Birthstone Guide by Month
This birthstone by month guide gives you both birthstone lists in one place: the modern list and the traditional one. They differ for six months, which is exactly why so many people end up confused about their birthstone. Below you'll find a bookmarkable chart, each month's colors and meanings, and which stones suit everyday jewelry.
Key Takeaways
- There are two main lists: modern and traditional.
- They differ for March, June, August, October, November and December.
- The modern US list dates from 1912, with updates in 1952, 2002 and 2016.
- You can choose from either list; there's no wrong answer.
- This birthstone by month guide also shows which stones suit daily wear.
Modern vs Traditional: Why There Are Two Lists
Traditional birthstones come from older European customs that varied by country and era. In 1912, the US National Association of Jewelers, now Jewelers of America, standardized a modern list. It was updated in 1952, adding alexandrite, citrine and tourmaline among others; in 2002, adding tanzanite to December; and in 2016, adding spinel to August. Most jewelers today use the modern list, but many people prefer the traditional stones. That split is the heart of any birthstone by month guide.
Birthstone Chart: Modern and Traditional
Here's the complete birthstone by month guide in one table. Bookmark it for gift shopping.
| Month | Modern | Traditional | Main colors |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Garnet | Garnet | Deep red |
| February | Amethyst | Amethyst | Purple |
| March | Aquamarine | Bloodstone | Pale blue; dark green with red flecks |
| April | Diamond | Diamond | Colorless |
| May | Emerald | Emerald | Green |
| June | Pearl, moonstone, alexandrite | Pearl | Cream; milky; color-change |
| July | Ruby | Ruby | Red |
| August | Peridot, spinel | Sardonyx | Lime green; many colors; banded |
| September | Sapphire | Sapphire | Blue |
| October | Tourmaline, opal | Opal | Pink; play of color |
| November | Topaz, citrine | Topaz | Golden yellow |
| December | Tanzanite, zircon, turquoise | Turquoise | Violet-blue; blue; sky blue |
The months where the lists differ
March, June, August, October, November and December have different or extra stones on the modern list. If a site gives you a different birthstone from the one you expected, it's probably using the other list. Knowing both lists makes this birthstone by month guide useful whatever source you've seen.
Birthstones Month by Month
Here's each month in this birthstone by month guide, with colors, traditional meanings and a durability note.
January: Garnet
Usually deep red, though garnet comes in many colors. Traditionally linked with protection and friendship. Durable enough for everyday wear.
February: Amethyst
Purple quartz, from pale lilac to deep violet. Traditionally linked with calm and clarity. Hard enough for daily jewelry.
March: Aquamarine or Bloodstone
Aquamarine is pale sea blue, linked with courage and calm. Bloodstone, the traditional choice, is dark green with red flecks.
April: Diamond
Colorless and the hardest natural gem. Linked with enduring love and strength.
May: Emerald
Rich green, linked with rebirth and love. Emeralds often have inclusions, so they need gentle wear.
June: Pearl, Moonstone or Alexandrite
Pearl is the traditional stone; the modern list adds milky moonstone and color-changing alexandrite. Pearls are soft and need care.
July: Ruby
Vivid red, linked with passion and protection. Very durable, ideal for rings.
August: Peridot, Spinel or Sardonyx
Peridot is lime green; spinel, added in 2016, comes in many colors; sardonyx is the banded traditional stone.
September: Sapphire
Classic blue, linked with wisdom and truth. Nearly as hard as diamond, perfect for daily wear.
October: Tourmaline or Opal
Opal shows a play of color; tourmaline, added in 1952, comes in pink and many other shades. Opal needs gentle care.
November: Topaz or Citrine
Golden topaz is traditional; citrine, added in 1952, offers warm yellow at a lower price.
December: Tanzanite, Zircon or Turquoise
Turquoise is traditional; the modern list adds blue zircon and violet-blue tanzanite, added in 2002.
A note on meanings
Birthstone meanings come from folklore and tradition, not science. They're part of the charm, so enjoy them as symbolism; they're the fun part of any birthstone by month guide.
Which Birthstones Suit Everyday Wear?
Hardness matters if the stone will be worn every day, especially in a ring. This part of the birthstone by month guide groups the stones by durability.
| Durability | Birthstones |
|---|---|
| Very durable: rings and daily wear | Diamond, ruby, sapphire, alexandrite, spinel, topaz, aquamarine |
| Durable: most jewelry | Garnet, amethyst, citrine, peridot, tourmaline |
| Gentle: pendants and earrings | Emerald, tanzanite, zircon, moonstone |
| Delicate: occasion wear | Pearl, opal, turquoise |
Softer stones are lovely in pendants and earrings, which rub far less than rings. Our everyday jewelry guide explains which pieces take the most wear. Keep this birthstone by month guide handy when choosing a setting.
Family and Multi-Birthstone Jewelry
Family pieces combine several birthstones, such as a pendant with each child's stone. Historians note that the modern list favored transparent, faceted gems partly because they sit together neatly in these designs. When choosing stones for one piece, keep the cut and size consistent so they look balanced. Use this birthstone by month guide to pick either list for each person, but stay consistent within one piece.
Birthstones by Season
- Winter: garnet, amethyst, and December's blues: tanzanite, zircon and turquoise.
- Spring: aquamarine, diamond and emerald.
- Summer: pearl, ruby and peridot.
- Autumn: sapphire, opal, tourmaline, topaz and citrine.
Grouping by season is a fun way to use this birthstone by month guide for seasonal gifts and styling.
Genuine Stones vs Birthstone Colors
Affordable birthstone jewelry often uses birthstone-colored cubic zirconia or glass rather than the natural gem. That's perfectly fine for fashion jewelry, as long as the listing is clear. Look for "natural", "genuine", "lab-created" or "birthstone color". Our guide to zircon vs cubic zirconia vs diamond explains why December's zircon is not the same as cubic zirconia. Honesty about materials is part of a good birthstone by month guide.
Choosing a Birthstone Jewelry Gift
Birthstone jewelry is personal without needing to guess someone's style. Use this birthstone by month guide with these tips:
- Choose a pendant or earrings to avoid ring sizing.
- Pick from either list: the modern or traditional stone, whichever you prefer.
- Match durability to wear: hard stones for rings, softer stones for pendants.
- Consider a zodiac piece as an alternative, based on star sign rather than month.
If you do choose a ring, our ring size guide shows how to measure.
Birthstone gifts for men
Birthstones work well in men's jewelry too: a small stone set in a signet ring, a beaded bracelet, cufflinks or a simple pendant. Durable stones such as sapphire, ruby, garnet and topaz suit pieces that get daily wear.
Caring for Birthstone Jewelry
Hard stones such as garnet, amethyst and sapphire clean well in warm soapy water with a soft brush. Softer or porous stones such as pearl, opal and turquoise need only a damp cloth. Our guide on how to clean jewelry at home covers each type. Care is the last step in this birthstone by month guide.
Birthstone Picks From Global Swanky
Here's this birthstone by month guide in our collection. Browse more in the Global Swanky jewelry collection.
January: Garnet-Colored 4-Piece Jewelry Set
The Garnet Cubic Zirconia 4-Piece Set is $22.78, with garnet-colored cubic zirconia in earrings, a pendant, a bracelet and a ring in sizes 6 to 10.
February: Natural Amethyst Earrings and Necklace
The Natural Amethyst Tassel Jewelry is $11.53, with studs, earrings, a necklace or a set.
October: Natural Tourmaline Jewelry
The Natural Tourmaline Jewelry is $17.30, featuring natural tourmaline, October's modern birthstone.
Any month: Twelve Constellations Pendant
The Twelve Constellations Pendant Necklace is $22.59, a zodiac alternative on stainless steel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the birthstone colors by month?
January is deep red, February purple, March pale blue, April colorless, May green, June cream or color-change, July red, August lime green, September blue, October pink or multicolored, November golden yellow and December blue.
What is my birthstone?
Find your birth month in the chart above. Months such as June, August, October, November and December have several options, and you can choose from either the modern or traditional list.
Where do birthstone meanings come from?
They come from centuries of folklore and tradition rather than science. Garnet is linked with protection, sapphire with wisdom and ruby with passion, and many people simply enjoy the symbolism.
What's the difference between modern vs traditional birthstones?
The traditional list comes from older European customs. The modern US list was standardized by jewelers in 1912 and updated in 1952, 2002 and 2016, adding stones such as tanzanite and spinel. They differ for March, June, August, October, November and December.
Is a birthstone jewelry gift a good idea?
Yes, it's personal without needing to know her style. Choose a pendant or earrings to avoid ring sizing, and pick a durable stone for everyday wear.