Each month has its own birthstone — from garnet in January to tanzanite or turquoise in December. The birthstone is the gemstone traditionally assigned to your birth month and makes 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 assigned to a specific birth month. The idea is very old: historians trace it back to the breastplate of the High Priest Aaron with its 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 currently common list was standardized in 1912 by the American Jeweler's Association and has since been the basis for birthstone jewelry in German-speaking countries as well as internationally.
Some months have more than one stone. This has historical reasons: different countries and eras preferred different stones, and rare or expensive gemstones were gradually paired with a more affordable alternative. That is why June has 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 classic birthstone for each month. Where two stones are common, you will find both:
| Month | Birthstone | Color |
|---|---|---|
| January | Garnet | Deep red |
| February | Amethyst | Violet |
| 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 is traditionally attributed its own symbolism — culturally and historically developed, not medically. Here is a selection of what has been ascribed to the stones over the centuries:
- Garnet (January): is considered a symbol of loyalty and friendship.
- Amethyst (February): was associated in antiquity with clarity and prudence.
- Aquamarine (March): was considered by sailors as the stone of the sea and tranquility.
- Emerald (May): has always stood for hope and new beginnings.
- Moonstone & Pearl (June): symbolize purity and feminine grace.
- Sapphire (September): was associated with loyalty, wisdom, and steadfastness.
- Topaz (November): is considered the stone of warmth and self-confidence.
The other months also have their own story: the diamond (April) has always stood for eternal connection, the ruby (July) was considered the stone of passion, the peridot (August) was revered in ancient Egypt as the "stone of the sun," and the opal (October) fascinated entire generations with its play of colors. These attributions are part of the cultural history of gemstones — they make a piece of jewelry personal and tell a little story, but do not promise any effect on the body or health.
Birthstone jewelry as a personal gift
Hardly any gift is as personal as a piece of jewelry with your own birthstone. It carries a meaning that fits only the person receiving it — ideal for birthdays, the birth of a child, or as a lasting memory. At Splendido Jewelry, you will find suitable pieces made of genuine 585 gold (nickel-free, does not tarnish) 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 collar with peach moonstone.
- August: the olive green 585 gold necklace with peridot and brilliant halo.
Find more selection in our gold chains with gemstones, in the pearl jewelry for June, and in our birthday gift ideas.
A necklace is especially suitable as a birthstone gift because it is worn close to the heart and fits almost any occasion. Stud earrings or a ring are a lovely alternative if the recipient prefers to wear their favorite stone near the 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 skin-friendly — a gift that won’t tarnish quickly but is worn as a lasting memory.
You don’t have to limit yourself to your own birth month. Many give the birthstone of a loved one — a stone for a child, partner, or mother turns a piece of jewelry into a quiet declaration of love.
Proper Care for Gemstone Jewelry
Gemstones and pearls are more delicate than pure metal. This is how your birthstone jewelry stays beautiful for a long time:
- Clean with a slightly damp, soft cloth — avoid harsh household cleaners and 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 don’t scratch softer ones.
Harder stones like sapphire, ruby, and diamond are durable for everyday wear. Softer stones like opal, turquoise, and moonstone, as well as pearls, require more care — remove these pieces before sports, housework, and bedtime. This way, your birthstone jewelry will accompany you for many years.
A birthstone turns a piece of jewelry into a personal story — worn for a lifetime.
Splendido SchmuckBirthstone Jewelry from Splendido Schmuck
Whether as a gift or for yourself: a piece of jewelry with the matching birthstone is carefully chosen and remains memorable. At Splendido Schmuck, you enjoy free shipping and free returns, as well as a 30-day return policy — so you can take your time deciding which stone belongs to you or your loved ones.
