Birthstone Gems by the Month

Birthstones gems have been linked to human birthdays since ancient times, although modern birthstone lists don't bear a lot of resemblance to some of the old ones.

For example, the earliest reference to birthstone gems in our modern culture was believed to derive from a Jewish historian named Josephus in the first century. He likened the 12 stones in Aaron's breastplate with the twelve months of the year and the zodiac.

As per the reference in Exodus to Aaron's breastplate in the Bible, the 12 stones are thus: ruby, topaz, beryl, turquoise, sapphire, emerald, jacinth, agate, amethyst, chrysolite, onyx and jasper. However, this list is quite different in modern times (the Jewelers of America, the American national association of jewelers, standardized the list in 1912). And it is certainly different in Ayurvedic and other cultures.

The January birthstone is the garnet, which has been thought to be connected with blood. Garnets are associated with blood because of their deep red color. This birthstone supposedly protects the wearer from nightmares, and offers guidance through dark areas. 

February’s birthstone gem is the amethyst, which is purple in color. The amethyst birthstone is associated with sobriety, tranquility, protection and peace. The birthstone is linked to the improvement of the appearance of the skin, preventing baldness, and protection from deceit done by others. Amethyst stones have varying shades of purple, and are often a pale lilac color. The February birthstone may also come in a deep violet color.

March’s birthstone is the aquamarine. Aquamarine is a pale blue gemstone, which is linked to the making of new friends, affection and love, hope, and health. The aquamarine stone was once thought to provide protection to the sea. March’s birthstone can be seen in a variety of shapes, and sizes, and in varying shades of green-blue.

April’s birthstone is one of the most popular and valuable gemstones. Diamonds are April’s birthstone, which represent love, eternity, and strength. The diamond is the most popular gem for romance, and is the often used in engagement rings and wedding bands. The gemstone is strong and hardwearing, which makes them perfect for daily wear. The April birthstone is clear or white and of course diamonds come in many different cuts. 

The birthstone gem for May is the emerald. The emerald has a green color, and has many shapes and cuts. Emeralds have been linked to health and the curing of ailments, and are associated with the ability to see into the future, which gives them the reputation of producing magic.

June’s birthstone is the pearl. Pearls represent chastity and modesty, and are also associated with long happy marriages. The birthstone can be white or purple, and it comes in many sizes.

July’s birthstone is the red ruby. Rubies are commonly linked to protection and harmony. The ruby has a fiery appearance which comes from is deep red color.  

The birthstone gem for August is the peridot. The stone is linked to protection against evil and night terrors, and is also known to have the enhanced properties of healing drugs. The peridot has a pale green or lime green color, and is a by-product of volcanic action. August’s birthstone also comes in many shapes and sizes. It is also a durable stone that can be worn a daily basis.

The sapphire is the birthstone for September. Sapphires have a deep blue color, and look the best when set in white gold and platinum. The gems are available in other colors besides blue, and come in many shapes and sizes. The sapphire gemstone represents faith, purity, and foresight. In ancient times people believed that the stronger the sparkle of the sapphire, the more honest the wearer.

October’s birthstone gem is the opal, which can be multicolored or pink. The birthstone may also be black or white, which flash other colors within them. This birthstone represents purity, hope, and innocence. The opal has also been associated with healing forces, friendship, and emotions.

The topaz is the birthstone of November. The birthstone is yellow, but the topaz has many colors; it may also come in pink, red, blue, pale green, or pink. This birthstone represents sanity, healing, and life, and is connected to strength. It is also believed that the topaz makes the wearer invisible in dangerous situations.

December’s birthstone gem is actually the blue topaz. The birthstone is commonly blue, or turquoise. The blue topaz was linked to happiness, fortune, and luck for many centuries.