Birthstones, Zodiac and Anniversary Stones
Birthstones are of special interest to gemstone lovers and the association of specific gemstones with months of the year goes back centuries. As the famous gemologist G.F. Kunz noted in his book, The Curious Lore of Precious Stones, "There is no doubt that the owner of a ring or ornament set with a birthstone is impressed with the idea of possessing something more intimately associated with his or her personality than any other stone, however beautiful or costly. The idea that birthstones possess a certain indefinable, but nonetheless real significance, has long been present and still holds a spell over the minds of all who are gifted with a touch of imagination and romance."
Precious gems were first associated with signs of the zodiac, and were adored for their special gemstone meanings. The modern birthstone list was formulated by an organization known as JA (Jewelers of America) in 1912. Birthstones are especially popular for use in gemstone jewelry, such as birthstone rings and birthstone pendants, and are sought-after for religious jewelry, particular in reference to the gems of Aaron's breastplate and Islamic gemstones.
Birthstone Chart and Zodiac Gemstone Information
- January Birthstones
- February Birthstones
- March Birthstones
- April Birthstones
- May Birthstones
- June Birthstones
- July Birthstones
- August Birthstones
- September Birthstones
- October Birthstones
- November Birthstones
- December Birthstones
- Anniversary Stones
Birthstones and a Blue Sapphire Ring: September's Birthstone, 45th Year Anniversary & Thursday's Gemstone
January Birthstone: Garnet Back to Top
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
The zodiac stone for Aquarius (Jan 21 - Feb 18): Garnet
February Birthstone: Amethyst Back to Top
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.
The zodiac stone for Pisces (Feb 19 - Mar 20): Amethyst
March Birthstone: Aquamarine and Bloodstone (Heliotrope) Back to Top
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 original birthstone for March, but aquamarine seems to have become more favored due its higher value. Bloodstone, also known as heliotrope, is a green gem known for its blood-like inclusions of red spots. The name heliotrope comes from the belief that polished stones were once thought to reflect the sun.
The zodiac stone for Aries (Mar 21- Apr 20): Bloodstone
April Birthstone: Diamond Back to Top
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.
The zodiac stone for Taurus (Apr 21 - May 21): Sapphire
May Birthstone: Emerald Back to Top
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.
The zodiac stone for Gemini (May 22 - Jun 21): Agate
June Birthstone: Pearl, Mother-of-Pearl, Moonstone, Alexandrite Back to Top
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.
The zodiac stone for Cancer (Jun 22 - Jul 22): Emerald
July Birthstone: Ruby Back to Top
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.
The zodiac stone for Leo (Jul 23 - Aug 23): Onyx
August Birthstone: Peridot, Spinel Back to Top
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.
The zodiac stone for Virgo (Aug 24 - Sep 22): Carnelian
September Birthstone: Sapphire Back to Top
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.
The zodiac stone for Libra (Sep 23 - Oct 23): Chrysolite
October Birthstone: Opal, Tourmaline Back to Top
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.
The zodiac stone for Scorpio (Oct 24 - Nov 22): Beryl
November Birthstone: Yellow Topaz, Citrine Back to Top
Cool 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.
The zodiac stone for Sagittarius (Nov 23 - Dec 21): Citrine
December Birthstone: Turquoise, Blue Topaz, Tanzanite, Blue Zircon Back to Top
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.
The zodiac stone for Capricorn (Dec 22 - Jan 20): Ruby
Anniversary Gemstones & Gems for the Days of the Week Back to Top
1st Year Anniversary: Gold Jewelry
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.
Shop 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.
Shop Pearls
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.
Shop Blue Topaz
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.
Shop Sapphire
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.
Shop Amethyst
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.
Shop Onyx
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.
Shop Tourmaline
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.
Shop Lapis Lazuli
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.
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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.
Shop Turquoise
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.
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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.
Shop Citrine
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.
Shop Opal
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.
Shop Ruby
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.
Shop Peridot
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 Gems
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.
Shop Cat's Eye Gems
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.
Shop Aquamarine
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.
Shop Emerald
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.
Shop Iolite
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.
Shop Spinel
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.
Shop Imperial 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.
Shop Tanzanite
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.
Shop Silver 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.
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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.
Shop Emerald
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.
Shop Ruby
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.
Shop Sapphire
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.
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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.
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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.
Shop Blue Sapphire
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?
Shop Ruby
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.
- First Published: September-10-2006
- Last Updated: February-13-2018
- © 2005-2018 GemSelect.com all rights reserved.
Reproduction (text or graphics) without the express written consent of GemSelect.com (SETT Company Ltd.) is strictly prohibited.
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