Birthstones are gemstones that represent each month of the year. Many months have one designated birthstone, but some have more than one associated with them. The tradition of birthstones originated centuries ago and different birthstones were associated with different months in different cultures. Over time, the modern list of birthstones was standardized based on ancient and modern associations.
Months with One Birthstone
Many months on the modern birthstone calendar have a single designated gemstone. These include:
- January – Garnet
- February – Amethyst
- March – Aquamarine
- April – Diamond
- May – Emerald
- June – Pearl
- July – Ruby
- August – Peridot
- September – Sapphire
- October – Opal
- November – Topaz
- December – Turquoise
These stones have strong historic and symbolic ties to their corresponding months which have led to their designation as the sole birthstone for that month. For example, garnet is linked to January as it resembles the deep red color of pomegranate seeds, aquamarine with March for its sea-blue tones, and December’s turquoise evoking the clear skies and bright tones of the winter season.
The Two Months with Two Birthstones Each
The two months that are exceptions and have two designated birthstones are March and June.
March
March has aquamarine as its primary birthstone, but it also recognizes bloodstone as a secondary birthstone.
- Aquamarine – A blue-green variety of the mineral beryl, linked to the sea and known for its calming tones.
- Bloodstone – A deep green stone flecked with red spots, tied to courage, strength, and self-purification.
Both aquamarine and bloodstone embody the qualities of renewal and growth associated with the spring season. The cool, verdant hues also evoke the emerging greenery and blossoming plants of March.
June
June’s primary birthstone is the pearl, but it also has alexandrite as a second option.
- Pearl – Lustrous spheres formed inside oysters and other mollusks, associated with purity and femininity.
- Alexandrite – A rare color-changing variety of the mineral chrysoberyl, valued for its distinctive visual effect.
The pearl’s shimmering iridescence aligns with June’s watery, coastal associations. Meanwhile, the shifting colors of alexandrite mirror the dynamic seasonal transition from spring to summer.
History and Significance
The tradition of linking certain gemstones with months of the year dates back thousands of years. In early civilizations like those in India and Tibet, different stones were already being connected to monthly cycles, astrology, and healing practices.
Over centuries, birthstones gained traction in cultures across the world. They took on ceremonial importance in Jewish tradition and astrological significance in medieval Europe. By the 18th century, birthstones were widely popular, with different versions existing in different regions.
The first standardized list was created by the American National Association of Jewelers in 1912. It adopted many of the stones and associations from older traditions, establishing the familiar roster we recognize today. A few revisions were made over the following decades, resulting in the official list now commonly used in the United States and many other places.
While the specific origins may vary, birthstones overall carry personal meaning for many people today. They represent connections to birth months and can hold sentimental value. Some also believe birthstones have beneficial properties and healing effects for those born under their months.
How the Two Birthstones Per Month Were Decided
So how did March and June end up with two recognized birthstones each on the official calendar? There are a few key factors that contributed to this distinction:
- Precedent from older traditions – Some earlier versions included multiple stones for certain months, like aquamarine and bloodstone in March.
- Availability – Alexandrite’s rarity made having an alternate like pearl more practical for June.
- Color diversity – Having a second option added more variety in tones for those months.
- Astrology – Ancient birthstone lists were heavily influenced by zodiac signs and associated stones.
- Meanings – Each of the two stones relate symbolically to their respective months.
The effort to standardize birthstones aimed to consolidate different traditions into one official list. For March and June, the solution was designating two different stones that already had established ties and significance.
Birthstones by Month
Here is a summary table of the birthstones associated with each month:
| Month | Primary Birthstone | Secondary Birthstone |
|---|---|---|
| January | Garnet | None |
| February | Amethyst | None |
| March | Aquamarine | Bloodstone |
| April | Diamond | None |
| May | Emerald | None |
| June | Pearl | Alexandrite |
| July | Ruby | None |
| August | Peridot | None |
| September | Sapphire | None |
| October | Opal | None |
| November | Topaz | None |
| December | Turquoise | None |
Popular and Affordable Options
For those born in March and June, having two birthstone choices means more possibilities to find a meaningful and affordable gem. Some considerations for selecting a birthstone include:
- Color – Choose a tone you find appealing.
- Budget – Secondary stones often cost less than primary ones.
- Meaning – Pick the stone whose symbolism resonates most.
- Style – Match the stone to your personal fashion preferences.
- Accessibility – Go with the stone that’s easiest for you to acquire.
Having an alternate birthstone allows flexibility to consider these factors and personalize your selection. For example, if you were born in June, pearls may be too expensive but you can opt for the more budget-friendly alexandrite instead. Or if you prefer green, bloodstone can substitute for blue aquamarine as a March birthstone.
Birthstone Jewelry Options
Birthstones offer beautiful inspiration for jewelry. Here are some great ways to showcase March’s and June’s dual stones:
- Pendants – Display a single focal birthstone bead or charm on a delicate chain.
- Earrings – Use vibrant gemstone studs or dangly birthstone drops.
- Rings – An aquamarine or alexandrite cocktail ring makes a statement.
- Bracelets – Weave birthstones together into a custom charm bracelet.
- Necklaces – Design a necklace featuring both birthstones side by side.
Mixing and matching your March or June birthstones within one jewelry piece allows you to fully appreciate both options. Get creative and have fun styling your dual gemstones into beautiful birthday bling.
Conclusion
While most months claim one birthstone, March and June are special for having two. For March, serene aquamarine and earthy bloodstone offer lovely shades of blue-green. June doubles up on classic white pearls and color-shifting alexandrite. Having two birthstone choices gives people born under these months more versatility and symbolism from which to draw meaning. Whether going with a primary or secondary gem, your birthstone connects you to your birth month in a unique, personal way.