Finding your birthstone is easy if you know the month you were born. Birthstones are gemstones that represent each month of the year. They make meaningful gifts for loved ones and can provide inspiration in jewelry or decor. Knowing your birthstone is also fun for those interested in astrology or who enjoy collecting crystals and gems.
What are birthstones?
Birthstones are specific gemstones that are associated with each month of the year. They originate from an ancient tradition that began as early as the first century. According to folklore, wearing your birthstone is thought to bring good luck, health, and prosperity. There are traditional, modern, mystical, and zodiac birthstones for each month.
Traditional birthstones date back to the first century and originate from the Bible’s Book of Revelation, which describes 12 stones that correspond to the 12 apostles. Modern birthstones were created in 1912 by the American National Association of Jewelers to standardize the birthstone list. Mystical birthstones originate from Tibet and are associated with healing properties. Lastly, there are zodiac birthstones connected to each astrological sign.
While the associations vary slightly, most birthstones correspond to the same gemstone for a given month. When determining your birthstone, the traditional list is most commonly used.
How to find your birthstone
Finding your birthstone is simple. Just match your birth month to the corresponding gemstone.
Here is the list of traditional birthstones by month:
| Month | Birthstone |
|---|---|
| January | Garnet |
| February | Amethyst |
| March | Aquamarine |
| April | Diamond |
| May | Emerald |
| June | Pearl |
| July | Ruby |
| August | Peridot |
| September | Sapphire |
| October | Opal |
| November | Topaz |
| December | Turquoise |
For example, if you were born in January, your birthstone is garnet. Those born in April have diamond as their birthstone, while people born in October have opal as theirs. It’s that simple!
Birthstone colors and meanings
In addition to corresponding to a month, each birthstone also has unique colors, meanings, and properties. Here is an overview of each birthstone:
January – Garnet
Garnet comes in a variety of shades, from deep red to vibrant green. This stone symbolizes peace, prosperity, and health. It’s thought to boost energy, passion, and self-esteem.
February – Amethyst
Amethyst ranges from light lilac to deep purple. This birthstone represents humility, spirituality, and sincerity. It’s said to enhance wisdom, clarity, and peace of mind.
March – Aquamarine
Pale blue aquamarine evokes the serenity of water. It promotes courage, calmness, and mental clarity. In ancient times, sailors wore it for protection at sea.
April – Diamond
Diamond’s pure white brilliance symbolizes eternal love. As the hardest mineral on earth, it also represents strength and resilience. Diamond is traditionally given in engagement rings.
May – Emerald
Vivid green emerald is associated with fertility and rebirth. It brings wisdom, growth, and patience. Emerald is also said to strengthen relationships and enhance intuition.
June – Pearl
Luminous pearl represents purity and innocence. It has long been a symbol of femininity and grace. Pearl promotes spiritual transformation, charity, integrity, and tranquility.
July – Ruby
Fiery ruby signifies passion, prosperity, and protection. Its rich red color evokes vitality and strength. Ruby has been treasured throughout history as a talisman of kings and warriors.
August – Peridot
Lime green peridot symbolizes strength, power, and cleansing. It dispels negative emotions and protects against nightmares. Peridot also brings fame, dignity, and influence.
September – Sapphire
Royal blue sapphire represents wisdom, loyalty, and holiness. It facilitates self-discipline and inner peace. For centuries, sapphire symbolized the purity of the soul.
October – Opal
Opal’s shimmering rainbow of colors embodies love, passion, and inspiration. It enhances imagination, creativity, individuality, and emotions. The Greeks associated it with foresight and prophesy.
November – Topaz
Golden yellow topaz signifies strength and healing. It promotes wisdom, courage, serenity, and forgiveness. Topaz also increases confidence, willpower, and openness.
December – Turquoise
Turquoise ranges from powdery blue to aqua green. It brings good fortune, success, and protection. Turquoise can also enhance spiritual attunement and calm communication.
How to wear or use your birthstone
There are many ways to incorporate your birthstone into your life. Here are some ideas:
- Wear it as jewelry – Rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings set with your birthstone make meaningful keepsakes.
- Display it in your home – Place your raw or tumbled birthstone in a bowl, or display carved figurines and candleholders.
- Try it as décor – Incorporate your birthstone into mosaic tiles, lamp bases, doorknobs, picture frames or vases.
- Give it as a gift – Birthstone jewelry or decorative objects make heartfelt gifts for loved ones.
- Use it in meditation – Hold your stone during meditation to center your mind and harness the stone’s energy.
- Make elixirs or essences – Infuse water with your birthstone overnight to create an elixir. Use essences in aromatherapy.
However you choose to use your birthstone, it will add a touch of personal meaning and inspiration to your life. Let its colors and energies enhance your mind, body and spirit!
Shopping for your birthstone
When you’re ready to buy your birthstone, here are some shopping tips:
- Know your options – Birthstones come in various forms including raw, tumbled, cut, beads, pendants, and jewelry.
- Consider quality – Seek out reputable jewelers and read reviews. High quality stones have more brilliance and value.
- Know the treatments – Many stones are heat treated or irradiated to enhance color. Determine if treatments are disclosed.
- Review certifications – For sapphires, rubies and emeralds, look for independent lab certificates verifying authenticity.
- Compare prices – Birthstone prices fluctuate so comparison shop. Synthetic versions are also more affordable.
- Think custom – Have jewelry custom designed to create one-of-a-kind pieces featuring your birthstone.
Shop smart and find the ideal birthstone to fit your style and budget. A quality piece will become a treasured keepsake.
Birthstones make meaningful gifts
Birthstone jewelry or decorative objects make heartfelt gifts for loved ones. Here are some ideas that incorporate birthstones:
- Personalized pendants or charms featuring the recipient’s birthstone
- A birthstone bracelet with one gem for each family member
- A necklace or earrings set with the birthstones of a couple
- A mother’s ring featuring the birthstones of all her children
- A birthday gift of the recipient’s birthstone
Giving someone their birthstone reflects care and thoughtfulness. It provides a gift with special significance that can be treasured forever. Shop for birthstone gifts for spouses, partners, parents, children, relatives, and friends to create meaningful keepsakes.
Conclusion
Determining your birthstone is a fun way to add more personal meaning to your jewelry, décor, and gifts. Now that you know how to find your birthstone by date of birth, you can start incorporating your signature gem into your life. Let its dazzling colors and legendary properties inspire and energize you. Birthstones make the perfect gift for marking a special occasion or milestone. Shop smartly to find quality stones that fit your style and budget. Your birthstone will become a beloved item you can cherish for years to come.
