Every month has its own birthstone — from garnet in January to tanzanite or turquoise in December. A birthstone is the gemstone traditionally associated with your month of birth, making jewelry a personal gift with meaning. In the table below, you can see at a glance which stone belongs to you.
What is a birthstone?
A birthstone is a gemstone associated with a particular month of birth. The idea is very old: Historians trace it back to the breastplate of Aaron the High Priest, which featured twelve stones. Over the centuries, these twelve stones became associated with the twelve months of the year and later also with the zodiac signs. The list commonly used today was standardized in 1912 by the American jewelers' association and has been the basis for birthstone jewelry in German-speaking countries and internationally ever since.
Some months have more than one stone. This has historical reasons: different stones were preferred in different countries and eras, and rare or expensive gemstones were gradually given a more affordable alternative. That is why June includes moonstone and pearl, October opal and tourmaline, November topaz and citrine, and December tanzanite and turquoise. Which of the two stones you prefer is entirely up to you.
Birthstones by Month — the Table
This table shows the traditional birthstone for each month. Where two stones are customary, you will find both:
| Month | Birthstone | Color |
|---|---|---|
| January | Garnet | Deep red |
| February | Amethyst | Purple |
| March | Aquamarine | Light blue |
| April | Diamond | Clear |
| May | Emerald | Green |
| June | Moonstone / Pearl | Shimmering white |
| July | Ruby | Red |
| August | Peridot | Olive green |
| September | Sapphire | Blue |
| October | Opal / Tourmaline | Iridescent / Pink |
| November | Topaz / Citrine | Golden yellow |
| December | Tanzanite / Turquoise | Blue-violet |
What is the meaning of birthstones?
Each birthstone has traditionally been attributed its own symbolism — shaped by culture and history, not medicine. Here is a selection of what these stones have been associated with over the centuries:
- Garnet (January): is considered a symbol of loyalty and friendship.
- Amethyst (February): was associated in antiquity with clarity and composure.
- Aquamarine (March): was regarded by seafarers as the stone of the sea and tranquillity.
- Emerald (May): has long stood for hope and new beginnings.
- Moonstone & pearl (June): symbolise purity and feminine grace.
- Sapphire (September): was associated with loyalty, wisdom, and constancy.
- Topaz (November): is regarded as a stone of warmth and self-confidence.
The other months have their own stories, too: Diamond (April) has long stood for eternal devotion, ruby (July) was regarded as the stone of passion, peridot (August) was revered in ancient Egypt as the “stone of the sun”, and opal (October) fascinated generations with its play of colours. These associations are part of the cultural history of gemstones — they make a piece of jewellery personal and tell a small story, but they do not promise any effects on the body or health.
Birthstone jewellery as a personal gift
Few gifts are as personal as a piece of jewellery featuring the recipient’s birthstone. It carries a meaning that is unique to the person receiving it — ideal for a birthday, the birth of a child, or as a lasting memento. At Splendido Jewelry, you will find suitable pieces made of genuine 585 gold (nickel-free and tarnish-resistant) and rhodium-plated 925 silver from Italian goldsmiths. Here are a few examples of popular birth months:
- February: the violet 585 yellow gold ring with amethyst solitaire.
- June: the shimmering 585 gold necklace with peach moonstone.
- August: the olive-green 585 gold necklace with peridot and diamond halo.
You can find more options in our gold necklaces with gemstones, in our pearl jewelry for June, and in our birthday gift ideas.
A necklace is especially well suited as a birthstone gift because it is worn close to the heart and suits almost any occasion. Stud earrings or a ring are beautiful alternatives if the recipient prefers to wear their favorite stone close to their face or hand. When buying, pay particular attention to the material: Genuine 585 gold and rhodium-plated 925 silver remain beautiful for years and are kind to the skin — a gift that does not tarnish after a short time, but is worn as a lasting reminder.
You do not have to limit yourself to your own month. Many people give a loved one’s birthstone as a gift — a stone for a child, partner, or mother turns a piece of jewelry into a quiet declaration of love.
How to Properly Care for Gemstone Jewelry
Gemstones and pearls are more delicate than pure metal. This is how to keep your birthstone jewelry beautiful for a long time:
- Clean with a slightly damp, soft cloth — do not use harsh household remedies or ultrasonic devices.
- Put on pearls, opal, and turquoise only after applying perfume, cream, and hairspray, as they are sensitive to acids and chemicals.
- Store each piece dry and separately, ideally in a pouch or case, so that hard stones do not scratch softer ones.
Harder stones such as sapphire, ruby, and diamond are resilient in everyday wear. Softer stones such as opal, turquoise, and moonstone, as well as pearls, require more care — remove these pieces before exercising, doing housework, and going to bed. This way, your birthstone jewelry will accompany you for many years.
A birthstone transforms a piece of jewelry into a personal story — worn throughout your life.
Splendido JewelryBirthstone Jewelry from Splendido Jewelry
Whether as a gift or for yourself: A piece of jewelry with the right birthstone is thoughtfully chosen and remains memorable. At Splendido Jewelry, you enjoy free shipping and free returns, as well as a 30-day return policy — so you can take your time deciding which stone is right for you or your loved ones.
