Birthstones by Month, Every Birthstone, Zodiac & Anniversary

January Birthstone: Garnet

Garnet gemstones are attributed with the power of protecting wearers from nightmares and snakebites, and are also thought to provide guidance in the dark. Tradition connects the stone with blood. They are a popular choice as presents for second wedding anniversaries.

There are many different gemstone varieties within the garnet gemstone group, including almandine garnet, pyrope garnet, color change garnet, star garnet, rhodolite garnet, hessonite garnet, mali garnet, malaya garnet, spessartite garnet, demantoid garnet, tsavorite garnet and uvarovite garnet

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February Birthstone: Amethyst

The amethyst is believed to induce peace, serenity and temperance. Additionally, it is thought to restrict sensual and alcoholic intoxication, which may be good or bad.

Also, amethyst is believed to improve skin and hair, and prevent baldness. It is said to protect its wearer from deceit. Its purple shade is linked to royalty and makes an ideal gift for the sixth wedding anniversary.

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The History of Birthstones

Ancient Origins and Cultural Significance

The concept of birthstones dates back to ancient times, where they were believed to have mystical powers. The tradition is often linked to the Biblical Breastplate of Aaron, which had twelve stones representing the twelve tribes of Israel. Over time, these stones were associated with zodiac signs and then individual months.

Modern Interpretations and Adoption

Today, the list of birthstones is standardized and widely accepted, thanks to efforts by organizations like the American National Retail Jewelers Association. Unlike the past, people usually wear only the stone corresponding to their birth month.

These stones are now more symbolic, representing specific traits or qualities, and are popular gifts for special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries.

In summary, birthstones have a rich history that blends ancient beliefs with modern interpretations, making them a cherished cultural and personal symbol.

How to Choose the Perfect Birthstone

Choosing the perfect birthstone can be a rewarding experience, whether you're selecting one for yourself or as a gift for someone special. Here are some key factors to consider:

Color

The color of a birthstone often holds symbolic value and can also be a matter of personal preference. For instance, if you're choosing a stone for yourself, you might opt for a shade that resonates with you emotionally or complements your wardrobe. When selecting a gift, consider the recipient's favorite colors or the hues that suit their complexion.

Durability

Not all birthstones are equally durable. Stones like diamonds, sapphires, and rubies are hard and suitable for everyday wear. Softer stones like opal or pearl may require more care and are better suited for pieces that won't be worn daily. Always consider the lifestyle of the person who will be wearing the stone when making your selection.

Price

Birthstones come in a range of prices, influenced by factors like rarity, size, and overall quality. Set a budget before you start shopping and remember that a smaller, high-quality stone can often be more meaningful and aesthetically pleasing than a larger, flawed one.

Personal vs. Gift Selection

When choosing a birthstone for yourself, you have the freedom to pick a stone that you feel a personal connection with, regardless of its traditional associations. However, when selecting a birthstone as a gift, it's often best to stick to the stone that corresponds with the recipient's birth month, unless you know they have a preference for a different stone.

In summary, the perfect birthstone is one that aligns with your personal preferences or the recipient's, fits within your budget, and is durable enough for its intended use. Keep these factors in mind, and you're sure to make a choice that's both meaningful and beautiful.

March Birthstone: Aquamarine

Aquamarine is associated with attributes of good health, love, youthfulness and hope. Sailors believe in its protection. Generally chosen as a 19th anniversary gift, this stone is in the beryl family, the same as emerald. Bloodstone is the astrological alternative.

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April Birthstone: Diamond

Diamonds are traditionally linked to love, and eternal endurance because of diamond's superior hardness. The name diamond is derived from the Greek 'adamas', which means invincible. Traditionally diamond is accepted as the 10th and 60th wedding anniversary presents. Sapphire is the astrological stone for Taurus.

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May Birthstone: Emerald

The birthstone for the month of May is the beautiful and vibrant emerald. The Emerald gemstone is a symbol of love and rebirth, making it a perfect gift for those born in May.

Emeralds have been prized for their beauty and rarity for centuries, and were even worn by Cleopatra herself. Today, emeralds continue to be a popular choice for jewelry, and are often used in engagement rings and other special occasion pieces.

Emeralds are said to cure people of bad health, healing a variety of illnesses and insuring good health for wearers. Also, it is believed that the wearer of emerald will be able to see into the future. The astrological alternative is agate.

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June Birthstone: Pearl, Mother-of-Pearl, Moonstone, Alexandrite

The romantic pearl is associated with chastity and modesty. Stable marriages are said to be the result of pearls. Mother-of-pearl is made of the same material as pearl (nacre) and is therefore an alternative to pearl.

Mother-of-pearl is said to be a good gemstone for children. The astrological stone is emerald. An additional birthstone for June is alexandrite, a rare variety of color change chrysoberyl.

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July Birthstone: Ruby

The magnificent Ruby is the birthstone for the month of July. This gemstone is a symbol of passion and courage, and is often associated with love and romance.

Rubies are known for their deep red color, which is caused by the presence of the mineral chromium. Rubies have been prized for centuries for their rarity and beauty, and ancient cultures even believed they had magical properties.

Today, rubies continue to be a popular choice for jewelry, and are often used in engagement rings and other special occasion pieces. Rubies are believed to bring harmony of life to the wearer, so one can expect a peaceful life when wearing this stone. The astrological stone is onyx.

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August Birthstone: Peridot, Spinel

Peridot is believed to protect the wearer from evil, particularly from the forces of darkness. It can also increase the healing power of medicinal drugs. Spinel is a recent addition to the August birthstones. It is thought to have a calming effect. The astrological choice is carnelian.

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September Birthstone: Sapphire

Faith and purity will come to the wearer of this stone. Common belief says the brighter the glitter of the stone, the stronger the positive virtues, whilst giving the lucky person useful foresight into the future. The astrological stone is chrysolite.

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October Birthstone: Opal, Tourmaline

Those born in the month of October are lucky to have two birthstones to choose from: opal and tourmaline. Tourmalines come in a wide variety of colors, from pink to green to blue. They are known for their high clarity and brilliance, and are often used in fine jewelry.

Opals are said to be stones of hope and bringers of the virtues of innocence and purity. Opals stimulate healing and increase friendship and healthy emotions. Beryl is the astrological stone.

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November Birthstone: Topaz, Citrine

The birthstones for the month of November are topaz and citrine. Topaz is a beautiful gemstone that ranges in color from pale yellow to golden brown. Topaz and Citrine are very suitable for fine jewelry and are known for its durability and brilliance. Both topaz and citrine are said to bring happiness and joy to those who wear them.

Topaz is said to hold the power of healing and preserving one's sanity. The stone is associated with life and strength of body and mind. It was once thought that the wearer would become invisible when danger was near. The astrological stone is citrine.

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December Birthstone Turquoise, Tanzanite, Zircon

December has a variety of birthstones to choose from, including turquoise, tanzanite, and zircon. Turquoise is a beautiful blue-green gemstone that has been prized for centuries for its beauty and rarity. Tanzanite is a relatively new gemstone that was discovered in Tanzania in the 1960s.

Zircon is said to have many metaphysical properties. It is believed to promote a sense of peace and tranquility, and to enhance creativity and self-expression. Zircon is also said to help with sleep, digestion, and overall health and wellness.

Turquoise is believed to bring good fortune, good luck, and a happy life, things that everyone would like to have. Ruby is the astrological stone.

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Zodiac Stones

In addition to birthstones, there are also zodiac stones that are associated with each astrological sign. These stones are believed to bring good luck and positive energy to those who wear them.

The zodiac stone for Aries (Mar 21- Apr 20): Bloodstone

The zodiac stone for Taurus (Apr 21 - May 21): Sapphire

The zodiac stone for Gemini (May 22 - Jun 21): Agate

The zodiac stone for Cancer (Jun 22 - Jul 22): Emerald

The zodiac stone for Leo (Jul 23 - Aug 23): Peridot

The zodiac stone for Virgo (Aug 24 - Sep 22): Carnelian

The zodiac stone for Libra (Sep 23 - Oct 23): Opal

The zodiac stone for Scorpio (Oct 24 - Nov 22): Beryl

The zodiac stone for Sagittarius (Nov 23 - Dec 21): Citrine

The zodiac stone for Capricorn (Dec 22 - Jan 20): Ruby

The zodiac stone for Aquarius (Jan 21 - Feb 18): Garnet

The zodiac stone for Pisces (Feb 19 - Mar 20): Amethyst

Anniversary Gemstones

1st Year Anniversary: Gold Jewelry / Freshwater Pearl

The very 1st anniversary is celebrated with gold jewelry. For those who are not so keen on yellow gold, there are other alloys to choose from, such as white gold and rose gold.

2nd Year Anniversary: Garnet

Garnets are the January birthstone and the 2nd year anniversary stone. There is a wide choice of garnet gemstones in almost every color of the rainbow, from affordable almandine and pyrope to rare green tsavorite garnet and orange spessartite garnet.

3rd Year Anniversary: Pearls

The 3rd year of marriage is traditionally celebrated with pearls, the classic gemstone that most ladies have in their jewelry box. Pearls may be drilled, half-drilled or undrilled and come in various colors to suit every complexion.

4th Year Anniversary: Blue Topaz

Blue topaz is an all-time popular blue gemstone that is given for the 4th anniversary. Pastel sky blue, bright Swiss blue and deep London blue topaz are the three colors available.

5th Year Anniversary: Sapphire

The 5th anniversary deserves something special and sapphire is the stone to mark this milestone. As well as classic blue sapphire, there are many other colors to choose from, including purple, green, yellow, orange, white and more.

6th Year Anniversary: Amethyst

6 years of marriage are celebrated with amethyst, the prized purple gemstone that is also a February birthstone. This regal color looks wonderful in jewelry with yellow gold settings.

7th Year Anniversary: Onyx

The black and white banded agate known as onyx is the 7th year anniversary stone. Loved by men and women for its neutral two-tone appearance, onyx gemstones may also be purely white or black and are extremely versatile.

8th Year Anniversary: Tourmaline

For the 8th year of marriage, the color choice is entirely yours with tourmaline, which is available in almost every color of the rainbow. Also an October birthstone, some tourmaline gemstones are even bicolor or multicolor.

9th Year Anniversary: Lapis Lazuli

The classic blue stone, lapis lazuli has been prized since ancient times and is used to mark the 9th year of marriage. This dreamy blue stone is often carved or cut as cabochons.

10th Year Anniversary: Diamond Jewelry

The 10th year of marriage calls for diamond jewelry, the hardest gemstone on earth that is associated with lasting love. Whether you prefer dazzling white diamonds, champagne diamond, cognac diamonds or a fancy blue diamond, your 10th anniversary gift will be stunning.

11th Year Anniversary: Turquoise

Beautiful, classic blue-green turquoise, named after its route through Turkey celebrates 11 years of marriage. Whether it is robin's egg blue or patterned with matrix, turquoise jewelry is loved by all.

12th Year Anniversary: Jade

Jade is given for the 12th anniversary and may be green, lavender, white or another color, it is one of the most durable and versatile gemstones, which is often carved or cut en cabochon.

13th Year Anniversary: Citrine

Sunny citrine celebrates 13 years of marriage. Citrine is the yellow to orange member of the quartz family that can be made into almost any kind of jewelry, big and bold or dainty.

14th Year Anniversary: Opal

Colorful opal is given for the 14th anniversary and there are many varieties to choose from depending on the jewelry in mind, such as Mexican fire opal, boulder opal, chocolate opal, black opal and the classic precious opal with rainbow color play.

15th Year Anniversary: Ruby

The stone that represents 15 years of marriage is ruby, a stone of passion and desire. The quintessential red gemstone, ruby will never disappoint those who are lucky enough to own it.

16th Year Anniversary: Peridot

Peridot is the gemstone presented for the 16th anniversary, an olive color to bright green, it has been called "evening emerald" because of the enchanting way it glows at night.

17th Year Anniversary: Watches

A timepiece celebrates 17 years of marriage, whether it is a luxury gemstone watch or a simple, elegant affair, it will serve as a reminder of precious time spent together.

18th Year Anniversary: Cat's Eye Gemstones

The classic cat's eye gemstone celebrates the 18th anniversary. These stones are generally cut en cabochon to show off the light reflected as a slit that appears like the eye of a cat. Cat's eye gems are great for eye-catching rings.

19th Year Anniversary: Aquamarine

The classic cat's eye gemstone celebrates the 18th anniversary. This stone is generally cut en cabochon to show off the light reflected as a slit that appears like the eye of a cat. These wonderful stones are great for eye-catching rings.

20th Year Anniversary: Emerald

The 20th anniversary is celebrated with the classic green gemstone, emerald, which has been treasured for thousands of years. Also the May birthstone, emeralds are thought to be a stone that enhances well-being.

21st Year Anniversary: Iolite

Iolite is a violet-blue gemstone that represents 21 years of marriage. Just as marriage has many moods, so does iolite, which can appear blue-violet, golden yellow or colorless depending on the viewing angle.

22nd Year Anniversary: Spinel

Brilliant spinel is given for the 22nd wedding anniversary, a scintillatingly beautiful gemstone that can appear like fine ruby when red or like sapphire when blue. Spinel may also be black, purple, pink and other colors.

23rd Year Anniversary: Yellow Topaz / Imperial Topaz

Golden to red imperial topaz is the gemstone of the 23rd year of marriage. Often a peachy color like the color of the setting sun, imperial topaz, also known as precious topaz, is the rarest and most valuable topaz.

24th Year Anniversary: Tanzanite

The rare, blue to violet gemstone known as tanzanite is the 24th anniversary stone that is only found in Tanzania. The color of tanzanite intensifies in large gemstones, which catch the eye from across the room.

25th Year Anniversary: Silver Jubilee

Beautiful, bright, white silver jewelry celebrates 25 years of marriage. Sterling silver contains 92.5% pure silver and is a strong and durable alloy that is perfect for lasting jewelry.

30th Year Anniversary: Pearl Jubilee

Pearl jewelry is given for the 30 year pearl jubilee, marking three decades of marriage. Whether a string of pearls, a single pearl pendant or matching pearl earrings, pearls are an anniversary gift to be treasured.

35th Year Anniversary: Emerald

When anniversary stones are repeated, a matching jewelry set can be given, and the 35 year anniversary is a time when the opportunity to expand on the 20th anniversary gift can be taken to create a special emerald suite.

40th Year Anniversary: Ruby

Ruby, the stone of passionate devotion represents 40 years of devoted marriage. Those who reach this celebration deserve to treat themselves to something extra special, perhaps incorporating the 15th anniversary ruby, and red never goes out of fashion.

45th Year Anniversary: Sapphire

45 years shared together in marriage calls for sapphire jewelry. For him, a star sapphire would make a stunning ring, and for her, tender pink, classic blue, fancy yellow or another color can create an elegant piece of jewelry.

50th Year Anniversary: Golden Jubilee

The 50th year golden jubilee is a very special celebration which is celebrated with gold gemstone jewelry, representing 50 golden years treasured together.

55th Year Anniversary: Alexandrite

The gem named after a Russian Tsar, alexandrite is a form of color change chrysoberyl which is given for the 55th wedding anniversary. This phenomenal gemstone can change color under different lighting, befitting a phenomenal 55 years of marriage.

60th Year Anniversary: Diamond

After 60 years of marriage, diamond jewelry is in order to mark this incredible anniversary of a shared life. Whether you add to the 10th anniversary gift or design something new, it will be loved just the same.

65th Year Anniversary: Blue Sapphire

The traditional 65th anniversary gift is blue sapphire, an elegant and classic jewelry gemstone that is perfect for both men and women alike. Whether pastel blue, medium blue, cornflower blue or darker, blue sapphire jewelry is always admired.

70th Year Anniversary: Platinum Jubilee

Couples who celebrate 70 years of marriage have a special partnership that is represented by platinum, a rare and treasured metal that is prized for its lustrous sheen and durability. Like a solid marriage, platinum may be scratched, but will never wear down, remaining strong forever.

80th Year Anniversary: Ruby Jubilee

Ruby, the red form of corundum which stands for good health, prosperity, wisdom and a successful love life, represents the 80th anniversary and a lifetime of devotion. Called the "king of precious stones", what could be more fitting for such a celebration?

Gemstones For Days Of The Week

Sunday's Gemstone: Topaz

Those born on a Sunday can choose their topaz, from white, blue or regal imperial topaz, all create stunning jewelry.

Monday's Gemstone: Pearl

Monday's child is assigned pearl, an organic gemstone in silver, white, pink, peach, gold or silver hues that makes lustrous jewelry for all.

Tuesday's Gemstone: Ruby

People born on Tuesday can rock red ruby, the precious stone of power, passion, devotion and wisdom that never goes out of fashion.

Wednesday's Gemstone: Amethyst

Wednesday denizens can enjoy regal amethyst, the quartz gemstone that has been worn in rings by religious leaders and royalty alike.

Thursday's Gemstone: Sapphire

People born on a Thursday get to wear sapphire to represent their special day. This precious gem comes in many colors and also special star sapphire gems.

Friday's Gemstone: Agate

Friday folks have agate as their special stone. This is a variety of chalcedony and includes a wide range of wonderful gemstones, such as carnelian, chrysoprase, bloodstone and jasper.

Saturday's Gemstone: Turquoise

People born on a Saturday can take turquoise as their signature stone, the blue to green gem that was prized by the ancients from the Aztecs to King Tutankhamun.

Disclaimer

Disclaimer GemSelect has been buying and selling gemstones for many years now and in that time we have built up quite a relationship with our customers and suppliers. We are not experts in the meanings and health benefits of gemstones but we have been able to speak with and take advice from people who are.

We are based in Thailand where the belief in spiritual and physical benefits of gemstones, herbs, prayers, pilgrimages, amulets, colors and the stars is common and part of nearly everyone's daily life.

All of our employees have some experience with using gemstones or amulets in order to improve or maintain their physical or emotional health.

The powers of gemstones have been chronicled for 1000s of years and proven time and time again to be effective in improving people lives in many, many ways but we must stress that they are not a replacement for medical treatment.

If you feel unwell or are concerned about your mental health please contact qualified medical help as soon as you can.

In addition we try to research and verify information about the history and efficacy of each gemstone using the internet and various reputable books published by a number of sources.