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Kristen Swain

Wedding Lover at Love You Tomorrow

Kristen loves to write about weddings! She’s got a few tips and tricks up her sleeve that not many brides think of, because of how long she’s been involved in the wedding planning community. Having planned her own wedding, she’s speaking from personal experience when she guides you through the do’s and don’ts of your big day.

Latest posts by Kristen Swain (see all)

• Best Six Carat Diamond Ring Ideas - June 1, 2023
• White Gold vs Silver: Breaking Down the Differences - April 23, 2023
• Moissanite Eternity Band Ideas You will Love! - September 28, 2022

Birthstone Jewelry is one of the most personalized ways to wear jewelry that is individualized to you and your actual birth. Your unique gemstone can be worn subtly or with flair, so let me be your guide to finding the perfect gemstone jewelry for you. 

What are Birthstones?

Initially, the beginnings of birthstones were the gemstones that were associated with the breastplate of Aaron, made by Moses, as described in the Book of Exodus, on which held twelve gemstones representing the twelve tribes of Israel. 

Historically, a first-century historian, named Josephus correlated The Foundation Stones of Christianity, The Twelve Apostles, and the Twelve Signs of the Zodiac into a list of gemstones that were associated with the Apostles and were recognized by a stone worn each month. These stones were inscribed with the Apostle’s name and praised each Apostle and described his virtue to be recognized.

Although direct associations were lost in translation, customs, and tastes, these ideas were eventually molded into a list of poems that was published by Tiffany & Co in the 1800s. Eventually, in the early nineteen hundreds, the National Association of Jewelers created their list of birthstones associated with monthly dates. This list has been enhanced and updated from time to time throughout the years up to 2016.

Britain’s National Association of Goldsmiths also created a standardized list of birthstones in 1937 and eventually the two lists were somewhat merged as a more standard option.

Some eastern cultures attribute birthstones with astrology instead of with particular birth months. Gemstones have been given traits that are then associated with celestial bodies that are then directed more towards an individual’s birth time than a generic month association. When born, an individual’s birth will be astrologically charted and particular gemstones will be recommended for that person to be worn in general and specific areas of the body to assist and ward off potential problems.

How can I tell what Birthstone is right for me?

While wearing gemstones is a great way to assist your body in staying balanced and energetic, placing gemstones and crystals around your home is another way to use their healing energies to cleanse and heal your environment. Gemstones come in many forms, from jewelry to charms to large pieces for your home. It is your personal choice to decide the best setting for your purchase. 

One of the best methods to chose your gems is if you are shopping for a gemstone and get a lovely vibe from the stone, then it will be right for you. Feeling comfortable and interpreting good energy is the best way to make your choice. You may feel drawn to a particular color or type of stone- may be a pearl is calling out to you, or you adore a particular shade of aquamarine- these feelings are valid and will allow you to pick the best stone for you. 

That’s not to say that you may want to choose a particular stone because it has a special birth meaning to it. However, if you go shopping with a particular gemstone in mind, and are distracted by another stone feeling more in line with your tastes, then perhaps at that time, the gemstone you are attracted to is the one that you need in your life at that moment. Don’t buy a blue sapphire just because it’s your monthly birthstone, buy the blue topaz ring that felt like it was made for your hand because, in the end, that stone resonates with your energy. 

Monthly Birthstone Color and Meanings of Traditional Birthstones

Birthstone charts vary a bit in which the most traditional of stones are for each month, with some variations on each month. These birthstones can be different although similar depending on the information source and the region. Sources can find some charts that offer a few stones for some months but the most traditional stones are as follows-

• January: The Garnet symbolizes faith and devotion, this deep red stone can keep the traveler safe and expresses passion and happiness. Garnet was named for the word seed as it looks similar to a pomegranate seed.
• February: Amethyst was once considered a precious gemstone until vast amounts were found in Brazil, this now semi-precious stone varies in color from light lavender to deepest purple. Once only allowed to be worn by royalty, Amethyst was thought to curb drunkenness. It represents peace, relaxation, and courage.
• March: Palest teal Aquamarine was thought to cure heart, liver, and stomach illnesses, simply by soaking the gemstone in water and then consuming the water. A secondary gemstone, dark green with red specks, Bloodstone boosts energy and confidence. 
• April: The traditional diamond stone has always been considered a highly valuable gemstone, secondary to opals but the hardest natural mineral gemstone on earth. Diamonds represent long-lasting love as well as courage and have been associated with lightning, a weapon of the gods. This stone can be swapped out with lower costing quartz as either gemstone is considered interchangeable as the April birthstone.  
• May: Bright green Emeralds are precious gemstones that have been valued throughout time. Meant to enhance birth, vitality, and fertility, the stone was once one of Cleopatra’s favorite gems. Today the stone is also attributed with wisdom and patience.
• June: Traditionally three stones are associated with June as birthstones. Pearl, Moonstone, and Alexandrite. Pearl is an incredibly soft gem and Ancient Greeks associated it with the joyous tears of Aphrodite. Pearl’s representation of joy and simplicity goes well with Moonstone’s balance and femininity and Alexandrite’s balance. Pearls are delicate and meant for occasional wear. Moonstone is a grey-toned white gemstone with an inner light called chatoyancy that has been compared to moonlight gliding across the water. Alexandrite is a bluish-grey gemstone that is rarer than diamonds and is one of the few gemstones that changes colors, the stone is reddish-toned when in the light of incandescent lamps.
• July: The heat of the summer days reflects in the ruby red birthstone. Meant for love and passion, it was considered by Hindus as the ‘King of Gems’. Nobility and wisdom come spiritually with this gemstone, which can also be interchangeable with the gemstone Carnelian. A solid-looking stone, Carnelian is a brownish red to light pink and can stimulate intimacy and boots fertility. 
• August: The green peridot has been called the Evening Emerald and is known for its light green coloration. It represents protection and light and has been thought to protect the wearer from nightmares. Found in volcanic areas, it was thought to be the tears from the God, Pele. In conjunction, the secondary birthstone for August is the lesser-known Spinel. Spinels range in colors from red, which is the most valuable, to blue, pink, and orange. Spinels are very valuable and maybe in the higher price range as they are rarer than diamonds, and are known for being confused with Emeralds and Sapphires. Spinels are known for harmony. The third birthstone for August is Sardonyx, a red and white banded stone that signifies courage. Sardonyx also comes in other colorations, including green, black, and yellow varieties. 
• September: The bluest sapphire is the birthstone for September, symbolizing purity and wisdom, this gemstone was thought to guard against poisoning. Self-expression and sincerity are additional properties that the deep blue stone represents. Lapis Lazuli is a secondary stone if you are looking for a less well-known birthstone. Lapis is a bright blue-colored stone with marbling of other minerals, it is prized for its blue saturation. 
• October: The infamous Opal is this months’ birthstone. Opal has been regarded as a different stone, bad luck to those who wear it if it is not their birthstone. This is a myth perpetuated by several stories and is untrue. While Opal is a delicate stone and is usually glued into its setting, it can be worn without bad luck vibes. Opal was once considered the epitome of all stones as it had coloration, sparkle, and depth. Opal represents truth and overlaps with the other birthstone for October, Tourmaline, for protection. Tourmaline is a dual-colored stone in watermelon colors of pink and green. This lovely pink stone is good for creativity and is a beautifully unique color combination.
• November: The two lemon-colored birthstones for November are Yellow Topaz and Citrine. Almost indistinguishable, both Citrine and Yellow Topaz are similar in coloration and appearance. Signifying strength, happiness, and intelligence, both stones represent the eleventh month. While yellow Topaz is generally accepted at the November birthstone, additional colors of Topaz are also acceptable. 
• December: The last month of the year is represented by three stones, and in some cases, four birthstones. Turquoise is symbolic of well-being and can protect against evil spirits when worn on the hand. Tanzanite is a more rare gemstone, along with Zircon. The blue-purple Tanzanite is only found in Tanzania and as a more rare mineral is priced as such. Zircon is a colorless gemstone that is sometimes mistaken as Cubic Zirconia, a lab-created gemstone that is low quality and cost. Zircon can come in a variety of colors and stands for protection and wisdom. Tanzanite’s intuitive abilities accentuate Blue Topaz’s creativity boosts. Blue Topaz can be heat treated to enhance the coloration of the bluestone. It is the least expensive of the December birthstones, but all December stones are forms of blue, and you can make a lovely combination of a few of these ocean-toned birthstones. 

Zodiac Birthstone

Signs of the Zodiac give you the choice in accepting a birthstone that may be different from your birth month birthstone. The zodiac signs birthstones are different than the monthly stones and open up your choices to create a piece of jewelry that is appealing to you. And because some of these gemstones are representative of multiple days, you have the opportunity to perhaps purchase multiple colors of certain stones. 

The Zodiac signs and birthstones are:

• Aquarius- Jan 20 to Feb 18 – Garnet
• Pisces- Feb 19 to March 20- Amethyst 
• Aries- March 21 to April 19- Bloodstone
• Taurus- April 20 to May 20- Sapphire
• Gemini- May 21 to June 20- Agate
• Cancer- June 21 to July 22- Emerald
• Leo- July 23 to August 22- Onyx
• Virgo- August 23 to September 22- Carnelian
• Libra- September 23 to October 22- Chrysolite
• Scorpio- October 23 to November 21- Beryl
• Sagittarius – November 22 to December 21- Topaz
• Capricorn- December 22 to January 19-Ruby 

Daily and Birth Hour Gemstones

To ensure you get your most personalized birthstone options you can also choose them by days of the week, hourly, and even seasonal. So most likely, if you are absolutely in adoration of a particular gemstone, you can probably find a way to make it fit into your birthstone options.

Daily Birthstones

• Sunday-Sunstone and Topaz
• Monday- Moonstone and Pearl
• Tuesday- Star Sapphire, Ruby, and Emerald
• Wednesday- Star Ruby, Lodestone, and Amethyst 
• Thursday – Cat’s Eye, Sapphire, Carnelian
• Friday- Alexandrite, Emerald, and Cat’s Eye
• Saturday- Labradorite, Turquoise, and Diamond

Hourly Birthstones are based on am and pm hours and can specifically be applied or even a little more generally on just basing the hour-

Hourly

• 1 am/pm- Smokey Quartz and Zircon
• 2 am/pm- Hematite and Emerald
• 3 am/pm- Malachite and Beryl
• 4 am/pm- Lapis Lazulli and Topaz
• 5 am/pm- Turquoise and Ruby
• 6 am/pm- Tourmaline and Opal
• 7 am/pm- Chrysolite and Sardonyx
• 8 am/pm- Amethyst and Chalcedony
• 9 am/pm- Kunzite and Jade
• 10 am/pm- Sapphire and Jasper
• 11 am/pm- Garnet and Lodestone
• 12 am/pm- Diamond and Onyx

Seasonal Birthstones

• Spring- Emerald
• Summer- Ruby
• Autumn- Sapphire
• Winter- Diamond

Chinese Zodiac

Year of The 

• Rat- Emerald ( 2020, 2008, 1996, 1984)
• Ox- Lapis Lazuli (2021, 2009, 1997, 1985)
• Tiger- Ruby (2022, 2010, 1998, 1986)
• Rabbit- Sapphire ( 2023, 2011, 1999, 1987)
• Dragon- Ruby ( 2024, 2012, 2000, 1988)
• Snake- Opal ( 2025, 2013, 2001, 1989)
• Horse- Topaz ( 2026, 2014, 2002, 1990)
• Goat- Sapphire ( 2027, 2015, 2003, 1991)
• Monkey- Tiger Eye ( 2028, 2016, 2004, 1992)
• Rooster- Topaz ( 2017, 2005, 1993, 1981)
• Dog- Ruby ( 2018, 2006, 1994, 1982)
• Pig- Moonstone ( 2019, 2007, 1995, 1983)

Please note that depending on when the Chinese New Year took place, some signs may belong to a different zodiac than the year they are born. Some January and February fall into the year before not the next year. 

Guardian Angel Birthstone List

A guardian angel is a special angel that has been assigned by God to protect and guide a certain person, group, or even country. Each guardian angel has special powers to help direct their help to the certain needs of humans.

• January- Gabriel (Onyx)
• February- Barchiel (Jasper) 
• March- Malchedie (Ruby)
• April-Asmodel (Topaz)
• May- Ambriel (Carbuncle or any deep Red Gem)
• June- Muriel (Emerald)
• July- Herchel (Sapphire)
• August-Humatiel (Diamond)
• September-Zuriel (Jacinth)
• October- Barbiel (Agate)
• Novemeber-Adnachiel (Amethyst)
• December-Humiel (Beryl)

List of Birthstones based on the Twelve Apostles

One last Birthstone list is the List of Alternative Birthstones based on The Twelve Apostles.

There are two ways to apply this list- firstly, in name alone. If you share a name with one of the twelve apostles- Judas has been replaced by Paul- then these birthstones will have a strong connection to you.

Secondly, the Apostles represent the connection of the Twelve Powers of Man.

Jesus represents the center- the head- the central entity, and the Apostles represent the nerve centers where the facilities of these powers preside. Mystically these powers can help you heal or prevent illness and if you wish to spiritually guide your own body, using these birthstones can help balance your auras and chakras. 

• Brain Center- Peter- FAITH (Jasper)
• Loins- Andrew- STRENGTH (Garnet)
• Stomach- James the Younger- JUDGEMENT (Amethyst)
• Heart- John- LOVE (Emerald)
• Tongue- Phillip- POWER (Carnelian)
• Eyes- Bartholomew- IMAGINATION (Chrysolite)
• Brain Front- Thomas- UNDERSTANDING ( Beryl)
• Front Brain Center- Matthew- WILL(Topaz)
• Navel- James- ORDER ( Sardoynx)
• Back of Head- Simeon- ZEAL ( Jacinth)
• Abdomen- Thaddaeus- ELIMINATION ( Chrysoprase)
• Generative Function- Paul- LIFE CONSERVATION (Sapphire)

To test the theory of all true and alternative birthstones, we can take a person born on December 12 at 8:55 pm 1996 on a Thursday. Their options for birthstones are as follows-

• Monthly- Turquoise, Blue Topaz, Tanzanite, and Zircon
• Zodiac- Topaz
• Daily- Cat’s Eye, Sapphire, Carnelian
• Hourly- Chalcedony
• Seasonal- Diamond
• Chinese Zodiac- Emerald
• Guardian Angel Zodiac- Beryl

Create a piece of jewelry that is distinctly you. Add in the gemstones that you would choose, or create a singularly unique piece of jewelry that applies to only you. These stones are identified to bring good metaphysical properties and enhance your interactions with each stone.

Additionally, there are still yet more choices that can be made. Other Charts include Guardian Angel-based Zodiac, Apostle Names-based Zodiac, the new thirteen-based zodiac, and the Babylon Zodiac. Many of these alternative Zodiacs list the gemstones similarly to the monthly and Zodiac birthstone charts, but some differences can be found. These charts can be found through internet searches. 

Wearing other Birthstones that aren’t my birthstone

While it has been said that wearing the wrong birthstones can bring about bad luck, poor health, and financial issues, it’s just a matter of personal choice. While you should avoid purchasing or keeping any gemstone item that you receive that feels off or gives you an uneasy feeling, the opposite is also just as true. If you are drawn to a particular stone because of its color, inner beauty or find it extremely interesting, then that gemstone is meant for you. Gemstone beauty is the number one consideration to take into mind when you are considering a purchase; affordability, durability, and comfort of the piece are also highly important factors in determining your purchase. An example of a highly ostracised gemstone is the Opal. Once believed to be extremely lucky, this gemstone became known for being a less desirable stone to wear. The opal is a softer stone and does need to be cared for, but through stories and long ago archaic symbolism – that any stone with chatoyancy resembled the evil eye- this gemstone is a gorgeous choice that simply anyone with a love for opal can enjoy.

Wearing a less known but still beautiful gemstone is also an ideal way to mix up your jewelry. Birthstones like Bloodstone, Spinel, Tourmaline, and Lapis Lazuli are perfect ways to introduce unique pieces of gemstone into your jewelry collection. 

Gemstone Guide

There are many birthstone items available for sale, and creating a unique look is quite easy. However, some thoughts to creating jewelry that is customized so as not to make the birthstone item look inexpensive are-

Purchase a good quality setting. Sterling Silver, Gold, White Gold, and above should be your consideration. Sterling Silver and White Gold do tarnish and Rose Gold can leave the copper-colored green band even with good quality. If you purchase a metal that can tarnish over time, make sure that you can use a cleaner on the jewelry item without damaging the stone.

Birthstone Pendants and Necklaces

Bloom Boutique Sterling Silver Letter Birthstone Personalised Necklace

Your delicate initial with a small pendant charm features your birthstone. This pretty and delicate charm necklace is a subtle jewelry piece that is uniquely you. Choice of colors of metal, birthstone, and initial allow you to make the piece of jewelry that suits your tastes. I love that this pendant features an initial, as most jewelry isn’t this personalized. The letter is small enough to be very feminine as well, and the birthstone charm is a simple addition that creates a decorative look without being overly done. 

ONecklace Jewelry Initial and Birthstone Necklace

This large initial pendant is almost a half-inch large and will stand out featuring your initial. Made of one of three metals, you can choose your best metal color and chain to match. Add your birthstone on the letter in a small round faceted stone to catch the light as well as the smooth metal being a bit flashy in the light and you can have a bright and eye-catching piece. Most initial pendants don’t have the option of a birthstone and that makes this necklace stand out. The integrated birthstone on the initial letter creates a single charm that will not make a lot of jangly noise as you wear it. 

Macy’s Birthstone Gemstone & Diamond Accent Heart Pendant Necklace in Sterling Silver

This swirling extra-looped heart pendant features a swirl of diamonds and a center heart-shaped birthstone. This openwork heart dangles from a box chain that is about eighteen inches long. Add a lab-created birthstone that can vary from half a carat to almost two carats total weight and you can have a beautiful and elegant piece. The sparkle of the diamonds will catch the eye even if you have a matte or dark birthstone. Along with the swirling diamond accent, the openwork of the heart and the polish of the sterling silver will still ensure you have a lovely pendant if you have a sapphire, emerald, garnet, or amethyst birthstone. 

Factory Direct Jewelry Flower of Life Personalized Birthstone Pendant Necklace in Sterling Silver

This pretty looped pendant looks like a flower with a birthstone center. The loops on this flower represent pathways of life leading to connections of space and time. The gemstone is approximately a carat and a half and rests inside a sterling silver setting. Chain length choice is available if needed and purchased separately or together. This is a lovely design for less money and would make an excellent beginner jewelry piece for a younger teen or adult. 

Birthstone Rings

FAMILY GOLD Solid Gold Ombre Birthstone Ring

This slimline ring is set with thirteen gemstones per ring. The ombre effect is created by adding a few gems of White Topaz then adding the lightest color of your birthstone to the darkest, having a light to dark ombre effect. Made with 9k yellow gold, this ring won’t wear out easily. The total carat weight of the ring is close to or larger than a full carat of gemstones. I think this ombre effect works best with clear and transparent birthstones, but it’s still such a lovely effect that I would ask the seller for a preview of my birthstone before finalizing an order. I just am in love with the effect of this stunning ring. 

 Zales Mother’s Birthstone Crossover Ring

Three bands converge to one band, not just a single stone set into a ring, this ring features fifteen small brilliant-cut stones per curved band. Three bands allow you to choose birthstones for you and your parents, or your children, or simply chose your favorite three alternative birthstones. This ring would make a great month, day, and hour band. The lovely crossover design adds interest and will allow the gems to pick up light with hand movement. Some images may be needed to visualize the look you will be receiving, but it’s not an everyday-looking birthstone ring and for that reason, I added this one into my must-haves. 

Lafonn Simulated Diamond Birthstone Band Ring

Not every birthstone ring needs to feature multiple stones of various colors. This simple eternity-style band has birthstones separated by clear gemstones to allow the birthstone to be featured as well as bringing a sparkle to the ring with the clear stones. Sterling silver, this ring color will be a good base backdrop for any color of birthstone and the slimline of the ring allows the ring to be worn as a single ring or stacked with multiple rings. I like rings that aren’t obvious birthstone rings, and this stackable ring can show off your birthstone while still being a subtle piece that can be worn alongside other rings.

Zales Mother’s Marquise Birthstone Leaf Midi Ring

This pretty little ring would be an excellent solitaire hugger ring. Four tiny leaves on opposite sides balance out this delicate ring. Four stones are required so this ring could be a parental ring or even two parents and bride with her groom. Also, an idea would be to keep two leaves green or white and add two simple birthstones to add color. This ring is dainty and small and perfect for thin fingers but can be stacked on as well. Each marquis cut stone is about .03 of a carat and you can choose your metal color to personalize the ring. I have always loved any kind of simple leaf and vine design, and this one is just begging to be worn with a statement gemstone. You can wear this as a secondary birthstone ring, maybe a stone that is significant to you while you also wear a solitaire of your main birthstone. 

Bradford Exchange “Real Love Of Family” Personalized Genuine Birthstone Ring

Personalize this gemstone ring with up to twelve birthstones. I included this ring because of the extremely large amount of birthstones that you can have as a choice on this ring. The center stone is a white Topaz and the ring features both yellow gold and sterling silver. Add the engraving, the I love my family quote, and this ring turns into a family heirloom. Normally I would not be enamored with a ring like this, one with multiple color stones that don’t create a pattern, but this one has the main white topaz that anchors the smaller color birthstones into a more cohesive ring style. I think thing ring would be wonderful for the matriarch of the family. 

Mother Birthstone Jewelry-

A common gift for us mothers is a birthstone ring with the birthstones of our loved ones, some include our children and our nuclear family, while others may include our whole family, a certain group of people, or even our grandchildren. 

Lisa Angel Personalized Family Member Birthstone Charm Necklace

Simple and sweet, this necklace with birthstone center star charms can be added to create a really large celebratory family necklace. The seller allows for up to six charms added to the necklace, but multiple charms can be additionally purchased and added. Choice of metal color and birthstones are available, and the cost of the necklace starts at a low twenty dollars. These little stars that feature each birthstone are so very sweet, and that is what caught my eye. So small and just darling, the idea of these little charms could work well with a necklace as well as potentially a charm bracelet idea. 

Delezhen Custom Raw Boho Birthstone Cascade Necklace

Each piece of raw birthstone is capped with an unfinished edge pendant hoop in gold. The stones are looped onto each other, one dangling from the next so that the topmost gemstone is the single stone that hangs from the necklace bale. With twenty-one gemstone choices, you can blend and match your birthstones to create a cohesive pendant of coordinating colors. Customize up to thirteen stones, choice of metal, and length of the necklace. I love the rustic chic look of these pendants, pastel colors that are accented with a bit of bright gold, they are simple and elegant but not overly polished. 

Tom Design Birthstone Bar Necklace 

This unique bar features a word or short phrase, think Mother or Mama, and choices include birthstones, bar thickness, length, color, and necklace length as well as font for engraving and available options of multiple sides for this pendant. Font and wording can be left off as well and birthstone only can be chosen. This is a unique and beautiful pendant that allows multiple colors of stones without being multicolor obvious. These bar pendants are definitely of the more modern style trend, but I love that about them. Fun and quirky, they are simple enough to wear every day as well. 

Kay Jewelers Outlet Color Stone Mothers Necklace

 Single pendants that can be personalized with each child’s name, this pendant is the perfect add-on to a mother’s necklace. This bar drop pendant can be engraved with each name, and their birthstone added to the bottom of the bar. Chose your font, metal color, chain length, engraving font, and birthstone color, and each pendant can be personalized yet matching to create a loving and caring multiple birthstone necklace that mom will cherish forever.  Another bar type idea, these pendants are more of a tag, with the idea of a more two-dimensional piece, no need to twist and turn the pendant to see the name on the tag, very straightforward and modern looking, I like the idea of this as a single pendant for mom. 

FAQ’s

Conclusion

I had no idea that there were so many birthstone charts. I am quite intrigued by the idea of creating an hour, day, and month birthstone ring for myself. I was never a big fan of my birthstone, Amethyst wasn’t the sparkling, glittering stone I often saw for others close to me, and I adore the idea of using other stones to add to, or just singularly have for jewelry, ones that potentially will also benefit me mystically as well as an enjoyment of a pretty gemstone. Additionally, I do believe I will look into all my gemstones and add several of them to my jewelry collection. With the internet, it’s now quite easy to find ready-made, or customizable jewelry, as most stores now offer a huge selection of jewelry that you can pick and chose the stones for. 

I’m going to first choose unique stones, perhaps Tourmaline as I find the dual-color just beautiful, but stones with chatoyancy or stones with an inner glow, such as cat’s eye or moonstone also have my attention. Rings, earrings, and pendants will be my first birthstone purchases. I’ll be sure to add a few new pretties to my wish list!