The Story of Birthstones — The Twelve Months' Gems and Their Meanings
A gemstone set for each month of birth, the birthstone is a familiar symbol long cherished in the West. Knowing the meaning and lucky energy dwelling in each gem makes your month and its stone feel all the more special.
What Is a Birthstone?
A birthstone is a gem assigned one to each of the twelve months, and wearing the stone of the month you were born in is believed to bring fortune and protection. Its roots reach back to ancient notions of twelve gems, and the modern list of monthly birthstones we know today was standardized in the early twentieth century and spread widely. There are lists that differ slightly by country and organization, but the broad outline is similar.
The Origin of Birthstones
The origin of birthstones is traced to the twelve gems set in the breastplate of the high priest in the Bible, and to an old tradition that matched gems to the twelve signs of the zodiac and the twelve months. At first people wore all twelve gems in rotation, but gradually the present custom of wearing 'the gem of one's own month' took hold. Each stone came to carry symbols such as healing, protection, or love, and was regarded almost like a talisman.
From January to June
January is the garnet of friendship and trust; February, the amethyst of calm and wisdom; March, the aquamarine of courage and voyage; April, the diamond of eternal love; May, the emerald of life and abundance; and June, the pearl of purity and tears. The gems of the first half of the year, on the whole, hold the energy of new beginnings, growth, and a clear heart.
From July to December
July is the ruby of passion and love; August, the peridot of health and harmony; September, the sapphire of truth and wisdom; October, the opal of hope and change; November, the topaz of abundance and brightness; and December, the turquoise of fortune and protection. The gems of the second half of the year hold the energy of mature love and fruition, and of the stability that brings a year to a close.
Enjoying Them with Birth Flowers
The West also has a tradition of 'birth flowers' paired with birthstones. Just as a flower is set for each month — January's carnation, May's lily of the valley, June's rose — you can take a gem and a flower together as your own symbols. Birthstones and birth flowers are not fixed fate but delightful symbols to enjoy as a way of beautifully commemorating your month and wishing for good fortune.
A birthstone is a small symbol of fortune that brightens your month. If you are curious about the birthstone and birth flower of your month, along with this month's fortune, check for yourself below.