Birthstones are more than just beautiful gems—they carry special meanings and symbolism tied to each month of the year. Whether you’re looking to gift something personal or just curious about your own birthstone, here’s an in-depth look at the twelve official birthstones, their alternates, and what they represent.

January: Garnet

Garnet, known for its deep red color, is the birthstone for January. This gemstone symbolizes protection, strength, and vitality. In ancient times, garnets were believed to protect travelers from harm and were often used as talismans for safety. The name “garnet” comes from the Latin word granatum, meaning “pomegranate,” because the stone’s rich red color resembles pomegranate seeds.

Symbolism: Protection, strength, and vitality.

February: Amethyst

If you were born in February, your birthstone is amethyst, a stunning purple gemstone known for promoting calmness and balance. Throughout history, amethyst has been associated with sobriety and clear thinking—ancient Greeks believed it could prevent intoxication. It’s also linked to spirituality and peace, often used in meditation practices to bring mental clarity.

Symbolism: Calm, peace, and spiritual clarity.

 

March: Aquamarine

March’s birthstone is aquamarine, a light blue gem reminiscent of the ocean. It symbolizes tranquility, courage, and protection, especially for sailors. In folklore, aquamarine was thought to calm the seas and keep sailors safe on their voyages. The soft blue color also makes it a symbol of serenity, helping to soothe fears and bring mental clarity.

Symbolism: Serenity, courage, and protection.

 

April: Diamond (Alternate: Clear Quartz)

Diamonds are April’s birthstone, celebrated for their brilliance and unmatched strength. They symbolize strength, invincibility, and eternal love. As the hardest gemstone on Earth, diamonds represent a bond that will last forever, often used in engagement rings to signify everlasting love. Beyond romance, diamonds are symbols of purity and clarity.

For those seeking a more affordable option, clear quartz is a fantastic alternative. Known as the "master healer," clear quartz amplifies energy, thoughts, and intentions. It’s a symbol of clarity, healing, and focus, making it a meaningful stone for anyone born in April.

Symbolism: Strength, love, purity (Diamond); Clarity, healing, focus (Clear Quartz).

 

May: Emerald

If you’re a May baby, your birthstone is the lush green emerald, which symbolizes renewal, growth, and fertility. Ancient Egyptians and Romans believed emeralds had the power to promote good health and bring balance to the wearer. The vibrant green color also links it to springtime and new beginnings, making it a symbol of growth and prosperity.

Symbolism: Renewal, growth, and fertility.

 

June: Pearl (Alternate: White Moonstone)

June’s birthstone is the elegant pearl, an organic gem that symbolizes purity, wisdom, and innocence. Pearls form inside oysters, which adds to their mystical allure. Ancient cultures believed pearls to be the tears of the gods, and they’ve long been seen as symbols of loyalty and purity. Pearls are a classic choice for timeless jewelry.

Another stunning option for June is white moonstone, known for its iridescent glow and connection to intuition and emotional balance. Moonstone is associated with the moon’s phases, symbolizing new beginnings, inner growth, and a sense of calm.

Symbolism: Purity, wisdom, innocence (Pearl); Intuition, new beginnings, balance (White Moonstone).

 

July: Ruby

Ruby, with its vibrant red color, is the birthstone for July. This fiery gemstone represents passion, love, and energy. Rubies have been considered one of the most precious stones throughout history and were often used in royal crowns and armor. They are believed to bring courage, enthusiasm, and a zest for life, making them a powerful symbol of love and protection.

Symbolism: Passion, love, and vitality.

 

August: Peridot

Peridot, a striking green gemstone, is the birthstone for August. It symbolizes strength, protection, and prosperity. Ancient Egyptians called peridot the “gem of the sun” and believed it had the power to ward off evil spirits. The stone is thought to bring positive energy and a sense of renewal to its wearer, making it a symbol of happiness and success.

Symbolism: Strength, protection, and happiness.

 

September: Sapphire

Sapphire is the birthstone for September, and its rich blue color has long been associated with wisdom, loyalty, and truth. In ancient times, sapphires were believed to protect against envy and harm. They were also used by royalty to symbolize virtue and good fortune. Today, sapphires are often used to symbolize loyalty in relationships, making them a popular choice for engagement rings.

Symbolism: Wisdom, loyalty, and truth.

 

October: Opal (Alternate: Tourmaline)

October’s birthstone is the mesmerizing opal, known for its beautiful play of color. Opals are thought to symbolize creativity, hope, and confidence. Each opal is unique, with flashes of different colors appearing as light hits the stone. Ancient cultures believed opals brought good luck, as they reflect all the colors of the rainbow. They are also associated with emotional balance and self-expression.

A wonderful alternate for October is tourmaline, a stone that comes in a wide range of colors, from deep pink to green. Tourmaline is believed to enhance love, joy, and emotional healing, making it a powerful gem for those seeking balance and positive energy.

Symbolism: Creativity, hope, self-expression (Opal); Love, joy, emotional healing (Tourmaline).

 

November: Topaz (Alternate: Citrine)

November’s birthstone is topaz, a gemstone available in a variety of colors, with golden yellow being the most popular. Topaz is associated with warmth, strength, and friendship. It’s believed to have healing powers and the ability to soothe emotions, making it a great stone for those seeking peace and balance.

Another popular option for November is citrine, a beautiful yellow-orange gem symbolizing happiness, success, and abundance. Citrine is often called the "merchant's stone" because of its association with wealth and prosperity, making it a great gem for attracting positive energy.

Symbolism: Friendship, strength, healing (Topaz); Happiness, abundance, success (Citrine).

 

December: Turquoise (Alternates: Tanzanite and Blue Zircon)

Turquoise is December’s primary birthstone, prized for its striking blue-green hue. This gemstone has long been considered a symbol of protection, wisdom, and good fortune. Native Americans used turquoise as a protective stone, believing it could guard against negative energy and bring good luck.

Another excellent choice for December is tanzanite, a rare blue-violet gemstone found only in Tanzania. Tanzanite represents transformation and spiritual growth. It’s often linked to higher consciousness and intuition.

Blue zircon is also associated with December. It has a brilliant sparkle and is believed to bring balance, spiritual healing, and grounding energy to the wearer.

Symbolism: Protection, wisdom, good fortune (Turquoise); Transformation, spiritual growth (Tanzanite); Balance, healing, grounding (Blue Zircon).

Explore our gemstone Jewelry collection here.

Choosing Your Birthstone Jewelry

Birthstones aren’t just stunning to look at—they also carry deep personal meaning. Whether you're choosing one based on your birth month or simply selecting a gem that resonates with you, birthstone jewelry makes for a thoughtful, meaningful gift. You can wear your birthstone as a necklace, bracelet, ring, or earrings to keep its special energy with you all the time.

Which birthstone do you connect with the most? Whether it’s your own or one you feel drawn to, each gem has a unique story and symbolism that makes it extra special.