Birthstone Guide

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Learn about gemstones and birthstones by using our Gemstone Guide.

January

GARNET

January's Garnet is celebrated as a symbol of protection, friendship, and new beginnings. Known as the 'traveler's stone' in folklore, it's long believed to guard against harm and negativityβ€”making it the perfect gem for anyone starting a new year or embracing a fresh chapter.

Garnet jewelry is especially popular for January birthdays and second anniversaries, whether it’s a classic garnet ring, a pair of rich red earrings, or a meaningful pendant. Garnet is also said to deepen bonds, spark self-confidence, and bring positive energy during winter’s slow startβ€”making any piece a thoughtful way to show love or celebrate new beginnings.

Color Range:

Deep Red Vibrant Green Orange Purple Pink Brown Black

Origins:

Major sources include Africa (Mozambique, Tanzania, Namibia), India, Sri Lanka, Brazil, the United States, and Russia.

When to Give:

  • January birthdays
  • Second anniversaries
  • Wishing safe travels
  • Celebrating fresh starts

February

AMETHYST

February’sΒ AmethystΒ is a symbol of peace, clarity, and inner strength. Revered since ancient times as a stone of protection and wisdom, amethyst was believed to ward off negativity, calm the mind, and encourage sobriety. Its rich purple colorβ€”ranging from soft lilac to deep violetβ€”made it a favorite of royalty and spiritual leaders throughout history.

Amethyst jewelryΒ is especially popular for February birthdays and sixth anniversaries, and makes a meaningful gift for anyone seeking balance or a fresh perspective. Amethyst is often given as a token of calm, intuition, and heartfelt friendship. Classic gift ideas include amethyst pendants, stud earrings, and stackable rings that showcase its vibrant purple hue.

Color Range:

Deep Purple Violet Lavender Lilac

Amethyst Origins

Major sources include Brazil, Uruguay, Zambia, South Korea, Russia, and the United States.

When to Give Amethyst:

  • February birthdays
  • Sixth anniversaries
  • Wishing peace or clarity
  • Encouraging sobriety and balance

March

AQUAMARINE

March’sΒ AquamarineΒ is treasured as a symbol of calm, hope, and youthful renewal. Named for the Latin β€œwater of the sea,” this serene blue stone was once believed to keep sailors safe and bring happiness in marriage. Its tranquil colorβ€”from pale blue to greenish blueβ€”makes it especially popular in spring jewelry and for anyone seeking clarity or new beginnings.

Aquamarine jewelryΒ is perfect for March birthdays, nineteenth anniversaries, or as a peaceful gift for those going through life changes. Aquamarine pendants, drop earrings, and sleek stackable rings are all stylish choices that show off its signature sea-blue color.

Aquamarine Color Range:

Pale Blue Sky Blue Sea Blue Blue-Green

Aquamarine Origins:

Brazil (the largest source), Nigeria, Madagascar, Zambia, Pakistan, Mozambique, and the United States (notably Colorado and Wyoming).

When to Give:

  • March birthdays
  • Nineteenth anniversaries
  • Celebrating calm or a fresh start
  • Wishing safe travels

April

Diamond

April’sΒ DiamondΒ is prized as the ultimate symbol of enduring love, strength, and clarity. Its name comes from the Greek β€œadamas,” meaning β€œunbreakable.” Diamonds have been cherished for centuries for their brilliance and purityβ€”making them a timeless gift for celebrating April birthdays, engagements, and life’s most meaningful milestones.

Diamond jewelryΒ is especially popular for April birthdays, tenth and sixtieth anniversaries, and as heirloom pieces passed down through generations. Diamonds are said to strengthen relationships, enhance inner strength, and offer clarityβ€”perfect for commemorating new beginnings or lifelong commitments. Classic diamond solitaires, stud earrings, and tennis bracelets remain iconic favorites.

Color Range:

Colorless Near-Colorless Champagne Pink Blue Yellow Red (very rare) Black Green

Origins:

Major sources include Botswana, Russia, Canada, South Africa, Angola, Australia, and Namibia.

When to Give:

  • April birthdays
  • Engagements & weddings
  • Tenth & sixtieth anniversaries
  • Celebrating unbreakable bonds
  • Marking life milestones

May

Emerald

May’sΒ EmeraldΒ is celebrated as a symbol of renewal, hope, and flourishing love. Prized for its lush green color, emerald’s name comes from the Greek word β€œsmaragdos,” meaning β€œgreen gem.” Legends claim emeralds bring wisdom, growth, and harmonyβ€”making them the perfect gift for spring birthdays or anyone embracing a fresh start.

Emerald jewelryΒ is especially popular for May birthdays and twentieth or thirty-fifth anniversaries. Emeralds are said to open the heart, strengthen relationships, and inspire creativity. Classic emerald rings, halo earrings, and elegant pendants make memorable gifts to celebrate life’s vibrant moments.

Emerald Color Range

Emerald Green Deep Green Light Green Bluish Green

Origins:

The most celebrated emeralds come from Colombia. Other major sources include Zambia, Brazil, Zimbabwe, Afghanistan, and Russia.

When to Give Emerald

  • May birthdays
  • Twentieth & thirty-fifth anniversaries
  • Marking a new chapter
  • Celebrating growth or love

June

Pearl

June’s classicΒ PearlΒ represents purity, wisdom, and new beginnings. As the only birthstone created by living creatures, pearls have been treasured for centuries as a symbol of sincerity and serenity. In many cultures, they are believed to bring good luck and foster happy relationshipsβ€”making them a timeless gift for weddings and life milestones.

Pearl jewelryΒ is especially popular for June birthdays and thirtieth anniversaries. Classic pearl strands, delicate stud earrings, and modern pearl rings are all meaningful ways to celebrate those you love.

Color Range:

White Cream Gray Black Lavender Pink Peach Gold Blue

Origins:

Major sources: Japan, China, French Polynesia (Tahitian pearls), Australia, and the Philippines.

When to Give:

  • June birthdays
  • Thirtieth anniversaries
  • Weddings & graduations
  • Welcoming new chapters

July

Ruby

July’sΒ RubyΒ is world-renowned as a symbol of passion, courage, and lasting love. The name comes from the LatinΒ ruber, meaning β€œred”—and ruby’s vivid hue has inspired kings, poets, and lovers for millennia.

Associated with vitality, confidence, and powerful emotions, rubies are believed to protect the wearer from harm and attract good fortune.

Ruby jewelryΒ is especially popular for July birthdays, fortieth anniversaries, and romantic milestones. Classic gifts include vibrant ruby rings, pendant necklaces, and earrings that showcase the stone’s fiery red glowβ€”making every piece a bold statement of devotion or celebration.

Color Range:

Vivid Red Pigeon’s Blood Pinkish Red Deep Red

Origins:

Key sources include Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, Sri Lanka, Mozambique, Madagascar, Vietnam, and Tanzania.

When to Give:

  • July birthdays
  • Fortieth anniversaries
  • Celebrating love or passion
  • Gifts of courage or good fortune

August

Peridot

August’sΒ PeridotΒ shines as a symbol of renewal, growth, and warmth. Known as the β€œevening emerald,” its fresh green color was treasured by ancient Egyptians, who believed it protected against nightmares and brought good fortune. Peridot is thought to inspire positivity, restful sleep, and harmony in relationships.

Peridot jewelryΒ is a favorite for August birthdays, sixteenth anniversaries, or as a summer-inspired gift. Its lively color looks striking in simple studs, elegant pendants, or halo ringsβ€”perfect for anyone needing a little extra light and optimism.

Color Range:

Lime Green Olive Green Brownish Green

Origins:

Major sources include the United States (Arizona), Myanmar (Burma), China, Pakistan, and Vietnam.

When to Give:

  • August birthdays
  • Sixteenth anniversaries
  • Wishing harmony and renewal
  • Summer celebrations

September

Sapphire

September’sΒ SapphireΒ is a symbol of wisdom, loyalty, and truth. Cherished since antiquity, sapphires were believed to protect wearers from harm, envy, and even poison. The classic deep blue sapphire is iconic, but this precious stone actually comes in a stunning rainbow of hues (except redβ€”those are rubies). Sapphires have long been a favorite of royalty and romantics, signifying sincerity and trust.

Sapphire jewelryΒ is especially popular for September birthdays and fifth or forty-fifth anniversaries, as well as engagement rings. Blue sapphires remain timeless, but pink, yellow, and even green sapphires are perfect for anyone who loves a pop of color or wants to express their unique style. Popular gifts include solitaire pendants, stud earrings, and three-stone rings.

Color Range:

Blue Pink Yellow Green Purple Orange White

Origins:

Major sources include Sri Lanka, Myanmar (Burma), Madagascar, Thailand, Australia, and the United States (Montana).

When to Give:

  • September birthdays
  • Fifth or forty-fifth anniversaries
  • Engagements and life milestones
  • Tokens of loyalty and trust

october

Opal

October’sΒ OpalΒ dazzles with shifting flashes of color, symbolizing hope, creativity, and passion. No two opals are exactly alikeβ€”their famous β€œplay of color” can show every shade of the rainbow. Throughout history, opals were thought to bring luck and spark inspiration. Today, they're treasured as a one-of-a-kind gift for anyone with a vibrant spirit or October birthday.

Opal jewelryΒ is popular for October birthdays and fourteenth anniversaries, or as a gift to celebrate imagination and self-expression. Classic choices include pendant necklaces, cabochon rings, and artistic earrings that showcase opal’s brilliant, ever-changing color.

Color Range:

White Black Orange Blue Green Peach Yellow Multi-Color

Origins:

The vast majority of precious opal is mined in Australia (notably Lightning Ridge, Coober Pedy, Queensland), with smaller deposits found in Ethiopia, Mexico, and the United States (Nevada).

When to Give:

  • October birthdays
  • Fourteenth anniversaries
  • Gifts for artists and dreamers
  • Celebrating individuality and luck

november

Citrine

November’sΒ CitrineΒ shines with sunny, golden hues and is celebrated as a stone of joy, abundance, and positivity. Sometimes called the β€œlight maker,” citrine is said to carry the warmth and energy of the sun, dispelling negativity and brightening even the gloomiest autumn days. Citrine has long been given to inspire optimism, creativity, and personal success.

Citrine jewelryΒ is especially popular for November birthdays and thirteenth anniversaries. Thoughtful gift ideas include citrine pendant necklaces, delicate earrings, and statement cocktail ringsβ€”each showcasing its signature golden glow.

Color Range:

Golden Yellow Bright Yellow Amber Orange-Brown

Origins:

Citrine is mainly sourced from Brazil, with notable deposits in Spain, Madagascar, Russia, the United States (Colorado), and Bolivia.

When to Give:

  • November birthdays
  • Thirteenth anniversaries
  • Gifts of encouragement and positivity
  • Celebrating personal achievements

December

Blue Topaz

December’sΒ Blue TopazΒ shines as a symbol of clarity, serenity, and inspiration. Its brilliant blue huesβ€”ranging from pale sky to deep London blueβ€”make it a favorite for those seeking peace and positive energy. Traditionally believed to calm the mind, encourage communication, and bring joy, blue topaz jewelry is an uplifting choice for winter birthdays and milestone celebrations.

Blue Topaz jewelryΒ is especially popular for December birthdays and fourth anniversaries. Consider sparkling blue topaz earrings, elegant pendants, or stackable rings to brighten the season.

Color Range:

Sky Blue Swiss Blue London Blue

Origins:

Major sources include Brazil, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Russia, and the United States (Texas, Utah, Colorado).

When to Give:

  • December birthdays
  • Fourth anniversaries
  • Wishing peace or clarity
  • Celebrating inspiration