Birthstones by Month: What is my Birthstone?

Birthstones have been treasured for centuries as symbols of meaning, luck, and identity. If you’ve ever wondered “what is my birthstone?” this guide walks you through each month, from January’s deep red garnet to December’s glowing turquoise. At HerbertandWilks, we love how gemstones carry more than colour — they hold story, memory, and connection. Whether you’re choosing a gift or exploring your own month’s stone, here’s a month-by-month look at each birthstone, its meaning, and the alternatives recognised in modern charts.

Birthstones by Month (Quick Reference Table)

 

Month-by-Month Birthstones

January – Garnet

Traditionally, January’s birthstone is garnet, known for its deep red hues symbolising protection and trust. Garnets also occur in green, orange, and purple — each carrying the same grounding energy. No modern alternatives have been added, making garnet a stone that has endured unchanged for centuries.

February – Amethyst

Amethyst has always been February’s stone. Its violet tones symbolise peace, clarity, and balance. Shades range from pale lavender to deep purple, with lighter stones linked to calmness and darker stones associated with spiritual depth. No alternatives have replaced it — amethyst is as timeless as ever.

March – Aquamarine and Bloodstone

Traditionally, March’s stone was bloodstone, a deep green chalcedony flecked with red, symbolising courage and vitality. In 1912, aquamarine was adopted as the modern birthstone — a serene, blue gem long associated with safe journeys and calm. Both are recognised today, offering a choice between earthy grounding and watery tranquillity.

 

April – Diamond

Both traditional and modern charts agree: diamond is April’s stone. Known for brilliance and resilience, diamonds symbolise enduring love and clarity. While colourless stones are most iconic, diamonds also occur in yellow, pink, and blue — each a unique expression of April’s timeless gem.

May – Emerald

Emeralds, vivid green stones linked with renewal and growth, have always represented May. They range from fresh, grassy hues to deep, velvety tones. Emerald remains both the traditional and modern birthstone, treasured for vitality and connection to life.

June – Pearl, Alexandrite, and Moonstone

June has one of the richest selections. Traditionally, it was pearls — classic symbols of wisdom and purity. In 1912, alexandrite joined the modern list, valued for its extraordinary colour change between green and red. Later, moonstone was also recognised, shimmering with blue sheen and symbolising intuition. Together, they make June one of the most varied birthstone months.

July – Ruby

Ruby’s fiery red has always symbolised passion, vitality, and courage. Both traditional and modern charts list ruby as July’s only stone. Fine rubies glow with vivid red, though the gem can also lean towards pink or purple — each carrying the same life-force energy.

August – Sardonyx, Peridot, and Spinel

Traditionally, August’s stone was sardonyx, a banded chalcedony symbolising strength. In 1912, peridot — a fresh, golden-green gem linked with joy and protection — was added as the modern birthstone. Most recently, in 2016, spinel was recognised, appearing in red, pink, blue, and purple shades. August’s mix of stones gives a unique choice between grounding, warmth, and colour variety.

 

September – Sapphire

Traditionally and today, September’s stone is sapphire, most often thought of as deep blue. Sapphires also occur in pink, yellow, green, and white — with red sapphires classified as rubies. No matter the colour, sapphire symbolises wisdom, loyalty, and integrity, giving September wearers a versatile palette to choose from.

 

October – Opal and Tourmaline

Traditionally, October’s stone was opal, shimmering with colour and linked with imagination. In 1912, tourmaline was added as the modern choice. Tourmalines appear in every colour — pink for love, green for vitality, black for protection. Both stones celebrate creativity and emotional openness in different ways.

November – Topaz and Citrine

Topaz was November’s traditional stone, often golden and symbolising abundance. In 1912, citrine was added to the modern list — a bright golden-orange gem linked with positivity and joy. Topaz also occurs in blues and pinks, offering more variety for November wearers.

December – Turquoise, Tanzanite, Zircon, and Blue Topaz

Traditionally, December’s birthstone was turquoise, a blue-green gem symbolising wisdom and protection. In 1952, zircon and blue topaz were added; in 2002, tanzanite joined the list. Turquoise is ancient and earthy, tanzanite offers striking violet-blue tones, zircon comes in many hues, and blue topaz ranges from sky to deep London blue. Together, they make December one of the most colourful months of all.

 

Bespoke Birthstone Jewellery

If you feel drawn to your birthstone, we can source gemstones to create a bespoke piece for you. Whether you’d like a ring, earrings, a pendant, or even a cuff set with your birthstone, we’d be delighted to help design something personal and meaningful.

FAQs – Birthstones

What is the most popular birthstone?
Sapphires, emeralds, and diamonds are among the most sought-after, but each has its own story.

Can I wear a birthstone that isn’t mine?
Yes. Many people choose stones for their meaning or colour, not just their month.

Do you make custom birthstone jewellery?
Yes. We can source gemstones and create a piece that reflects your story.

Conclusion

Birthstones by month offer more than just a colour chart — they’re a way of marking moments, carrying memory, and celebrating identity. At HerbertandWilks, we believe jewellery is always more than an object: it’s a connection to who you are and the stories you want to carry forward.