The Ultimate Guide to Birthstones for Every Month

If you've ever admired a friend's gemstone ring and wondered why they always seem to have that one particular stone, chances are it's their birthstone. Birthstones are one of the most popular ways to personalize jewelry. They combine history, symbolism, and stunning color, making them meaningful ways to celebrate yourself or someone you love. Whether you're shopping for a birthstone pendant, customizing an engagement or wedding ring, or just want to learn what birthstones are all about, this guide has you covered.

One gem. A lifetime of meaning. Your birthstone isn’t just a pretty color—it’s a story, a symbol, and a style statement.

What Are Birthstones & Where Did They Come From?

Birthstones are a variety of gemstones associated with each month of the year, with roots tracing back thousands of years. The idea of wearing a specific stone for each month is believed to have originated with the Breastplate of Aaron, a biblical artifact adorned with twelve stones, each representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Over time, these stones became connected to the zodiac, and later, the months of the year. The modern list of birthstones was officially standardized in 1912 by the American National Retail Jewelers Association (now Jewelers of America), though some months still have alternative or historical birthstones.

January to December, we’ve got you covered. Celebrate every month (and every person you love) with the perfect personalized sparkle.

The Birthstone Breakdown: Modern & Alternative Choices

Here’s a quick look at the traditional birthstones, along with some alternative options:

• January: Garnet (also includes spinel)

• February: Amethyst

• March: Aquamarine (also includes bloodstone)

• April: Diamond (spinel can also be used as an alternative)

• May: Emeralds

• June: Pearl, Alexandrite, Moonstone

• July: Ruby

• August: Peridot, Spinel, Sardonyx

• September: Sapphire

• October: Opal, Tourmaline

• November: Citrine, Topaz

• December: Turquoise, Tanzanite, Zircon

While the traditional list remains popular, some people prefer alternative birthstones for a variety of reasons—whether for a different color, a more durable option, availability, or simply personal preference. If you're looking for something unique, there's no rule saying you must stick to the official birthstone for your month. You can also explore stones associated with your zodiac signs, gems that come from somewhere you love or live, or stones associated with certain metaphysical or healing properties.

Not into diamonds? Say it with your stone. From sapphires to citrines, birthstones bring color and meaning to engagement rings with a twist.

When to Give Birthstone Jewelry

Birthstones make the perfect gift for birthdays, push presents, anniversaries, and even engagement rings. A birthstone ring can be a meaningful alternative to a traditional diamond engagement ring, especially when customized with different gemstone placements to represent both partners’ birth months. Many parents also love stacking birthstone rings to represent their children.

For anniversaries, birthstones can be a fun way to celebrate a specific month, whether it’s the month you met, got engaged, or tied the knot. If you’re looking for a sentimental, high-impact gift, birthstone jewelry checks all the boxes.

Stack your story. Whether it's your birthstone or theirs, layered rings make the ultimate sentimental stack.

Birthstones in Engagement Rings & Wedding Bands

If you want an engagement ring that stands out from the crowd, a birthstone ring is a fantastic way to add color, personality, and symbolism to your jewelry. There are so many creative ways to incorporate birthstones into your engagement or wedding ring beyond just a center stone. Here are a few ideas:

• Two-Stone (Toi et Moi) Rings: Representing two people coming together, a birthstone paired with another gem (like a diamond) creates a romantic and meaningful design, or combine both of your birthstones for a unique spin on the idea.

• Sidestones: Placing birthstones as side accents to a central diamond adds a personalized touch without overwhelming the ring. Blue Sapphires for the September birthstone are a classic choice but you can do this with other gems as well.

• Eternity Bands: A birthstone eternity band can symbolize everlasting love while incorporating the colors that are most meaningful to you.

• Halo Settings: Surrounding a central diamond with a halo of birthstones is a gorgeous way to blend tradition with a pop of personalized color.

• Hidden Stones: Placing a birthstone inside the band or on the underside of the setting adds a secret sentimental detail just for the wearer.

• Accent Stones: Small birthstones placed subtly along the band or in the setting add a pop of color without being overpowering.

Birthstones in wedding bands can also be a beautiful way to celebrate your marriage. Whether set as a full eternity band, scattered as delicate accents, or used as a symbolic hidden gem, birthstones make wedding jewelry even more meaningful.

Your month, your gem, your vibe. Birthstones turn everyday jewelry into something deeply personal.

Other Ways to Customize Birthstone Jewelry

If rings aren’t your thing, birthstones shine in other jewelry styles too. Here are a few ideas:

• Necklaces: A birthstone pendant is a classic and timeless gift that works for any occasion. You can find styles from simple solitaires to items with more design elements depending on the wearer's style.

• Bracelets: Stackable birthstone bracelets let you wear multiple stones to represent loved ones. Or try one bracelet that incorporates several birthstones for everyone in the family!

• Earrings: A simple pair of birthstone studs can add just the right amount of personal flair to your everyday look.

Customize your love story. Add your partner’s or child’s birthstone to your ring for a piece that’s forever and uniquely yours.

Do Any Birthstones Require Special Care?

Yes! Not all gemstones are created equal when it comes to durability. Some require special care to maintain their beauty. Here are a few that need extra love:

• Opal (October birthstone): Opals are delicate and prone to cracking, so avoid exposure to extreme temperature changes and harsh chemicals and don't ever soak them in water.

• Pearl (June birthstone): Pearls are soft and should be stored separately from harder stones to prevent scratches.

• Emeralds: Due to their natural inclusions, emeralds require special care and should not be exposed to harsh cleaning methods.

If you’re wearing a softer stone in a ring that sees daily wear, consider a protective setting like a solid bezel to help ensure its security.

Color that connects. Birthstone jewelry is more than beautiful—it’s a wearable reminder of who (and what) matters most.

How to Pick the Perfect Birthstone Jewelry

Whether you’re buying for yourself or someone else, here are a few things to consider:

1. Color Appeal: Does the stone’s color match the wearer’s personal style? If someone's birthstone is amethyst but they hate the color purple, maybe lean into a different choice.

2. Security & Placement: If choosing a ring, ensure the setting protects the stone—especially for softer gems like opals or pearls. If you're concerned, choose earrings or a necklace, which don't see as much hard wear as our hands.

3. Variety: If you don’t love your traditional birthstone, explore alternative options.

4. Price & Availability: You can find natural gemstones to fulfill birthstone needs, but today there are also plenty of lab-created gemstones available on the market, often at a more affordable price.

Choosing the right birthstone jewelry is all about finding what speaks to you. Whether you love the symbolism, the color, or just the idea of a birthstone ring that represents something meaningful, there’s no wrong way to wear these gems. Now that you know your options, it’s time to pick your perfect birthstone and start customizing!