The Best Places to Buy Birthstone Jewelry

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Birthstone jewelry has long been associated with meaning, with each gemstone tied to a specific month and believed to reflect personality, energy, and intention. 

Today, these pieces go beyond tradition, they’re a go-to for thoughtful gifts, personal keepsakes, and everyday jewelry with a story behind it.

With so many retailers offering birthstone pieces, the difference comes down to quality, craftsmanship, price point, and overall style. 

After comparing the top options, a few brands stand out depending on what you’re looking for, whether that’s a meaningful gift, a custom design, or something simple you can wear every day.

The Best Places to Buy Birthstone Jewelry:

Each of these jewelers excels in a specific area, so the right choice ultimately depends on your priorities, whether that’s budget, customization, or design style. Here’s how they compare at a glance:

The Best Birthstone Jewelers At A Glance

BrandBirthstonesPrice rangeDifferentiationChosen item
Blue NileAll birthstones~$75 – $84,720Many options/Wide price rangeBirthstone Tennis Bracelet in 14K White Gold
Brilliant EarthAll birthstones~$95 – $75,000Personalized gemstone ringBirthstone Huggie Earrings in 14K White Gold
James AllenAll birthstones~$145 – $106,145Many options and gemstonesBirthstone Earrings In 14K Yellow Gold
Monica VinaderNo opal jewelry ~$125 – $1,29518k gold jewelryBirthstone Locket Necklace
KinnNo opals and no moonstone jewelry ~$180 – $5,48014 solid gold jewelry/ some pieces are made to orderMilestone Baguette Birthstone Charm 
Jared jewelersNo moonstone jewelry~$60 – $154,997Personalized gemstone jewelryCultured Pearl Dangle Hoop Earrings 14K Yellow Gold
MejuriNo moonstone jewelry~$78 – $7,100Affordable fine jewelry/ Modern designsPuzzle Stacking Ring
GLDNAll birthstones~$48 – $548Affordable jewelry/ made to orderAura Birthstone Duo Studs
Stone and StrandAll birthstones~$120 – $1,275Affordable gift options/ 14K solid goldEmerald Cut Birthstone Bonbon Necklace
Cat birdAll birthstones~$18 – $5,180Affordable 14k gold jewelry/ wide price rangeLittle Star Birthstone Charm Bracelet

The Origin of Birthstones

The tradition of wearing gemstones for protection and good fortune dates back centuries.

In the Middle Ages, people believed that certain stones had healing, protective, and luck-bringing properties, and gemstones were often carried as talismans or worn as jewelry. 

Beyond their symbolic value, gemstones were also prized for their color, which was considered the most important factor in determining a stone’s worth.

Over time, these stones became linked to astrology, with specific gemstones associated with zodiac signs. Eventually, they were connected to the months of the year, giving rise to the idea of a “birthstone” for each month.

The first standardized list of modern birthstones was published in 1912 by the American National Retail Jewelers Association (now known as Jewelers of America), creating the framework we still use today.

Birthstones by Month

MonthBirthstone(s)ColorSymbolism
JanuaryGarnetTypically deep red (like a pomegranate), also orange, green, black, purple, and colorlessPeace, friendship, devotion, balance
FebruaryAmethystLight pinkish violet to deep reddish-purpleSecurity, passion, clarity of mind, protection
MarchAquamarinePale blue to deeper, saturated blueCourage, health, serenity, clear communication
AprilDiamondMost commonly colorless; also yellow, brown, pink, red, orange, blue, purple, blackPurity, eternal strength
MayEmeraldDeep greenGrowth, patience, hope
JunePearl & MoonstonePearl: White and cream most common; also pink, silver, green, blue, brown, purple
Moonstone: Yellow, gray, green, blue, peach, pink
Pearl: Purity, wisdom, calm
Moonstone: Calm, new beginnings
JulyRubyIntense redPassion, courage, protection
AugustPeridotLime green to deep olive, often with yellow tonesStrength, happiness, good fortune
SeptemberSapphireBlue most common; also orange, yellow, pink, green, purple, white, brownWisdom, clarity
OctoberOpal & TourmalineOpal: Wide array of shifting, iridescent colors
Tourmaline: Pink/red, green, blue-to-violet, watermelon
Opal: Inspiration, creativity
Tourmaline: Pink = Compassion, Green = Growth, Blue = Peace, Watermelon = Balance & Creativity
NovemberTopazBlue, green, yellow, orange, red, pink, purple, colorlessHealing, dispelling anger
DecemberTanzaniteBlue-purpleInsight, intuition, emotional clarity

Blue Nile: Best for Gifts

blue nile

Blue Nile is a go-to for gift-worthy birthstone jewelry, offering over a thousand pieces spanning rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. 

Their designs range from timeless classics to more eye-catching statement pieces, covering nearly every gemstone imaginable. 

The website is easy to navigate, with detailed information about each birthstone and free 30-day returns, plus 24/7 customer support. 

With so many options, it’s easy to find something for any budget, though the variety can feel overwhelming, and not every piece allows for switching out the birthstone.

  • Wide selection across all jewelry types
  • Free returns and 24/7 customer support

Brilliant Earth: Best For Customized Rings

 Best Places to Buy Birthstone Jewelry

Brilliant Earth excels for those who want to create a personalized birthstone ring. 

While diamonds dominate their catalog, the brand also offers high-quality gemstones set in sleek, modern designs.

Each piece is crafted with attention to detail and ethical sourcing, making it ideal for thoughtful, meaningful jewelry. Free returns and responsive customer support make the shopping experience simple. 

The selection of opals is limited, and not every ready-to-buy design allows for customization, but the brand is unmatched for custom rings.

  • Option to customize birthstone rings with many gemstones
  • Modern, high-quality, ethically sourced designs

James Allen: Best For Opal Jewelry

james allen

James Allen is one of the leading online jewelry retailers and a strong choice for high-quality birthstone pieces. 

The website features crystal-clear images from multiple angles, letting you examine stones in detail before buying. Many designs are customizable, letting you choose your preferred birthstone and sometimes the stone quality. 

The selection is excellent for classic jewelry lovers, though customization is mostly limited to sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and diamonds. 

Designs tend toward the traditional, but the quality and breadth of options make it a reliable choice.

  • High-quality images and customizable options
  • Strong selection of classic birthstone jewelry

Mejuri: Best For Everyday Jewelry

mejuri

Mejuri is ideal for minimalist, modern birthstone jewelry designed for everyday wear. 

Their pieces are elegant yet understated, perfect for layering or wearing solo, and prices are generally approachable. 

The selection is smaller than some larger retailers, and gemstones are often on the petite side, but the style is consistently chic and timeless. 

If you’re looking for something subtle, versatile, and wearable every day, Mejuri delivers.

  • Affordable, minimalist designs for daily wear
  • Modern, sophisticated, versatile pieces

Stone and Strand: Best for Gold Jewelry

stone and strand

Stone and Strand, based in New York, specializes in solid gold, ethically sourced birthstone jewelry crafted to last a lifetime. 

Their designs are simple, thoughtful, and perfect for everyday wear or special occasions. Free shipping on orders over $80 and a 5-year warranty make purchasing worry-free. 

While their pieces are elegant, pearls and opals are largely absent, and there are no silver options, so the selection is more limited if you’re looking for variety in stones or metals.

  • Solid gold, ethically sourced, designed for everyday elegance
  • Free shipping and 5-year warranty

Catbird: Best For Affordable Jewelry

catbird

Catbird’s birthstone collection focuses on fun, mix-and-match pieces crafted from 10K and 14K recycled gold.

Perfect for layering and casual wear, their jewelry is easy to style and affordable without compromising quality. 

Most stones are small, and designs are simple, but that simplicity makes them versatile for daily outfits or stacking with other pieces. 

Catbird is ideal if you want sustainable, wearable jewelry that doesn’t break the bank.

  • Affordable, sustainable gold birthstone jewelry
  • Layerable, playful, everyday-friendly designs

Other Mentionable Brands:

If you’re looking beyond the top picks, there are a few additional brands that are still worth considering depending on your style and priorities.

Monica Vinader

Monica Vinader is a strong option for affordable, giftable pieces, especially if you’re drawn to charms, necklaces, and bracelets. 

Their birthstone selection leans classic and versatile, with matching sets available, though the range is limited to those categories, you won’t find rings, earrings, or opal pieces here.

Kinn

Kinn, based in Los Angeles, takes a more elevated approach with recycled 14k gold and ethically sourced gemstones. 

The designs are minimal and timeless, ideal if you want something that feels a bit more refined. 

That said, their selection is narrower, with fewer earring options and no opal or moonstone pieces.

Jared Jewelers

Jared Jewelers offers the opposite experience from Kinn, with a massive inventory and a wide range of price points. 

As part of a major jewelry retailer, they’re a reliable place to find everything from classic birthstone styles to personalized pieces, often with frequent promotions. 

The tradeoff is that the designs tend to be more traditional, and the sheer volume of options can feel overwhelming.

How To Choose The Right Birthstone Piece

blue nile

Birthstone jewelry is more accessible than ever, with brands offering everything from delicate everyday pieces to high-end, custom designs. Whether you’re buying for yourself or someone else, there’s truly something for every style and budget.

When choosing a piece, start with the gemstone itself. Look for rich, saturated color, this is often what gives a stone its depth and value. Clarity matters too; fewer visible inclusions typically mean a more refined, luminous look.

From there, think about longevity. Different gemstones require different levels of care, and many are treated to enhance their appearance. Avoid harsh cleaners or abrasives, and take the time to understand how to properly care for your specific stone so it keeps its brilliance over time.

The best piece is the one that fits how you plan to wear it, whether that’s a meaningful gift, a signature everyday accessory, or a custom design made just for you.

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