
Today gifts featuring birthstones such as birthstone jewelry stills holds significant meaning and value. Birthstone jewelry gifts adorned with a birthstone shows thought and personalization as well as adds a luxurious sparkle to any accessory. Find here your unique birthstone and learn its natural properties and well as its fabled mystical benefits.
Why Do Some Months Have Multiple Birthstones?
Traditionally each month is associated with one birthstone but you will find some months have multiple birthstones. This fact does create some confusion but the multiple options for some months was created in order to allow more affordable options in addition to the traditional more expensive stones.
The final attempt to standardize the birthstone system came in October 2002 when December was given a third birthstone option.
Birthstones By Month
Garnet
Amethyst
Aquamarine
diamond
Emerald
Alexandrite
Ruby
Peridot
Sapphire
Pink Tourmaline
Yellow Topaz
Zircon
Birthstones’ Meaning
JANUARY
Garnet, January’s birthstone, is mined in every color except blue. The most common garnet featured in birthstone jewelry is a dark, deep red that is almost brown. The Garnet is associated with faith, love and constancy and due to such properties is considered a great gift to symbolize friendship and trust.
FEBRUARY
Purple Amethyst, the birthstone of February, is variety of quartz that shines a beautiful purple color. This gemstone is said to represent peace, serenity, and royalty. Ancient Greeks were known to wear the amethyst to protect themselves from the effects of drunkenness.
MARCH
The name Aquamarine, the March birthstone, comes from the Latin phrase, “water of the sea” due to its mesmerizing bluegreen color. Its colors range from pale to deep blue and is said to be mermaid treasure and was thought to have the powers to keep sailors safe. The aquamarine gemstone is said to represent courage, health and confidence.
APRIL
The diamond, the birthstone of April, is the most coveted gemstone. A diamond is the hardest natural substance and is the only gemstone prized for its complete lack of color. While the classic white diamond is most oftenly seen, diamonds can be mined in many colors; yellow and brown being the most common. The rarest and most prized colored diamond is the brilliant blue diamond. The April birthstone, the diamond, due to its brilliance and fire has become the symbol of love.
MAY
Emerald, the May birthstone, is a rich green color that is reminiscent of mother nature and springtime. The most valued Emeralds are mined in Colombia and there deep green color that reflects the jungles in which they are found. Emeralds have become a symbol of rebirth and love.
JUNE
The two birthstones of June are Pearl and Alexandrite. The Alexandrite, a spectacular and cherished gemstone, is known as the color change gem as it changes color based on the lighting. Pearls are extremely popular due to its elegant natural beauty. Pearls are formed when an irritant, such as a piece of sand, enters an oyster. The oyster coats the piece of sand over and over to form a pearl and give the pearl its iridescence shimmer.
JULY
The ruby, the birthstone of July, is a majestic red gemstone that is known as the king of gems. Rubies represent health, wisdom and courage. It was once believed that wearing a Ruby gemstone brought good fortune to its owner. The finest rubies are mined in Burma and are the second hardest gemstone, after diamonds.
AUGUST
Peridot, the birthstone of August, is a dazzling lime green color. The peridot is one of only a few gemstones that exists in only one to bring prosperity, fertility and healing.
SEPTEMBER
Sapphire, the birthstone of September, is most popular in its varying majestic blue colors. Its name is derived from sappheiros the Greek word for blue. However the, the gemstone sapphire is allochromatic which means it can be found in every color. The Sapphire has come to represent loyalty and trust.
OCTOBER
Tourmaline and Opal are the two birthstones of October. Tourmaline is available in a rainbow of beautiful colors but most often comes in a pretty pink. Opal gemstones are truly unique because each opal sparkles with a one of a kind color combination. Each opal gem is individual and unique like no other.
NOVEMBER
November is assigned two unique birthstones, Citrine and Yellow Topaz. Citrine is from the French word citron meaning lemon, named appropriately for its brilliant yellow color. The Citrine is believed to be a healing gemstone and was once believed to be a gift from the sun. November’s alternative birthstone, Topaz, is most desired in its orange Imperial Topaz color. However topaz is mined in a variety of rich colors like blue, pink, and yellow.