| Traditional Genuine Birthday Gemstones |
| Month/Stone | Symbolism |
January
Garnet | The garnet has been the gem of faith and truth for centuries, bestowing upon the wearer the quality of constancy and the ability to make deep and lasting friendships. Brilliant, colorful and durable. |
February
Amethyst | Believed by the ancient Greeks to have been stained with the wine of Bacchus, this stone was thought to be an amulet against intoxication and so named "amethustos" or "not drunken". It can also calm anger and make one shrewd in business matters. It has been prized ever since, particularly by nobility, for its rich purple hues. |
March
Aquamarine | The name aquamarine literally means "seawater", a tribute to its beautiful blue colors and associated with tranquility and happiness. It is thought to instill courage, cure laziness and sharpen the intellect. Aquamarine is a member of the beryl family. |
April
Diamond | The diamond has been a symbol of eternal love since the 15th century, when Archduke Maximillian of Austria sealed his engagement to Mary of Burgundy with a diamond ring. It is worthy of its precious stone category for all the virtues implied in that term: brilliance, hardness, rarity, antiquity, purity and permanence. Of all diamonds mined, only a quarter are of gem quality. |
May
Emerald | The emerald historically has been a most valued gem. Attributed to great healing power it was thought to make its owner eloquent and persuasive, bring joy, give the ability to foretell the future and improve memory. A member of the beryl family an intense green is most desired. Stones tend to contain slight faults or flaws and good sized perfect stones are extremely rare and costly. |
June
Alexandrite | Alexandrite was first discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia and it is known for its hypnotic beauty. Its ability to change dramatically under light has associated it with balance in life and self-esteem. Said to impart joy to the wearer it attracts all ages. Its shifting colors make it a great accessory for your wardrobe. |
July
Ruby | Even rarer than diamonds rubies are passionately admired and thought to have innumerable powers. Even the Bible compares the price of wisdom to the price of rubies. Rubies were also said to protect their owners from misfortune and to reconcile disputes. A member of the corundum family, like sapphire, the hardness of a ruby is only surpassed by that of a diamond. Colors range from a pink-red to a purple-red, the most dramatic stones are a bright, intense red and the finest deep red (pigeon blood). |
August
Peridot | A French word from Arabic for green, peridot legend is surrounded by complex superstitions. Its thought to inhibit enchantments, protect wearer from evil spirits and to glow in the dark. Its color ranges from a springtime green to a warm olive green and has a soft, velvety appearance. The greener the peridot, the higher its value. Most peridots are found in Arizona and the southwestern United States. |
September
Sapphire | Ancient Persians believed the earth rested on a giant sapphire whose reflection gave the sky its color. Considered pure and sacred it brings peace and wisdom to its owner. Sapphire is said to refuse to shine if worn by the wicked. Contemplation of a sapphire was also said to cleanse the soul. It is a member of the corundum family and while red corundum is known as ruby, all other colors are known as sapphire. |
October
Pink Tourmaline | This stone is a tribute to feeling in "the pink". It is said to enhance the energy of its wearer and attracts the attention and energy of others. The color reflects a bold, confident and self assured wearer. Tourmaline expresses feminine charm and hues range from pink to crimson. |
November
Yellow Topaz | Topaz is revered for its color, clarity and hardness and in the Middle Ages thought to drive away sadness, bring wisdom, bestow courage, and cure insomnia for those who believed. A common misconception is that all topaz is yellow. True golden topaz is labeled "Imperial". "Precious" topaz may be yellow, golden-brown, blue, green, pink or sherry colored. |
December
Turquoise | From Egypt and Persia (Iran) to Tibet and the Americas, turquoise has been treasured for its beauty since prehistoric times. Hindus and Persians believed that one who observed the reflection of the moon on a turquoise was assured good luck, protection from evil and great wealth. Found in the southwestern United States and Mexico, the richest blue specimens are from Iran. |
December
Blue Zircon | Blue Zircon is aqua-blue in brightness and often tinged with shimmering teal and causes a beautiful sparkle. It is thought to give energy and renewal to those who discover this gem. The rich color and sparkle makes this stone a favorite of both men and women. |
December
Tanzanite | Tanzanite is rare, exotic and fascinating and unknown until 1967 when Massai herds men in eastern Africa noticed blue crystals sparkling in the sun. Deep, vivid blue with purplish tinges make it both warm and cool. Its colors dance with intensity. Tanzania is the only place it is mined. |
