Birthstones by Month
|
Month |
Traditional Birthstone(s) |
Modern Birthstone(s) |
Mystical Birthstone |
Ayurvedic Birthstone |
|
January | ||||
|
February | ||||
|
March | ||||
|
April |
Diamond, Sapphire |
Diamond |
Opal |
Diamond |
|
May |
Emerald, Agate |
Agate | ||
|
June |
Alexandrite, Emerald |
Moonstone, Pearl |
Pearl | |
|
July |
Ruby, Onyx | |||
|
August |
Sardonyx, Carnelian |
Diamond | ||
|
September |
Agate | |||
|
October |
Tourmaline, Aquamarine |
Opal, Tourmaline |
Opal | |
|
November |
Citrine, Topaz |
Topaz, Citrine |
Pearl |
Topaz |
|
December |
Zircon, Ruby |
Turquoise, Blue Topaz |
Onyx |
Mystical birthstones
Mystical Birthstones are of Tibetan origin and date back over a thousand years.
Mystical Birthstones are of Tibetan origin and date back over a thousand years.
Ayurvedic birthstones
The Ayurvedic birthstone list is from the ancient Indian medicine and philosophy dating back to ancient India (1500 BC).
The Ayurvedic birthstone list is from the ancient Indian medicine and philosophy dating back to ancient India (1500 BC).
Modern birthstones
In 1912, in an effort to standardize them, the American national association of jewellers, Jewellers of America, officially adopted a list,
shown in the "Modern" column in the table above. It is currently the most widely used list in the United States and many other locations,
including Australia and Thailand. Some alternates have been adopted to be a less expensive substitute for a cut stone.
In 1912, in an effort to standardize them, the American national association of jewellers, Jewellers of America, officially adopted a list,
shown in the "Modern" column in the table above. It is currently the most widely used list in the United States and many other locations,
including Australia and Thailand. Some alternates have been adopted to be a less expensive substitute for a cut stone.
Traditional birthstones
Often combined with modern birthstone lists, traditional birthstones are older society-based birthstones
Often combined with modern birthstone lists, traditional birthstones are older society-
The Gregorian calendar has poems matching each month with its birthstone. These are traditionally the stones in English-speaking
societies. It is not known whether these verses below are of the originally Gregorian calendar or not. In fact Tiffany & Co. published these
poems "of unknown author" for the first time in a pamphlet in 1870.
Three of the verses are repeats,
poems "of unknown author" for the first time in a pamphlet in 1870.
Three of the verses are repeats,
By her who in January was born
No gem save garnets shall be worn
They will ensure her constancy
True friendship and fidelity.
The February born shall find
Sincerity and peace of mind,
Freedom from passion and from care,
If they, the amethyst will wear.
By her who in March was born
No gem save bloodstone shall be worn
They will ensure her constancy
True friendship and fidelity.
She who from April dates her years,
diamonds shall wear,
lest bitter tears
For vain repentance flow.
Who first beholds the light of day
In spring's sweet, flower month of May
And wears an emerald all her life
Shall be a loved and a loving wife.
By her who in June was born
No gem save pearls shall be worn
They will ensure her constancy
True friendship and fidelity.
No gem save garnets shall be worn
They will ensure her constancy
True friendship and fidelity.
The February born shall find
Sincerity and peace of mind,
Freedom from passion and from care,
If they, the amethyst will wear.
By her who in March was born
No gem save bloodstone shall be worn
They will ensure her constancy
True friendship and fidelity.
She who from April dates her years,
diamonds shall wear,
lest bitter tears
For vain repentance flow.
Who first beholds the light of day
In spring's sweet, flower month of May
And wears an emerald all her life
Shall be a loved and a loving wife.
By her who in June was born
No gem save pearls shall be worn
They will ensure her constancy
True friendship and fidelity.
The gleaming ruby should adorn,
All those who in July are born,
For thus they'll be exempt and free,
From lover's doubts and anxiety.
Wear a peridot or for thee,
No conjugal fidelity,
The August born without this stone,
`Tis said, must live unloved; alone.
A maiden born when autumn leaves
Are rustling in September's breeze,
A sapphire on her brow should bind;
To bring her joy and peace of mind.
October's child is born for woe,
And life's vicissitudes must know,
But lay an opal on her breast,
And hope will lull those woes to rest.
Who first comes to this world below
In dreary November's fog and snow,
Should prize the topaz amber hue,
Emblem of friends and lovers true.
If cold December gave you birth
The month of snow and ice and mirth
Place on your hand a turquoise blue;
Success will bless whate'er you do.
All those who in July are born,
For thus they'll be exempt and free,
From lover's doubts and anxiety.
Wear a peridot or for thee,
No conjugal fidelity,
The August born without this stone,
`Tis said, must live unloved; alone.
A maiden born when autumn leaves
Are rustling in September's breeze,
A sapphire on her brow should bind;
To bring her joy and peace of mind.
October's child is born for woe,
And life's vicissitudes must know,
But lay an opal on her breast,
And hope will lull those woes to rest.
Who first comes to this world below
In dreary November's fog and snow,
Should prize the topaz amber hue,
Emblem of friends and lovers true.
If cold December gave you birth
The month of snow and ice and mirth
Place on your hand a turquoise blue;
Success will bless whate'er you do.
—Gregorian Birthstone Poems