Birthstones by Month
Our birthstone chart below shows each month’s stone. You can shop our birthstone jewelry collection or learn more about gemstone facts in our education center. Giving birthstones jewelry as a gifts is a thoughtful gesture that can make a loved one feel special. Or, if you’re shopping for yourself, you add special meaning to your birthday when you wear your birthstone pieces. Many women also wear the birthstone of their parent, child, or sibling as a sentimental way of celebrating their relationship.
What are Birthstones?
In William Shakespeare’s Sonnet 104, he said, “To me, fair friend, you never can be old,for as you were when first your eye I eyed, such seems your beauty still.” No matter how many birthdays you celebrate, your beauty can never fade with time – and neither will your birthstones.
Birthstones are gems assigned to each month of the year and often incorporated into jewelry. They are believed to bring good luck, protection, and excellent health to the wearer whose birth month they commemorate.
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History of Birthstones
In biblical times, it was said that Aaron, Moses's brother, wore a breastplate as he communicated with God. This breastplate was adorned with twelve stones, representing the twelve tribes of Israel.
These stones were said to have special significance and symbolized God’s favor and guidance. From there, the culture of assigning meaning to gemstones emerged, which then evolved into gems being associated with particular months of the year.
Ancient cultures, such as the Babylonians and Egyptians, assigned specific gems to each month, believing each stone would protect those born in that particular month. This tradition inspired today’s practice of using birthstones to manifest good fortune or healing.
In 1912, the Jewelers of America published the first standardized list of birthstones. The list has been updated multiple times since then to reflect cultural changes, resulting in the list of birthstone months below.
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Symbolism of Each Birthstone
More than being beautiful to look at, gemstones are nature’s way of expressing values like strength, wisdom, love, passion, and creativity. Find your birthstone below and learn their meanings.
January Birthstone: Garnet
Garnet represents regeneration, strength, and love, important emotions as a new year rolls in.
Learn More About Garnet:
January Birthstones: History, Lore, & Significance
February Birthstone: Amethyst
In ancient civilizations, amethyst was believed to have prevented intoxication. Today, amethyst inspires calmness, control, and emotional balance in February-born people.
March Birthstone: Aquamarine
Sailors in the past often used aquamarine as a talisman for good luck and protection. Its beautiful sea-like color offers relaxation and healing for those born in March.
Learn More About Aquamarine:
March
Birthstone: History, Lore, and More
Aquamarine: A Journey Through Color, Culture, and
Craftsmanship
April Birthstone: Diamonds
Diamonds, being the beautiful yet extremely tough gemstones they are, symbolize the strength and passion of those born in April.
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May Birthstone: Emerald
The captivating inspires love and fidelity among the May-born crowd, thanks to its connection to the goddess Venus.
Learn More About Emerald:
Garnet Color Meaning | Deciphering Garnet Significance
January Birthstones: History, Lore, & Significance
June Birthstone: Pearl
As unique as June-born people, pearls differ from other gems because they are formed inside oysters and clams. Thanks to their marine origins, they symbolize purity, innocence, and profound wisdom.
Learn More About Pearl:
The Evolution of Pearl Strands from Past to Present
Are Affordable Pearls at an End?
July Birthstone: Ruby
In history, rubies were known to protect warriors in battle. Today, they still carry the same effect: their fiery red color inspires feelings of passion and courage for those born in July.
Learn More About Ruby:
Ruby Jewelry | Meaning and Spiritual Power
July
Birthstone: History, Lore
August Birthstone: Peridot
With its earthy green colors, peridot symbolizes harmony, good health, and peacefulness–values often associated with August-born people’s relaxed nature.
Learn More About Peridot:
Everything You Need To Know About Peridot
September Birthstone: Sapphire
Sapphire was widely worn among royal families and now symbolizes strength and leadership, values that hardworking September-born people are known for.
Learn More About Sapphire:
Discover The Colors Of Sapphire Gemstones
October Birthstone: Opal
The mesmerizing play of colors in opal reflects October-born people's creativity and positive energy. Its rainbow-like effect also brings back its wearer’s childlike joy.
Learn More About Opal:
Opal: October Gemstone History
November Birthstone: Topaz
Topaz is associated with clarity of thought and self-expression. It was used as a talisman for protection and healing in ancient times, benefiting today’s November-born crowd.
Learn More About Topaz:
Blue Topaz Rings Made for November Souls
December Birthstone: Tanzanite
The deep violet-blue hues of tanzanite inspire spiritual growth and renewal, which December babies often experience as they conclude the year with a birthday.
Learn More About Tanzanite:
What is Tanzanite? The Gem of a Generation
What Are Anniversary Stones?
Like birthstones, anniversary stones also honor another year of love and life, this time between a couple. These gems represent every year of marriage. Anniversary stone jewelry makes great gifts, especially for milestone years like the 10th, 25th, or 50th wedding anniversary.
History of Anniversary Stones
The history of anniversary stones dates back to the Middle Ages, when Germanic cultures saw friends giving each other silver wreaths when they reached the 25th year of marriage and gold wreaths for the 50th.
As the sentimentality for marriage grew across all cultures, organizations like the Jewelers of America took the lead in correlating relationship milestones with beautiful, symbolic gems.
Wedding Anniversary Gemstones by Year
Make your anniversary celebration extra romantic when you give your partner a special anniversary gemstone or a piece with a metal setting that reflects the number of years you’ve been married.
Not only do anniversary gemstone jewelry pieces make great gifts for spouses, but they are also thoughtful ways to recognize and celebrate the marriage of your loved ones, such as parents, siblings, or close friends.
The Meanings Behind Wedding Anniversary Stones
Wedding anniversary celebrations are always more memorable when you have a piece of jewelry to remember them with. The list below shows the anniversary stones by year. Learn which gemstone symbolizes each milestone in a couple’s relationship.
5th Anniversary: Sapphire
Associated with royalty, sapphire aptly celebrates the 5th anniversary of marriage, when both partners have eased into the marriage as leaders in their new household.
10th & 60th Anniversary: Diamond
In the same way, a diamond is formed by pressure; trials forge the best relationships. Diamonds represent eternal love and strength.
Learn More About Diamond:
What to
Consider When Buying Diamond Jewelry
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15th & 40th Anniversary: Ruby
Ruby is a famous symbol of passion and love. It inspires the couple to rekindle their fire as they move into a new journey phase.
Learn More About Ruby:
Toi et Moi Jewelry: You and Me, Against All Odds
20th Anniversary: Emerald
Vibrant green emeralds are associated with renewal and growth. Celebrating the 20th year with emeralds is also a great way to manifest good fortune for the years to come.
Learn More About Emerald:
Introducing Premium Brazilian Emerald
25th Anniversary: Silver
By the 25th year, the kids are grown, the family is bigger, and the couple’s journey thus far has been so colorful. Silver celebrates relationships that are now as strong as the metal itself.
Learn More About Silver:
Destination Spotlight: Why Cutting Socoto Emerald Takes
Precision
30th Anniversary: Pearl
Pearls are tough to obtain but worth it to hold. That’s why they symbolize wisdom gained through experience– a classic choice for celebrating three decades of marriage.
Learn More About Pearl:
Pearls
for Every Occasion
35th Anniversary: Jade
Jade inspires harmony between the couple and those around them—a delicate balance that can only be perfected with time.
Learn More About Jade:
Past and
Present of Jade
45th Anniversary: Topaz
Multi-colored topaz reflects the simple joy of togetherness. Wearing a topaz piece as you celebrate your 45th wedding anniversary also attracts prosperity into your married life.
Learn More About Topaz:
Mystic Topaz Ring: Discover This Magical Stone
50th Anniversary: Gold
Golden wedding anniversaries are huge achievements that warrant celebration. Gold symbolizes wealth and abundance not in material things but in wisdom, health, life experience, and happiness.
Learn More About Gold:
Gold Jewelry: A Journey through History and Fashion
55th Anniversary: Alexandrite
The 55th wedding anniversary is a testament to the commitment, and Alexandrite’s beauty and durability reflect the balance and joy required to sustain a life-long partnership.
How to Choose The Right Pieces?
Whether you’re buying for yourself or your loved one, birthstone and anniversary stone jewelry will surely be a significant investment.
It’s essential to choose the right piece that speaks to your or your gift receiver’s personality and is incredibly durable and long-lasting. You want your pieces to be worn and admired for many years. Here are a few factors to consider.
Stone Hues
Birthstones or anniversary gemstones can come in different colors. Stones like sapphire, garnet, or opal manifest a range of hues. Sapphire is typically blue but also comes in pink or purple. Garnet has a green variation called tsavorite garnet. Opal has a bright red variation called fire opal.
Stones can also come in different shades of color depending on their clarity. Examples include peridot, amethyst, or emerald, which manifest from light, pastel-like colors to deep, dark hues. Even diamonds have a black diamond variation.
Think about how simple or striking you want your jewelry to be. You can choose clear colors for a subtle look or go bolder with deeper hues.
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Stone Cut
Gemstone jewelry is all about the details. How a stone is cut affects the way it reflects light, and so different cuts result in a different mood and appeal overall. Here is a list of cuts and the ways they are used in jewelry.
Round Cut
Mozambique Garnet 2.00 ctw Earrings, Stud Earrings For Women, Solitaire Earrings, Round Shape Garnet Solitaire, Platinum Plated Sterling Silver Earrings
Oval Cut
Sky Blue Topaz, White Topaz 1.65 ctw Ring in Sterling Silver, Beautiful Engagement Promise Rings for Women, Birthstone Jewelry
Princess Cut
Princess Cut Simulated Diamond 13.80 ctw 3mm Tennis Bracelet (7.0 In) and Square Stud Earrings in Rhodium Over Sterling Silver
Emerald Cut
IGI Certified 14K White Gold Emerald Cut Luxuriant Lab Grown Diamond F VS Solitaire Ring 1.00 ctw
Cushion Cut
Rhapsody 2.75 ctw AAAA Tanzanite and Diamond E-F VS1 Ring in 950 Platinum 4.30 Grams
Marquise Cut
Iliana AAA Ruby and Diamond F SI1 1.00 ctw Ring in 18K Yellow Gold 3.65 Grams
Pear Cut
Certified and Appraised Iliana 18K Yellow Gold AAA Kagem Zambian Emerald and G-H SI Diamond Drop Earrings 1.40 ctw
Asscher Cut
Asscher Cut Moroccan Amethyst 2.25 ctw Solitaire Stud Earrings in Platinum Over Sterling Silver
Radiant Cut
Radiant Cut Premium Rose De France Amethyst and Multi Gemstone J-Hoop Earrings in Vermeil Rose Gold Over Sterling Silver 6.80 ctw
Heart Cut
Sapphire Blue Glass and Austrian Crystal Heart Bracelet (7.50-9.50In) and Earrings in Silvertone
Trillion Cut
Rhapsody 950 Platinum Tanzanite 2.50 ctw Earrings, Platinum Stud Earrings, Tanzanite Solitaire Earrings, Solitaire Studs
Baguette Cut
Premium Wegal Tena Opal and Multi Diamond Halo Ring in Platinum Over Sterling Silver 3.35 ctw
Briolette Cut
Bali Legacy Briolette Cut Sky Blue Topaz Octopus Ring in Sterling Silver 3.00 ctw
Drop Cut
Sky Blue Topaz Birthstone Premium Mangoro Aquamarine and Multi Gemstone Drop Earrings in Platinum Over Sterling Silver 2.35 ctw
No matter what cut you choose, our pieces at Shop LC are guaranteed to bring you joy and satisfaction. It all boils down to personal style preferences; that’s why we offer a myriad of stone colors and cuts for jewelry lovers to choose from.
Learn More
- Asscher Cut Stones | From Royal Origins To Modern Marvels
- What Are The Birthstones And Their Meaning?
- What is the Ideal Cut for Amethyst Jewelry?
Jewelry Type and Design
When it comes to jewelry type, you’re spoiled for choice. Our anniversary gemstones or birthstones by month are cleverly designed into earrings, bracelets, necklaces, or rings. However, they come in different styles –from minimalist to maximalist.
Consider the wearer’s lifestyle in this case. For example, if they’re always on the go, they might appreciate stud earrings or tennis bracelets that are easy to wear. Or, if they’re a fan of fine dining, you can choose necklace pendants that they can wear to dinners and night-outs.
Metal Settings
Jewelry metal settings should be both a practical and aesthetic choice. Metal settings hold your gems together, so it’s essential to choose one that looks great and promises longevity. Here is some information to help you decide.
Gold
- Durable
- Available in various karats (purity levels)
- High resale value
- Hypoallergenic
- Timeless appeal
Platinum
- Highly durable
- Hypoallergenic
- Doesn't tarnish
- Natural white color
- Secure setting (denser than gold, ensuring tighter prongs)
White Gold
- Durable
- Combines gold's strength with a modern finish
- Affordable alternative to platinum
- Classic look
Rose Gold
- Durable
- Contains copper for strength
- Warm and romantic appeal
- Versatile with gemstones
- Ages gracefully (rose gold plating fully mixes with the alloy, ensuring a polished look throughout its lifetime)
Yellow Gold
- Timeless color
- Resilient
- Hypoallergenic
- Versatile across different styles
- Highlights warm-colored gemstones (such as purples or reds)
- Low maintenance
Titanium
- Extremely strong
- Lightweight
- Corrosion-resistant
- Hypoallergenic
- Modern and sleek look
All these factors – stone type and cut, jewelry design, and metal settings – come together to create a unique piece of jewelry.
Whether you want a solitaire diamond for your April-born loved one, or a pair of emerald earrings for your partner of 20 years, you can rest assured that the pieces you choose from Shop LC can help you celebrate to the fullest. Each piece was intentionally crafted to last through the years, allowing you to enjoy them on every birthday or anniversary in the future.
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Caring For Your Precious Gems
When it comes to high-value jewelry, care and maintenance are extremely important. A diamond can only truly be ‘forever’ when cared for properly; a peridot, amethyst, or sapphire can only truly shine in its striking color when stored with careful thought. Consider the tips below when caring for your gems
Storage
Store pieces individually in soft cloth pouches or lined jewelry boxes to prevent scratches. Use separate compartments or wrap gemstones in soft tissue paper for added protection. Avoid exposing jewelry to extreme temperatures, humidity, or direct sunlight to prevent damage to your gems.
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Cleaning
Use a mild soap solution and lukewarm water to clean your gems. Avoid harsh chemicals at all costs. A more foolproof option would be to use a jewelry steam cleaner or a jewelry cleaning solution. Use a brush with soft bristles to remove dirt from intricate sections, especially for pieces with intricate designs such as Bali legacy jewelry. For a delicate gemstone like a pearl or an opal, only use a damp cloth and avoid soaking them in water.
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Preventive Care
Remove jewelry during activities that expose it to chemicals, abrasives, or physical impact. Examples include swimming or hiking, or hobbies that involve handling materials, such as pottery or plant care.
Apply lotions, perfumes, and hairsprays before putting on jewelry to prevent residue buildup.
Periodically check settings and prongs for security and have jewelry professionally cleaned annually.
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Use a mild soap solution and lukewarm water to clean your gems. Avoid harsh chemicals at all costs. A more foolproof option would be to use a jewelry steam cleaner or a jewelry cleaning solution. Use a brush with soft bristles to remove dirt from intricate sections, especially for pieces with intricate designs such as Bali legacy jewelry. For a delicate gemstone like a pearl or an opal, only use a damp cloth and avoid soaking them in water.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I verify the authenticity of my birthstone jewelry?
At Shop LC, we provide you with a certificate of authenticity with every purchase. This comes with a certification seal and contains information like the gemstone’s carat weight, color, clarity, and the metal setting’s type and color. You may also approach jewelry appraisers to confirm your piece’s authenticity.
What metals are best for setting birth or anniversary stones?
Most metals have colors that complement gemstones exceptionally well, so your choice of metals depends on your personal preference. If we consult the color wheel, excellent combinations would be blue or white gems (sapphire, diamond, or opal) with silver, amethyst or peridot with gold, and garnet with rose gold.
Can birthstone jewelry be resized or altered later on?
Yes, this is possible. Alterations can be done by professional jewelers or goldsmiths. The extent to which a piece can be modified depends on the piece itself, which a professional can advise you on.
What is the expected lifespan of birthstone or anniversary gems?
When worn with care and maintained properly, a diamond ring, a sapphire necklace, or an emerald bracelet can become a family heirloom treasured for generations. Gemstone jewelry is designed to last a lifetime and even longer.