Birthstones carry centuries of meaning, each stone associated with a month, a planet, a virtue or a healing property according to traditions from ancient India, the Old Testament, and medieval Europe. Today they are most simply a way to wear something personal: a gift that says “I thought of you specifically.”
Here is the complete birthstone guide, month by month, with what to look for when buying.
January: Garnet
Garnet is the classic January birthstone. Most people picture deep red, but garnet spans the full spectrum, from orange spessartite to vivid green tsavorite and demantoid. All are beautiful; the rarest and most valuable are fine green garnets. When buying, look for rich, saturated colour and eye-clean clarity.
February: Amethyst
Amethyst is the purple variety of quartz, and the most popular member of its family. Fine amethyst displays a deep, even purple without brown or grey tones. It is one of the more affordable of the traditional birthstones, making it an accessible choice for meaningful gifts. The finest amethyst comes from Brazil, Uruguay and Zambia.
March: Aquamarine
Aquamarine is the blue-green variety of beryl, the same mineral family as emerald. Its serene, ocean-blue colour makes it one of the most wearable of all gemstones. Value is largely driven by colour depth (the deeper the blue, the more valuable) and clarity. Santa Maria aquamarines from Brazil are the most prized.
April: Diamond
Diamond is April’s birthstone, the hardest natural material on earth, and the world’s most popular gemstone for good reason. For a coloured-gemstone alternative, consider white sapphire or a beautifully cut colourless topaz.
May: Emerald
Emerald is the rich green variety of beryl, May’s birthstone, and one of the most historically significant gemstones. Colombian and Zambian emeralds are the finest commercial sources. Most emeralds are oiled to improve clarity; this is accepted and standard, but must be disclosed. See our full emerald guide →
June: Pearl or Moonstone
June has two birthstones. Pearls, whether natural or cultured, Akoya or South Sea, are timeless. Look for even lustre, clean surface and good roundness in round pearls. Moonstone, with its floating blue glow (adularescence), is increasingly popular as a June alternative.
July: Ruby
Ruby is July’s birthstone and the most passionate of all gemstones. The finest rubies come from Burma (Mogok), with Mozambique as the most significant modern source. Always buy certified, and insist on treatment disclosure. Fine unheated Burmese rubies are investment-grade. Full ruby guide →
August: Peridot or Spinel
August now has two birthstones: the traditional lime-green peridot, and the newly designated spinel. Fine red and pink spinel from Burma is one of the collector market’s most compelling opportunities: natural, virtually never treated, and currently undervalued relative to ruby and sapphire. Spinel guide →
September: Sapphire
The sapphire, September’s birthstone, is the quintessential blue gemstone, though it comes in every colour. Blue sapphire is the most popular, with Ceylon (Sri Lanka) stones among the most prized. For the ultimate September gift, consider a padparadscha, a rare pink-orange sapphire found almost exclusively in Sri Lanka. Full sapphire guide →
October: Opal or Tourmaline
October also has two birthstones. Opals display a unique play of colour (opalescence); no two are alike. Tourmaline is October’s more practical choice: incredibly diverse in colour (from vivid green to electric pink to the neon Paraiba blue), durable and widely available. Tourmaline guide →
November: Citrine or Topaz
November’s birthstones are citrine (golden-yellow quartz) and topaz. Blue topaz is widely available and affordable; imperial topaz, a rich orange-yellow, is significantly rarer and more valuable. Citrine’s sunny colour makes it a popular, cheerful choice.
December: Tanzanite, Turquoise or Zircon
December has three birthstones. Tanzanite, found only near Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, displays a remarkable blue-violet colour that changes under different lighting. Being found in a single geographic location, its supply is finite and prices have appreciated significantly. Turquoise is the ancient classic; blue zircon is a brilliant, underappreciated alternative.
Whatever your month, a natural, certified gemstone is a gift with both personal meaning and lasting worth. At Safir, we will help you find the right stone at whatever scale makes sense for your occasion and budget.
Explore our natural gemstones → or book a private consultation → to discuss what you are looking for.