The Origins of Birthstones
The idea of wearing a gemstone tied to your birth month is a tradition that dates back thousands of years to biblical times, when a high priest’s breastplate was adorned with 12 gemstones, each representing one of the 12 tribes of Israel. Centuries later, these stones became linked to the zodiac and later to the 12 months of the year.
People once wore all 12 gems throughout the year, selecting stones to benefit from their unique energies and protective powers. Eventually, the custom evolved to mainly wearing the gem connected to one’s birth month, believing it offered greater protection and good fortune.
In 1912, the American National Association of Jewelers formalized the modern birthstone list, creating the official guide we use today. The birthstone tradition continues to hold emotional and symbolic power, connecting us to the Earth, history and a deeper meaning within ourselves.
January Birthstone: Garnet
Derived from the Latin garanatus, meaning “seedlike,” garnet resembles the look of pomegranate, which symbolized eternal love in Greek Mythology.
Rather than one single mineral, garnet is actually a group of closely related minerals that share a similar crystal structure but differ in chemical composition, forming in metamorphic rocks across the globe. Together, they span nearly every color, though red remains the most recognizable.
Historically, garnet has been regarded as a stone of health, passion and protection. In medieval Europe, it was believed to cure melancholy, protect against nightmares and even purify the blood. Today, it’s thought to revitalize energy, inspire confidence and strengthen love.
February Birthstone: Amethyst
Few gemstones are as instantly recognizable as amethyst, the purple variety of quartz. Its name comes from the Greek amethystos, meaning “not intoxicated,” as ancient Greeks believed it protected the wearer from drunkenness.
Amethyst is a silicon dioxide crystal with traces of iron giving it its violet color. The best amethyst comes from Brazil, often forming inside massive geodes, revealing shimmering, violet-lined caverns.
Amethyst is associated with peace and clarity. Many spiritual traditions associate it with inner strength, calm and a clear mind, making it a useful tool for meditation. Today, it’s believed to balance emotions and promote sleep.
March Birthstone: Aquamarine
March is celebrated with aquamarine, a gemstone that resembles the clear beauty of the ocean. The name comes from the Latin aqua marina, meaning “water of the sea,” and is linked to the apostle St. Thomas, known for his journeys at sea.
Aquamarine is a variety of beryl, the same mineral family as emerald. Traces of iron give it its sea-blue color. It’s typically light in color, though darker stones are considered more valuable. Most aquamarine is mined in Brazil, often formed in large, transparent crystals.
Since ancient times, aquamarine has been regarded as a stone of courage, calm and protection, especially for sailors.
April Birthstone: Diamond
The diamond is the hardest natural substance on Earth and the most renowned symbol of love and endurance. Its name comes from the Greek adamas, meaning “invincible” or “unbreakable,” after its impressive strength and durability.
Diamonds are composed entirely of carbon atoms arranged in a crystal lattice, formed deep within the Earth under immense heat and pressure over billions of years. The first diamonds were discovered in India in riverbeds centuries ago. Today, diamonds are mined around the world.
Throughout history, diamonds have symbolized purity, strength and eternal love. Many also believe diamonds bring balance and prosperity, perhaps why they remain the world’s most coveted gemstone.
May Birthstone: Emerald
Emerald is the birthstone of May. The name comes from the Greek smaragdus, meaning simply “green,” but its history is anything but ordinary.
Emerald is a variety of beryl, colored green by traces of chromium and vanadium. Its crystalline structure often contains natural inclusions, known as jardin (French for “garden”), adding character to the stone. The best and most beautiful emeralds come from Colombia, particularly from the famous Muzo mines, which have been producing for more than 500 years.
Ancient Egyptians associated emeralds with fertility and immortality. Cleopatra was so enamored with them that she claimed ownership of all Egypt’s emeralds during her reign. Spiritually, emeralds are said to open the heart, bringing harmony and compassion, while symbolizing rebirth, wisdom and good fortune.
June Birthstones: Pearl, Alexandrite, and Moonstone
June is assigned not one, but three birthstones: the pearl, the alexandrite, and the moonstone.
Pearl
Unlike other gemstones that form within the Earth, pearls are organically created inside the shells of oysters and mollusks. Composed of calcium carbonate in layers called nacre, pearls shimmer with a natural iridescence. Cultured pearls are primarily grown in Japan, China and the South Pacific.
Pearls symbolize purity, wisdom and serenity. In many cultures, they’re believed to bring calm and balance. Ancient legends say pearls are the tears of the moon, fallen into the sea and gathered by oysters.
Alexandrite
Discovered in Russia’s Ural Mountains in the 1830s, alexandrite is one of nature’s most fascinating gemstones. Due to its unique chromium content, its color shifts dramatically, appearing green in daylight and red under incandescent light.
First discovered in Russia on Tsar Alexander II’s birthday and named in his honor, alexandrite is now mined in Sri Lanka, Brazil, and East Africa.
Alexandrite represents balance, transformation and joy, reminding the wearer to embrace change.
Moonstone
Soft and shimmering, moonstone glows with a mysterious light known as adularescence—a silvery sheen caused by light scattering between the stone’s internal layers.
Moonstone belongs to the feldspar family. Those originating in Sri Lanka display a delicate bluish shimmer, while Indian moonstones often show warm, peach and rainbow tones.
Long associated with intuition, emotional balance and new beginnings, moonstone is a symbol of feminine energy and love. Many believe it enhances intuition and brings calm through life’s transitions.
July Birthstone: Ruby
The ruby has long been considered the “king of precious stones.” Its deep red color embodies love, vitality and passion.
Ruby is the red variety of corundum, the same mineral family as sapphire. The element chromium is responsible for its vivid color and internal fluorescence, giving the stone a natural internal glow. The most coveted rubies come from Myanmar (Burma), whose mines have produced legendary “pigeon blood” rubies.
Throughout history, ruby has symbolized power, passion and protection. Ancient warriors wore it for courage in battle, believing it would make them invincible. Today, ruby is celebrated as the stone of love and success.
August Birthstones: Peridot, Spinel & Sardonyx
Like June, August also has 3 birthstones: peridot, spinel and sardonyx.
Peridot
Peridot is the gem variety of olivine, a mineral formed deep within the Earth’s mantle and brought to the surface by volcanic activity. It is one of the few extraterrestrial gemstones, with trace amounts found in meteorites. This may explain what the Ancient Egyptians called peridot the “gem of the sun” and believed it fell from the heavens.
Major deposits exist in China, Pakistan, Myanmar and the United States (notably in Arizona and Hawaii).
Peridot is a stone of protection and renewal, believed to shield its wearer from negativity and promote good health and sleep.
Spinel
Long mistaken for ruby and sapphire, spinel has only recently received the recognition it deserves. Its name comes from the Latin spina, meaning “thorn,” after its sharp crystal shape.
Spinel is composed of magnesium aluminum oxide and forms under similar geological conditions as corundum, which is why the two are often found together. It forms in a wide array of colors and major sources include Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Tanzania.
Historically, spinel was treasured by royalty; many famous “rubies” in crown jewels turned out to be spinel. Today, it’s a stone of revitalization, symbolizing renewal and resilience.
Sardonyx
Sardonyx combines the reddish-brown layers of sard with the white bands of onyx, creating striking striped patterns. Its name combines the Greek sard, meaning “reddish-brown,” and onyx, meaning “nail” or “claw.”
This variety of chalcedony is a form of quartz, formed through layered deposits of silica in volcanic rock cavities.
Sardonyx is associated with courage, stability and protection. Warriors wore it engraved with heroes or gods to bring strength and victory. Today, it remains a talisman for confidence, grounding and steadfast will.
September Birthstone: Sapphire
The sapphire has been loved for millennia as a stone of truth, faith and nobility. Although it comes in every color of the rainbow (except red), royal blue remains the most iconic.
Sapphire, like ruby, is a variety of corundum, colored by the presence of iron and titanium. The finest sapphires originate from Kashmir, Myanmar and Sri Lanka, where they’re known for “cornflower blue” tones.
Sapphire has long represented wisdom, loyalty and spiritual insight. In ancient Greece and Rome, it was worn for protection against envy and harm. Today, it’s also seen as a symbol of sincerity and everlasting love.
One of the most famous sapphires in modern history adorns the engagement ring of Princess Diana, later worn by Catherine, Princess of Wales.
October Birthstones: Opal & Tourmaline
October’s birthstones are among the most colorful: opal & tourmaline.
Opal
Opal’s shifting rainbow of color has fascinated people for centuries. The Romans called it opalus, meaning “precious stone,” believing it held the powers of all other gems combined.
Composed of tiny silica spheres that diffract light, opal creates flashes of every color imaginable. It can contain up to 20% water within its structure. The richest deposits are found in Australia.
Opal is a stone of inspiration, purity and emotional amplification. It’s believed to spark creativity and enhance intuition. Ancient Bedouins even thought opals fell from the sky during thunderstorms, carrying lightning within them.
Tourmaline
Tourmaline takes its name from the Sinhalese word toramalli, meaning “stone with mixed colors.” Few gems display such a wide range of hues, some even show multiple colors in a single crystal.
A complex boron silicate mineral, tourmaline forms in hexagonal crystals, with color variations caused by elements like iron, manganese and lithium. Major sources include Brazil, Afghanistan and parts of Africa, with gems also found in California and Maine.
Tourmaline is said to inspire creativity and emotional balance. Each color carries its own energy: pink symbolizes compassion and love, while green represents courage and vitality.
November Birthstones: Topaz & Citrine
November’s gems are topaz and citrine. Both are known for bringing happiness, prosperity and positive energy to its wearer.
Topaz
The name topaz may come from the Sanskrit tapas, meaning “fire,” an apt reflection of its warmth.
Chemically, topaz is an aluminum fluorosilicate that forms in a wide range of colors. Trace elements give each gem its unique glow. Brazil’s Minas Gerais produces some of the world’s finest topaz, though it’s also found in Pakistan, Russia and Sri Lanka.
Throughout history, topaz has symbolized strength, clarity and abundance. The ancient Greeks believed it could bestow courage and protection, while now it’s thought to inspire confidence and attract good fortune.
Citrine
Citrine, named for the French word citron meaning “lemon,” embodies the cheerful warmth of sunlight. Its golden tones have long been symbols of joy, creativity and prosperity.
A member of the quartz family, citrine’s color comes from the presence of iron, producing shades that range from pale yellow to deep amber. It’s primarily mined in Brazil, Madagascar, Spain and Uruguay.
Often called “the merchant’s stone,” citrine is believed to attract success and dispel negative energy, promoting happiness and optimism.
December Birthstones: Turquoise, Tanzanite & Zircon
December’s birthstones feature all shades of blue: turquoise, tanzanite & zircon
Turquoise
One of the world’s oldest known gemstones, turquoise has been around for over 5,000 years, identifiable by its serene blue-green color long believed to be sacred.
Turquoise is a hydrous phosphate of copper and aluminum, giving it its distinctive hue, often webbed with veins of darker matrix. It’s mined in Iran, Egypt, China and in the Southwest region of the United States.
Associated with friendship, healing and peace of mind, turquoise is said to guard travelers and attract success. Persian horsemen once adorned their bridles and armor with turquoise, believing the gem would prevent falls and bring victory in battle.
Tanzanite
Only recently discovered in 1967, tanzanite is a relatively new birthstone. Introduced to the world by Tiffany & Co. in 1968, it quickly became one of the most desired gems of the modern era.
A variety of the mineral zoisite, tanzanite owes its color-shifting blue-violet hue to the presence of vanadium. It's found exclusively in Tanzania near Mount Kilimanjaro, making it extremely rare.
Tanzanite is seen as a stone of transformation, spiritual growth and new beginnings. It’s said to awaken intuition and inspire self-discovery.
Zircon
Zircon is one of Earth’s oldest natural minerals. Some crystals are more than 4 billion years old. Its brilliance rivals that of diamond, earning it the nickname “the gem of light.”
Composed of zirconium silicate, zircon occurs in a spectrum of colors, including its most beloved icy blue. Major sources include Sri Lanka, Cambodia and Australia.
Long regarded as a protective stone, zircon is believed to bring clarity, wisdom and inner peace. In the Middle Ages, it was thought to promote sleep and guard against evil.
Conclusion
Birthstones connect us to the stories and energies that have inspired people for centuries. Whether you wear your stone for its meaning, its beauty or simply because it feels like you, every gem tells a story.
At Bella Cosa Jewelers, we offer every birthstone and expert guidance to help you choose the gem that’s right for you. Explore our curated selection of birthstone jewelry or collaborate with our designers to create your own custom piece.
Shop birthstone jewelry or design your own at Bella Cosa Jewelers.