Birthstones: The Chart In Detail!

You’ve probably heard of them, or seen them in jewelry stores or online. But what is a birthstone?

A birthstone is a gemstone associated with a specific month of the year. Each month has its own stone (and sometimes even several), which is supposed to bring luck, protection and various other virtues to those who wear it. Birthstones are often used in jewelry, such as rings, necklaces and bracelets, and are given as gifts to celebrate an anniversary.

You’re bound to come across articles on the web mentioning a tradition that goes back many years…and yet! It’s true that the supposed virtues of stones go back at least to antiquity, but the notion of a birthstone dates back only to the early 20th century, when a precise list was drawn up by the American Gem Society in 1912.

Since then, this list has evolved, including or removing varieties according to the beliefs, popularity and marketing efforts of certain major brands. Bear in mind that once a stone has achieved the official designation of “Birthstone”, its sales figures skyrocket!

So what are the birthstones? I think the more choices the better, so I’ve decided to combine all the old and current birthstones to get the full picture! Voila !

Birthstones: In Detail

January – Garnet

Garnet is a family of stones with many varieties. Although often perceived as red, it can actually be any color. Associated with the month of January, it is appreciated for its hardness and brilliance. Historically, garnet has been used in jewelry and as an ornamental stone.

February – Amethyst

Amethyst is a violet-colored variety of quartz that varies from light lilac to deep purple. Associated with the month of February, it is appreciated for its clarity and soothing hue. Historically, amethyst has been used in jewelry and as an ornamental stone.

March – Aquamarine and Bloodstone

March is now associated with two birthstones:

• Aquamarine is a light-blue variety of beryl. Associated with the month of March, it is appreciated for its hardness and marine nuances. Historically, aquamarine has been used in jewelry and as a protective stone for sailors.

• Heliotrope, also known as blood jasper (although this is not exactly the case), is a green quartz variety with red flecks. Associated with the month of March, it is appreciated for its contrasting colors and varied patterns. Historically, heliotrope has been used in jewelry and amulets.

April – Diamond

Diamond is a precious stone known for its exceptional hardness and incomparable brilliance. Often shown as transparent, it can show other very frank and rare shades. It is associated with the month of April and is highly prized in jewelry for its timeless beauty. Historically, it has been (and still is) considered a symbol of power and high social status.

May – Emerald

Emerald is a green gemstone associated with the month of May. It is famous for its intense color and natural beauty. Historically, it has been used in jewelry since antiquity and considered a sacred stone by various cultures, attributing healing and protective powers to its wearer.

June – Pearl, Moonstone and Alexandrite

June is a varied month with three birthstones:

• Pearls are organic gems formed inside certain mollusks. In addition to its white color, it can show shades of black or gold. Associated with the month of June, it is known for its natural beauty and soft luster, and is often used in jewelry to create elegant pieces. Historically, the pearl was considered a symbol of purity and innocence, and was sought after for its rarity and value.

• Moonstone is a stone with a pearly luster and a color that often varies between white and blue. It is associated with the month of June and is appreciated for its soft, mystical beauty. Historically, it has been used in jewelry since at least the Victorian era and has been consecrated as the official stone of Florida and the moon landing.

• Alexandrite is a unique stone with an optical phenomenon that enables it to change color according to the light source. It is particularly well known for its ability to change color from emerald green to crimson red, depending on whether it is illuminated by daylight or artificial light. This rare stone is associated with the month of June and is prized for its rarity and ever-changing beauty. Historically, alexandrite was used in Russian imperial jewelry.

July – Ruby

Ruby is a light to deep red gemstone. Associated with the month of July, rubies are prized for their vibrant beauty and rarity. Historically, it has been used in jewelry for centuries, appearing in royal crowns and luxury jewels around the world. Ruby is often considered one of the most prestigious and desirable gemstones.

August – Peridot, Spinel and Sardonyx

August is particularly rich in birthstones, with three:

• Peridot is a bright green to yellow-green gemstone associated with the month of August. It is appreciated for its refreshing color and crystal-clear transparency. Historically, peridot has been used in jewelry since antiquity, often mounted in jewels for its natural beauty.

• Spinel is a rare and precious gem that comes in a range of colors, although red is often the most sought-after. Traditionally associated with the month of August, spinel is prized for its brilliance and natural beauty. Historically, it has been used in jewelry for centuries, often confused with other gemstones due to its visual similarity to ruby and sapphire.

• Sardonyx is an orange-brown to brownish-red, almost black variety of chalcedony. It can show patterns mixed with white. Historically, sardony has been used to make seals and jewelry since Antiquity. It was prized for its hardness and ability to be carved into precise patterns and engravings.

September – Sapphire

Sapphire is a precious gemstone, famous for its intense blue color. It actually comes in a wide variety of colors known as fancy sapphires. Traditionally associated with the month of September, sapphire is prized for its enduring beauty and exceptional brilliance. Historically, sapphire has been used in jewelry for millennia, appearing in royal crowns and precious jewels around the world. This gem was often associated with royalty and nobility.

October – Opal and Tourmaline

Two stones stand out for the month of October:

• Opal is a family of stones best known for its variety of precious opals and its spectacular play of colors, which can include all the colors of the rainbow. It is associated with the month of October and is appreciated for its unique, ever-changing beauty. Historically, opal has been used in jewelry since Antiquity, often considered a lucky stone for those who wear it.

• Tourmaline is a versatile gem that comes in a wide range of colors, including pink, green, blue, yellow and black. It is associated with the month of October and is prized for its variety of vibrant colors and electrical properties. Historically, tourmaline has been used in jewelry for centuries, but it became particularly popular from the 19th century onwards with the discovery of rich deposits in Brazil.

November – Citrine and Topaz

November is associated with two stones:

• Citrine is a yellow to golden stone, often associated with the month of November. It is appreciated for its warm, sunny color, reminiscent of autumn hues. Historically, citrine has been used in jewelry since Antiquity, often confused with other yellow stones. As with tourmaline, its popularity increased in the 19th century with the discovery of large deposits in Brazil.

• Topaz is a gemstone that comes in a variety of colors, from light blue to golden yellow, pink, green and even colorless. It is associated with the month of November and is appreciated for its exceptional clarity and radiance. Historically, topaz has been used in jewelry since Antiquity.

December – Zircon, Tanzanite, Turquoise and Lapis Lazuli

December is the month with the widest choice of birthstones:

• Zircon is a natural gemstone that comes in a range of colors, from blue, green, yellow, red, brown and colorless. It is associated with the month of December and is prized for its brilliance and radiance. Historically, zircon has been used in jewelry for several centuries, often confused with diamond. It is also the oldest mineral today, with specimens dating back 4.4 billion years.

• Tanzanite is a rare stone, prized for its deep, vibrant blue-violet color, which is usually the result of a treatment. It is associated with the month of December and is prized for its rarity. Historically, tanzanite was only discovered in Tanzania in 1967, making it a relatively recent gem in the world of jewelry. This gemstone is often used to create haute joaillerie pieces because of its captivating beauty and intense brilliance.

• Turquoise is an opaque stone that varies in color from greenish blue to green, often with darker veins or patterns. Traditionally associated with the month of December, it is appreciated for its natural beauty and historical symbolism. Historically, turquoise has been used for millennia by various cultures, including the ancient Egyptians, Persians, Native Americans and other indigenous peoples. It was used in jewelry, talismans and carved objects.

• Lapis lazuli is a deep blue stone, sometimes with golden flecks of pyrite. Traditionally associated with the month of December, it is prized for its rich color and natural luster. Historically, lapis lazuli has been used since antiquity in the manufacture of jewelry and objets d’art, notably by the ancient Egyptians for the creation of amulets and funerary jewelry.

So what’s your birthstone? Mine is aquamarine or heliotrope!