ARVENIER
Birthstones by month follow a modern list used by jewellers and the Gemological Institute of America: January garnet, February amethyst, March aquamarine and bloodstone, April diamond, May emerald, June pearl, moonstone and alexandrite, July ruby, August peridot and spinel, September sapphire, October opal and tourmaline, November topaz and citrine, and December turquoise, tanzanite and zircon.
What is each month's birthstone?
- January — garnet: usually deep red, though garnets come in many colours.
- February — amethyst: purple quartz.
- March — aquamarine (pale sea blue) and bloodstone (dark green with red spots).
- April — diamond: colourless sparkle.
- May — emerald: rich green.
- June — pearl, moonstone and colour-changing alexandrite.
- July — ruby: red.
- August — peridot (lime green) and spinel.
- September — sapphire: classic blue, though sapphires come in many colours.
- October — opal (play of colour) and tourmaline (every colour).
- November — topaz and citrine: warm yellows and oranges.
- December — turquoise, tanzanite and zircon: blues.
Birthstones and Indian gemstone traditions
The monthly list above is a Western jewellery tradition. In India many people also follow Vedic astrology, where gemstones such as the navaratna are chosen by planets and an individual's chart rather than by birth month. If the recipient follows astrology, ask before buying, and treat a birthstone piece as a fashion gift rather than an astrological remedy.
Birthstone colours in fashion jewellery
Precious birthstones such as rubies, sapphires and emeralds are expensive. In fashion jewellery, the same colours are usually created with glass, crystal or cubic zirconia, which lets you give the colour of someone's birthstone at an accessible price. The meaning lies in the colour and the thought, so a well-made simulated piece is a perfectly good gift as long as it is described honestly.
Birthstone gift ideas
- A pendant in the recipient's birthstone colour on a fine chain.
- A mother's necklace or bracelet with each child's birthstone colour.
- Stud earrings for a first-birthday or milestone gift.
- Matching birthstone-colour bracelets for a friend group.
- A couple's pair, each set with the other's birthstone colour.
Choosing between two stones for one month
Several months have more than one birthstone. Choose by the person's favourite colour, their wardrobe, or durability: for everyday rings, harder stones such as sapphire, ruby, topaz and spinel cope better than softer opal, pearl or turquoise.
Frequently asked questions
What is the birthstone for October?
Opal and tourmaline. Opal shows flashes of colour; tourmaline comes in almost every colour.
Can I wear a birthstone that isn't mine?
Yes. Many people wear a partner's or child's birthstone, or simply a stone they love.
Do birthstones have to be real gems?
No. Simulated stones in the right colour are a popular, affordable way to give birthstone jewellery.
What is the birthstone for August?
Peridot and spinel. Peridot is a lime-to-olive green gem; spinel comes in many colours, including red, pink and blue.