Birthstones are gemstones that represent each month of the year. They are thought to bring good luck, health, and prosperity to people born in their corresponding month. Knowing your birthstone is fun and can provide insight into your personality. This article will guide you through determining your birthstone based on your birth month.
How to Find Your Birthstone
Finding your birthstone is easy if you know your birth month. There are 12 birthstones, one for each month of the year. Here is a list of the months and their corresponding birthstones:
| Month | Birthstone |
| January | Garnet |
| February | Amethyst |
| March | Aquamarine |
| April | Diamond |
| May | Emerald |
| June | Pearl |
| July | Ruby |
| August | Peridot |
| September | Sapphire |
| October | Opal |
| November | Topaz |
| December | Turquoise |
To find your birthstone, simply locate your birth month and the corresponding gemstone is your birthstone! It’s that easy.
For example, if you were born in March, your birthstone is aquamarine. If you were born in October, your birthstone is opal.
History and Meaning of Birthstones
The idea of birthstones has been around for centuries, dating all the way back to biblical times. Scholars believe the Breastplate of Aaron (as described in the book of Exodus in the Bible) may have been set with 12 stones representing the 12 tribes of Israel and the 12 signs of the zodiac.
Over time, the tradition evolved into associating certain gemstones with calendar months. By the 18th century, birthstones were widely used in Europe and America. The most common modern listing of birthstones was compiled in 1912 by the American National Association of Jewelers. This is the list provided above.
Each birthstone is thought to have special meaning and powers. Here is a quick look at the significance behind each birthstone:
| Birthstone | Meaning |
| Garnet | Protection, health, and constancy |
| Amethyst | Wisdom, calmness, and sincerity |
| Aquamarine | Courage, youth, and hope |
| Diamond | Strength, clarity, and eternity |
| Emerald | Fertility, rebirth, and love |
| Pearl | Purity, faith, and charity |
| Ruby | Nobility, passion, and protection |
| Peridot | Truth, faith, and dignity |
| Sapphire | Devotion, wisdom, and virtue |
| Opal | Hope, innocence, and purity |
| Topaz | Fidelity, friendship, and strength |
| Turquoise | Protection, courage, and luck |
As you can see, each birthstone carries unique symbolism and meaning. Many believe wearing your birthstone can bring you luck and strength associated with those qualities.
How to Choose a Birthstone
When selecting a birthstone, you have a few options:
Your main birthstone
This is the primary gemstone associated with your birth month, as listed above. For example, if you were born in April, you would select a diamond. Most people choose to wear their main birthstone.
Color variations
Many birthstones come in a variety of colors. For example, garnet can be red, green, orange, or pink. You may prefer a particular color variation that suits your personal taste.
Secondary birthstones
Some months have additional gemstones considered secondary birthstones. For instance, June has pearl, moonstone, and alexandrite. You may resonate more with a secondary birthstone for your month.
Birthstones from other cultures
Birthstone traditions vary across cultures. For instance, in Tibet, the birthstone for March is bloodstone. Check other cultural listings to see if you connect with an alternate birthstone.
Your favorite gemstone
Some people disregard the traditional birthstones and simply choose their favorite gemstone to wear. Selecting a gem you feel most drawn to can be meaningful as well.
When picking your perfect birthstone, let your intuition guide you. Choose the stone that feels right for you, whether it’s your classical birthstone or not.
Where to Buy Birthstones
You have many options when purchasing birthstone jewelry or loose stones. Here are some ideas:
Jewelry stores
Most jewelry stores sell birthstone rings, necklaces, bracelets and more. They can help you pick a setting and style you like. This is a great option if you want something custom designed.
Online retailers
Online sites like Etsy and Amazon have a wide selection of birthstone jewelry at various price points. This offers convenience and flexibility.
Rock shops or gem shows
Rock and mineral shops, as well as gem shows, often sell individual loose stones. You can have a stone you select made into a custom piece.
Estate sales and thrift shops
Searching secondhand stores can turn up vintage and antique birthstone jewelry. This gives you a unique piece at an affordable price.
Make sure to buy from reputable sellers that provide details on the quality and characteristics of any stone you purchase.
How to Care for Your Birthstone
Birthstones are quite durable, but they still require some care. Here are tips for keeping your birthstone sparkling:
Protect from impacts
Birthstones can chip or crack if subjected to a sharp blow. Remove jewelry before physical activities and store pieces safely when not wearing them.
Clean regularly
Clean your stone with mild soap and water. Use a soft brush to remove residue and oils. Take care not to submerge porous stones like opal in liquids.
Avoid harsh chemicals
Do not expose your birthstone to harsh chemicals like bleach, acids or ammonia. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners. Use only professional jewelers if cleaning is needed.
Remove during activities
Take off your birthstone jewelry before swimming, exercising, cleaning, gardening or handling chemicals. This protects from damage.
Store properly
Keep stones in a fabric-lined jewelry box or soft pouch. Avoid tossing them loose in a purse or drawer. Wrap in soft cloth if storing long term.
With basic care, your birthstone can stay beautiful and retain value for many years to come! Be sure to treat it with the proper precautions.
Common Birthstones and Their Meanings
Here is some more detail about some of the most popular birthstones and the meanings people ascribe to them:
Diamond
Diamonds symbolize eternal and lasting love which is why they are so common in engagement rings. They represent strength, brilliance and unparalleled radiance. Diamonds are also said to bring forth the superiority of the mind and an enlightened life. They are associated with enhancing the wearer’s morality, ethics, and courage while accentuating their feminine and masculine strengths.
Emerald
Emeralds are said to instill healing powers and keep couples devoted to each other. Some believe that wearing an emerald brings wisdom, growth, and patience. Emeralds are also thought to cure diseases and protect against magic spells. People believe that giving emeralds strengthens relationships, revealing the truth about the recipient’s love. The vibrancy of an emerald is thought to reveal the nature of one’s lover.
Ruby
Rubies symbolize passion and romance. For centuries rubies have been considered the most precious of gemstones, even above diamonds. Hindus believed rubies were “fire from within” and would bring light into darkness. Rubies were seen as warnings against danger and wrongdoing. The deep red color signifies love and passion. Rubies are also the perfect gift for a 40th wedding anniversary.
Sapphire
Sapphires are believed to instill mental clarity, inspiration, inner peace, joy and spiritual enlightenment. They are believed to attract divine blessings. Sapphires also symbolize nobility, virtue, good fortune and wisdom. Some believe wearing a sapphire brings insight and spiritual revelation, and also calms the mind. Traditionally, sapphires are said to guard against harm and envy.
Birthstones and Zodiac Signs
Some cultures also assigned special gemstones based on zodiac signs instead of calendar months. Here are the purported gems associated with each sign of the zodiac:
| Zodiac Sign | Gemstone |
| Aries | Diamond |
| Taurus | Emerald |
| Gemini | Agate |
| Cancer | Pearl |
| Leo | Ruby |
| Virgo | Jade |
| Libra | Opal |
| Scorpio | Topaz |
| Sagittarius | Topaz |
| Capricorn | Ruby |
| Aquarius | Garnet |
| Pisces | Amethyst |
Some people like to wear the gemstone tied to their zodiac sign astrologically. This is another option you can consider when selecting a meaningful gem.
Birthstones for All Occasions
Birthstones make great gifts for many occasions:
Birthdays
Give a loved one a pendant or ring featuring their birthstone on their birthday. This personalized gift celebrates their birth month.
Mother’s rings/necklaces
Mother’s jewelry featuring the birthstones of all her children is a sentimental gift mothers will cherish.
Engagements
While diamonds are traditional, you can use your fiancée’s birthstone as a unique engagement ring.
Weddings
Anniversary bands can include the bride and groom’s birthstones as a meaningful symbol of their love.
Valentine’s Day
Give your sweetheart their birthstone as a Valentine’s Day present to show how much they mean to you.
Graduations
A birthstone pendant customized with the graduate’s birth month is a thoughtful memento of their achievement.
A gift featuring someone’s birthstone is sure to hold special meaning for them.
Conclusion
Now you have the knowledge to identify your correct birthstone simply by looking up your birth month. Birthstones are a wonderful way to celebrate the month you were born. With so many styles, colors and settings to choose from, you can find a birthstone jewelry piece that perfectly suits your personal taste. Wearing or gifting birthstones allows you to connect deeper meaning that represents your identity and relationships. Let your birthstone shine as a badge of your uniqueness in the world.
