Birthstones
Discover Jewelry by Birth Month
Looking for the perfect birthday gift or a meaningful piece of jewelry to celebrate your own birth month? Birthstone jewelry has been treasured for centuries, with each month traditionally associated with one or more gemstones believed to symbolize unique qualities and characteristics.
Whether you're searching for a classic birthstone pendant, a pair of gemstone earrings, or a one-of-a-kind artisan design, our birthstone collections make it easy to find a meaningful gift for someone special—or yourself.
The History of Birthstones
The tradition of birthstones dates back thousands of years and is often traced to the Breastplate of Aaron described in the Book of Exodus. The breastplate was adorned with twelve gemstones representing the twelve tribes of Israel.
Over time, these twelve stones gradually became associated with the twelve months of the year. By the early 20th century, the birthstone list was standardized by the jewelry industry, and today many months have both a traditional and an alternate birthstone.
Alternate birthstones give people additional choices based on color, availability, personal preference, or budget.
Birthstones by Month
| Month | Primary Birthstone | Alternate Birthstone(s) |
|---|---|---|
| January | Garnet | None |
| February | Amethyst | None |
| March | Aquamarine | Bloodstone |
| April | Diamond | White Topaz |
| May | Emerald | Chrysoprase |
| June | Pearl | Moonstone, Alexandrite |
| July | Ruby | Carnelian |
| August | Peridot | Spinel, Sardonyx |
| September | Sapphire | Lapis Lazuli |
| October | Opal | Tourmaline |
| November | Topaz | Citrine |
| December | Blue Topaz | Turquoise, Tanzanite, Zircon |
Why Do Some Months Have More Than One Birthstone?
Birthstone traditions have evolved over time.
Some gemstones became difficult to obtain or were simply too expensive for everyday jewelry. As a result, alternate birthstones were added to provide more options while preserving the spirit of the tradition.
Today, many people choose whichever birthstone they enjoy most, regardless of whether it is considered the traditional or modern choice.
Birthstones We Feature at BeJeweled
At BeJeweled, we specialize in artisan jewelry featuring many of the world's most beautiful natural gemstones. Our collections include traditional birthstones as well as many alternate birthstones, allowing you to choose jewelry that reflects your personal style.
Our birthstone collections include:
- Garnet
- Amethyst
- Aquamarine
- White Topaz
- Emerald
- Pearl
- Moonstone
- Ruby
- Peridot
- Sapphire
- Opal
- Tourmaline
- Citrine
- Blue Topaz
- Turquoise
- Tanzanite
- Lapis Lazuli
Choosing the Perfect Birthstone Gift
Birthstone jewelry makes a thoughtful gift for:
- Birthdays
- Mother's Day
- Graduations
- Anniversaries
- New babies
- Holidays
- Bridesmaids
- Personal milestones
Many people also enjoy wearing the birthstones of their children, grandchildren, spouse, or other loved ones.
Learn More About Your Birthstone
Want to discover the fascinating history behind your birthstone?
Visit our growing collection of Gemstone Frequently Asked Questions to learn about:
- Where each gemstone is found
- How it forms
- Jewelry care
- Interesting facts
- Colors and varieties
- Hardness and durability
Birthstones Through the Years
Although the modern birthstone list is widely recognized today, different cultures and organizations have adopted slightly different birthstone lists over the centuries. These variations are part of what makes birthstone traditions so fascinating and continue to give jewelry lovers a wide variety of beautiful gemstones to choose from.