Top 12 Birthstones and Their Historical Meaning
Colored Gemstones
Semi Precious and Precious Stones
Although we have only had an official birthstone list for about 100 years, colored stones have long been revered through history as good luck charms, amulets or talismans. According to the American National Association of Jewelers there are 12 specific gemstones that have been selected and listed as birthstones for each month of the year. This list was officially adopted in 1912, although tanzanite was added to the list in October, 2002.
There is evidence that early humans valued these stones as long as 10,000 years ago. Often people used them in an attempt to predict the future or as aids to healing. They were also used in religious ceremonies. Today, most of us enjoy owning birthstone jewelry for purely decorative reasons. Knowing your birthstone color is the perfect reason to enjoy these gorgeous colored stones.
There are actually a variety of birthstones for each month, including both precious and semi-precious stones. However, here is a list of the 12 birthstones most commonly associated with each month of the calendar, as well as the meanings associated with those stones. Underneath each primary birthstone, you will also see some types of stones that are sometimes used as alternate birthstones.
Monthly Birthstones and Their Meaning
January: Garnet
The January Birthstone, the garnet, stands for perseverance, consistency, patience and truth. According to the Old Farmers Almanac, wearing a garnet was once thought to keep you safe when you travel.
(Alternate January birthstones include agates and garnets.)
February: Amethyst
The February Birthstone, the amethyst, is associated with health, sincerity and peace of mind. Ancient Greeks thought that wearing an amethyst would keep you from getting drunk. In fact, the word amethyst comes from a Greek word that means "sober!" I wouldn't rely on wearing an amethyst to avoid a ticket for DUI, however.
(Alternate February birthstones include opals, topaz, bloodstones, and garnets.)
March: Aquamarine
Aquamarines, the March Birthstone, symbolize honesty, creativity, beauty and loyalty. At one time, people would soak aquamarines in water and then drink the water in order to cure heart, liver and stomach disorders! Don't try it, however. There is no medical evidence that it has any effect at all!
(Alternate March birthstones include sapphires, opals and amethyst.)
April: Diamond
The April Birthstone, the diamond, is known for eternity, courage, purity and innocence. The diamond is actually thought to symbolize everlasting love which, of course, is one reason that it is a popular stone in engagement rings.
(Alternate April birthstones include opals, bloodstones, and topaz.)
May: Emerald
The emerald stands for happiness, faith and goodness. The emerald was one of Cleopatra's favorite gemstones. Ancient Romans dedicated the emerald to Venus, who was the goddess of love and beauty.
(Alternate May birthstones include turquoise, agates, sapphires and amber.)
June: Pearl
Pearls are associated with health, faith, peace and longevity. Pearls are also thought to be a symbol of purity. Ancient Greeks thought that pearls were the hardened tears of joy from Aphrodite, the goddess of love.
(Alternate June birthstones include agates and moonstones.)
July: Ruby
Rubies stand for integrity, contentment, success, nobility and passion. Ancient Hindus believed that rubies protected the wearer from evil.
(Alternate July birthstones include onyx, moonstones, emeralds, sapphires and pearls.)
August: Peridot
The Peridot symbolizes dignity, fame, strength and happiness in marriage. South Pacific Islanders used to believe that the green peridot crystals that they found in volcanic ashes were the tears of the volcano goddess, Pele. When placed in a gold setting, people once believed the peridot would protect you from having nightmares.
(Alternate August birthstones include agates, diamonds, sapphires, and carnelian)
September: Sapphire
The Sapphire is known for wisdom, purity, love and victory. The sapphire has some especially fascinating fables connected with it. It was once believed that if you put a venomous snake in a container made of sapphire, it would die! Wearing sapphires was also thought to protect you against poison. I wouldn't rely on it, however!
(Alternate September birthstones include zircon, agates, moonstone, citrine and carnelian.)
October: Opal
Opals stand for hope, truth, happiness and innocence. Opals were once worn to protect the wearer from evil, and to protect their eyesight, too.
(Alternate October birthstones include aquamarine, agates, tourmaline, and coral.)
November: Topaz
The topaz is associated with courage, fidelity and good luck. Some people also thought you would have greater strength and intelligence if you wore topaz.
(Alternate November birthstones include pearls, beryl, citrine, garnets and amethyst.)
December: Turquoise
Turquoise symbolizes prosperity, success, courage and love. Turquoise rings are thought to keep away evil spirits! In addition, wearing turquoise was supposed to work as a love charm. This is one idea that it wouldn't hurt to try!
(Alternate December birthstones include topaz, zircon, sapphires and beryl.)
Choosing Birthstone Jewelry
As you can see, there is no reason to limit yourself too closely when you select an item of birthstone jewelry. I have a July birthday and my birthstone is typically considered the ruby. When we were first married, my husband bought me a pearl ring that was accented with tiny rubies. It is the perfect birthstone ring!
You can also select other combinations to create a unique piece of birthstone jewelry that fits with your personal taste. There is no reason to settle for an item of jewelry in a color you rarely wear, simply because it is your traditional birthstone color. Use a variety of combinations to find pieces that are uniquely your own!
Where to Buy Birthstone Jewelry
While you can find a lovely selection of birthstone jewelry in virtually all fine jewelry stores, you do not have to spend a fortune in order to acquire a lovely and symbolic piece of jewelry. I have purchased birthstone jewelry for family members at Macy's, and there is also a very wide ranging selection available online at Amazon.
Family Birthstone Jewelry
Many women who are mothers or grandmothers enjoy having jewelry that contains the birthstones of their children or grandchildren. This is a charming way to let your offspring know that you are thinking of them, and carrying a symbol of their birth close to you! Family birthstone jewelry usually needs to be specially ordered, since you will be combining several different types of colored stones. However, there are many websites where you can order the desired combination.
Source for information about specific stones: wikipedia.com
Source for information about birthstones: bernardine.com/birthstone
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Comments
I didn't know rubies were believed to offer protection from evil. Maybe I should wear my birthstone jewelry when the (evil)gas company wants a payment? Seriously, some interesting tidbits here.
Interesting article Deborah - It seems like the opal and rubies share a common use in warding off evil...Deb, if it works for the gas company let me know. I'll try it on my student (otherwise known as Satan) loan company.
Thank you both for your comments about using rubies and opals to ward off evil. Who knows? Perhaps ancient people knew more than we realize! Let's all wear our gemstones to pay our bills. It couldn't hurt anything, and at least it might make us feel like we're having a bit of fun!
Congrats an another great feature article. I am a Sept baby so my birthstone is a sapphire! Did not know the tale about snakes and sapphires.
Thanks for writing about it. My birth stone is emerald. :)
Enjoyed reading about the 'Top 12 Birthstones and Their Historical Meaning.' I'm very lucky, my birthday is in June, and I love pearls. Congratulations on being featured. Tweeted, +1, and liked.
Fascinating details about these stones! Congratulations on the feature.
Hi.First I was scared about how can I get a diamond.(I am an april baby).But , fortune , there are another options!
Amazing info. My birthstone is sapphire. Thanks. Now I know more.
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