Birthstones by Month: A Jewelry & Gift Guide
A birthstone is a gem traditionally associated with a month of the year. Choosing one can make a birthday present feel personal, celebrate a loved one, or simply introduce a colour you love to your jewelry collection. Use this month-by-month guide as a starting point, then check the materials stated on each product listing.
Birthstones by month
Some months have more than one accepted birthstone. Lists can differ between traditions; the options below follow the widely used modern list.
| Birth month | Birthstone options |
|---|---|
| January | Garnet |
| February | Amethyst |
| March | Aquamarine and bloodstone |
| April | Diamond |
| May | Emerald |
| June | Pearl, alexandrite and moonstone |
| July | Ruby |
| August | Peridot, spinel and sardonyx |
| September | Sapphire |
| October | Opal and tourmaline |
| November | Topaz and citrine |
| December | Turquoise, tanzanite and zircon |
How to choose birthstone jewelry as a gift
Start with the recipient’s birth month, then think about what they actually wear. A pendant may suit someone who likes a single focal point; earrings can add colour without choosing a ring size. For a ring or bracelet, confirm the measurements and available sizes before ordering. Someone with several birthstone options can choose by colour, style or budget.
A birthstone is also a personal choice. You can wear a stone connected to a partner’s or child’s month, or choose a different month’s stone because you enjoy its appearance. The meaning comes from the connection you give it, rather than a rule about who may wear it.
Natural, lab-created and simulated stones
These descriptions are different. Natural gemstones form in nature. Lab-created gemstones are grown rather than mined and should be identified as lab-created. Simulated stones imitate the appearance of another material. A coloured crystal or cubic zirconia can offer birthstone-inspired colour, but it should not be described as the natural gemstone it resembles.
Read the individual listing for the stone material, metal, plating, dimensions and included items. A colour name alone does not confirm a gemstone’s identity. Zircon and cubic zirconia are different materials; moissanite is also a different gem from diamond. Our collection includes different materials and finishes, so the product description is your guide to the specific piece.
Caring for a meaningful piece
Care depends on both the stone and its setting. Follow the item-specific instructions, store pieces separately and avoid assuming every gem can tolerate the same cleaner. Visit our jewelry care and size guide before choosing a cleaning method or fit.
Explore your style
Browse necklaces, earrings and rings to find a style you enjoy. Availability varies, and not every birthstone is stocked. For help with an item’s stated materials, contact Gemvela Jewelry.
Learn more about birthstones from the Gemological Institute of America’s birthstone guide. Gemstone traditions and symbolism are cultural associations, not promises of health or other effects.