Birthstones by Month: The Complete Chart and What Each Stone Means
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Birthstone jewelry is the easiest meaningful gift there is. Every month has its own stone, its own color, and its own story. Here's the complete modern birthstone chart, what each stone symbolizes, and how to choose one that will actually get worn.
Birthstone Chart: All 12 Months
| Month | Birthstone | Color | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Garnet | Deep red | Protection, loyalty |
| February | Amethyst | Purple | Calm, clarity |
| March | Aquamarine | Pale blue | Courage, serenity |
| April | Diamond | Clear | Strength, eternal love |
| May | Emerald | Green | Rebirth, wisdom |
| June | Pearl / Alexandrite / Moonstone | White / color-change | Purity, intuition |
| July | Ruby | Red | Passion, vitality |
| August | Peridot / Spinel | Lime green | Good fortune |
| September | Sapphire | Royal blue | Truth, nobility |
| October | Opal / Tourmaline | Iridescent play-of-color | Hope, creativity |
| November | Topaz / Citrine | Golden yellow | Abundance, warmth |
| December | Turquoise / Tanzanite / Blue Zircon | Sky blue | Prosperity, peace |
A Few Stones Worth Knowing More About
October: Opal, the Showstopper
No other birthstone does what opal does: flashes of green, blue, orange, and pink that shift as the stone moves. Play-of-color makes every opal literally one of a kind. Opals are softer than most gems, so they suit rings you wear thoughtfully rather than daily gym sessions. Our created opal rings pair the classic look with sterling settings, and created opals are more stable than natural ones. (Full care instructions coming in our opal care guide.)
April: Diamond and Its Honest Stand-In
April babies get the most expensive birthstone on the chart. The good news: cubic zirconia delivers the clear, brilliant look for a fraction of the price, and in a birthstone context nobody blinks. Browse CZ rings in sterling silver if the sparkle matters more than the certificate.
June and December: The Multi-Stone Months
Some months have two or three official stones. June (pearl, alexandrite, moonstone) and December (turquoise, tanzanite, blue zircon) give you options at every budget. When gifting, pick by the recipient's color preference rather than agonizing over which is "more official." They all are.
How to Choose Birthstone Jewelry That Gets Worn
- Studs are the safe bet. Birthstone stud earrings work with any outfit and any age, and they're the most re-worn birthstone gift.
- Match the metal to their existing jewelry. Check whether they wear silver-tone or gold-tone daily; that matters more than the stone itself. (Our gold guide explains the options.)
- Color beats correctness. If a September person hates blue, a simulated stone in a color they love is the better gift. The rule is that there are no rules; the "birthstone police" don't exist.
- Sterling silver keeps it affordable. A genuine 925 setting with a simulated or created stone gives you real jewelry at a giftable price. Here's what 925 means and why it matters.
Birthstone FAQ
Are birthstones "real" gems or simulated in affordable jewelry?
Both exist. Affordable birthstone jewelry typically uses simulated stones (colored CZ or crystal) or lab-created stones (same composition as natural, grown in a lab). Created stones are chemically identical to natural ones; simulated stones match the color and look. Reputable listings always say which.
Can I wear a birthstone that isn't my month?
Absolutely. The modern list was standardized by jewelers in 1912 and has been revised since. It's a tradition, not a law. Wear what you love.
What's the rarest birthstone?
Of the naturals, alexandrite (June) is among the rarest and most expensive, which is why created and simulated versions dominate the market. Red diamonds aside, painite and taaffeite are rarer but aren't on the official chart.
Which birthstones are durable enough for daily wear?
Diamond, sapphire, ruby, and their simulants handle daily wear best. Opal, pearl, and moonstone are softer: beautiful, but happier as occasional-wear pieces.
Shopping for a birthday? Start with our best sellers or browse sterling silver earrings: genuine 925 silver at closeout prices from our Los Angeles warehouse, family-run since 2006.