Birthstones have been traced all the way back to Old Testament times, but the modern custom of birthstones that correspond to a specific month originated in Poland somewhere between the 16th and 18th centuries. Today’s list of birthstones was defined in 1912 by the National Association of Jewelers, and that list remains a cherished tradition.
Often jewelry set with a recipient’s birthstone is presented as a Birthday, Mother’s Day or Push gift but birthstones are a great way to personalize a gift for any occasion. Here are our jewelry picks by month.
January
The gem: Garnet
What it symbolizes: Love and friendship
Nouveau Diamond and Garnet Pendant
Diamonds and mixed metals accentuate the centerpiece birthstone in this pendant. 20k rose gold, 14k white gold and diamonds radiate around the 1.59 umbalite garnet.
February
The gem: Amethyst
What it symbolizes: Purity of spirit and energy
Flora Four Peaks Amethyst Yellow Gold Ring
An 18k yellow gold band accented with round brilliant cut diamonds separates into five branches, holding up a 9.07ct amethyst from the Four Peaks Amethyst mine in Arizona.
March
The gem: Aquamarine
What it symbolizes: Serenity, tranquility and harmony
Classique Aquamarine and Diamond Platinum Ring
The emerald cut of the 8.38ct aquamarine shows off its stunning water-like clarity. The gem is flanked by two trapezoid diamonds and flowing blue sapphires, all set in platinum.
April
The gem: Diamond
What it symbolizes: Eternal and lasting love
Star-Shaped Diamond Pendant
Natural white diamonds form a diamond shape and encase a 1.00ct diamond at the center of this pendant, handcrafted in 14k white gold.
May
The gem: Emerald
What it symbolizes: Wit, eloquence and foresight
Interlace Emerald and Diamond Ring
Vivid emeralds and round brilliant cut diamonds weave over and around each other in this ring from our Interlace Collection, handcrafted in 18k yellow gold
June
The gem: Pearl
What it symbolizes: Perfection and incorruptibility
Interlace Tahitian Pearl and Diamond White Gold Pendant
A loop and twist of 14k white gold and .14ctw of round brilliant cut diamonds captures this intriguing and exotic take on the June birthstone tradition: a South Sea Tahitian pearl.
July
The gem: Ruby
What it symbolizes: Nobility, wealth and passion
Flora Ruby and Diamond Earrings
Round rubies hold center court in these earrings, propped up by 20k rose gold and framed by round brilliant diamonds in an asteroid shape.
August
The gem: Peridot
What it symbolizes: Health, harmony and peacefulness
Deco Peridot and Diamond Platinum Ring
This selection harmonizes mixed metals (18k yellow gold and platinum) with a lustrous 5.11ct peridot at the center. The birthstone is accented with trapezoid cut and round brilliant cut diamonds.
September
The gem: Sapphire
What it symbolizes: Wisdom, virtue and good fortune
Escapade Multi-Colored Sapphire and Diamond Pendant
Why have one color of sapphire when you can have a suite of multiple colors? Five natural multicolored sapphires from deep indigo to bright yellow are framed by diamonds and palladium in this pendant.
October
The gem: Tourmaline
What it symbolizes: Compassion, coolheadedness, and healing
Interlace Pink to White Tourmaline Rose Gold Platinum Ring
A 4.49ct emerald cut bi-color tourmaline imparts a bit of magic as it shifts from fiery pink to frosty white. It’s set in a mixed-metal ring of 18k rose gold and platinum complemented with pink sapphires and diamonds.
November
The gem: Topaz
What it symbolizes: Love, passion and purpose
Evolve Imperial Topaz Platinum and Yellow Gold Ring
This fire-and-ice design suits a stone that symbolizes passion. A 5.96 imperial topaz in the gem’s rarest hue—golden orange—is set in 18k yellow gold and platinum, accented with pink sapphires and diamonds.
December
The gem: Tanzanite
What it symbolizes: Positivity and perception
Interlace Bi-Color Tanzanite Platinum Ring
This elegant and dramatic ring features a rectangular 5.14ct bi-color tanzanite in a curved, open-style platinum band. Floating diamonds and color-changing garnets complete the scene.
