The Complete Birthstone Guide: Meaning, Colors & Jewelry by Month

What Are Birthstones?

Birthstones are gemstones traditionally associated with each month of the year, each carrying a unique symbolic meaning. The modern birthstone list was standardized by the American National Retail Jewelers Association in 1912 and has been updated twice since — most recently in 2002, when tanzanite was added for December. Today, birthstone jewelry is one of the most popular forms of personalized jewelry, because it connects the wearer to their identity without requiring a custom engraving.

Birthstones trace their origins to the Breastplate of Aaron described in the Book of Exodus, which featured 12 stones representing the 12 tribes of Israel. Over centuries, these stones became linked to the 12 months of the calendar and the 12 signs of the zodiac. The practice of wearing your birth month's stone for good luck became widespread in 18th-century Poland and has continued ever since.

Whether you are shopping for yourself or choosing a gift, understanding what each birthstone means helps you pick a piece that resonates. Below, you will find the complete birthstone chart followed by a detailed guide to every month — including colors, meanings, personality associations, and Mint & Lily birthstone bracelets and birthstone necklaces to match.

What Is the Complete Birthstone Chart by Month?

The 12 modern birthstones are: January (Garnet), February (Amethyst), March (Aquamarine), April (Diamond), May (Emerald), June (Pearl or Alexandrite), July (Ruby), August (Peridot), September (Sapphire), October (Opal or Tourmaline), November (Topaz or Citrine), and December (Tanzanite or Turquoise). Each stone has a primary color and a traditional meaning that has been refined over centuries. Among Mint & Lily customers, the five most-ordered birthstones are September (sapphire), April (diamond), October (opal), June (pearl), and February (amethyst) — a ranking that holds steady year over year.

What Is the January Birthstone?

The January birthstone is garnet, a deep red gemstone that symbolizes protection and strength. Garnet has been worn as a talisman by travelers and warriors since ancient Egypt and remains one of the most recognizable birthstones due to its rich, wine-red color. In the Middle Ages, garnet was believed to guard against nightmares and provide guidance in the dark.

Color: Deep red, ranging from burgundy to pomegranate. Some rare garnets appear in orange, green, and pink, but the classic January garnet is a saturated red.

Meaning & personality traits: People born in January are often described as determined, ambitious, and grounded — qualities mirrored by garnet's association with stability and endurance. Garnet is also the stone of the second wedding anniversary.

Best metals to pair with garnet: The deep red of garnet pairs beautifully with gold and rose gold, which warm the stone's undertones. Sterling silver creates a striking contrast for those who prefer a cooler look.

Garnet Birthstone Bracelet

Price: $29 Best for: January birthdays, second anniversaries, or anyone drawn to deep red gemstones Personalization: Choose garnet as your birthstone in a beaded or charm bracelet design Collection: /collections/birthstone-bracelets

What Is the February Birthstone?

The February birthstone is amethyst, a purple quartz gemstone that represents wisdom, calm, and clarity of mind. Amethyst was once considered as valuable as diamonds — ancient Greek royalty drank from amethyst-studded goblets, believing the stone prevented intoxication. Today, amethyst is prized for its rich violet hue and its accessibility as a birthstone.

Color: Purple, ranging from pale lavender to deep violet. The most valued shade is a saturated purple with red undertones, often called "Siberian amethyst."

Meaning & personality traits: February-born individuals are associated with intuition, creativity, and a thoughtful nature. Amethyst's historic connection to sobriety and clear thinking makes it a popular stone for anyone seeking focus and emotional balance.

Best metals to pair with amethyst: Purple amethyst looks stunning set against all three metal tones — gold adds warmth, silver amplifies the cool violet, and rose gold creates a soft, romantic contrast.

What Is the March Birthstone?

The March birthstone is aquamarine, a pale blue gemstone that symbolizes courage and serenity. Its name comes from the Latin "aqua marina," meaning "water of the sea." Roman sailors carried aquamarine for safe voyages, and the stone has been connected to calm waters and clear communication ever since.

Color: Light blue to blue-green, evoking the color of shallow tropical water. The most prized specimens are a clear, medium blue without green undertones.

Meaning & personality traits: March-born people are often described as compassionate, artistic, and emotionally intuitive. Aquamarine's connection to water reflects adaptability and depth of feeling. It is also the gemstone of the 19th wedding anniversary.

Best metals to pair with aquamarine: Aquamarine's cool blue tone is a natural match for silver and white gold. Rose gold creates an unexpected, beautiful contrast.

Aquamarine Birthstone Bracelet

Price: $29 Best for: March birthdays, ocean lovers, or those who gravitate toward soft blue tones Personalization: Select aquamarine birthstone in a beaded or charm bracelet Collection: /collections/birthstone-bracelets

What Is the April Birthstone?

The April birthstone is diamond, the hardest natural substance on Earth and a universal symbol of love, commitment, and invincibility. Diamonds have been treasured for over 3,000 years, first in India where they were valued for their ability to refract light. The association between diamonds and engagement rings was popularized in the 20th century, but the stone's significance as an April birthstone predates that tradition by centuries.

Color: Colorless or white in its most classic form, though diamonds occur naturally in yellow, blue, pink, and black. For birthstone jewelry, a clear or white stone represents April.

Meaning & personality traits: April-born individuals are associated with courage, boldness, and resilience. The diamond's unmatched hardness reflects an unbreakable spirit.

Best metals to pair with diamond: Clear stones complement every metal. Gold adds warmth, silver highlights brilliance, and rose gold softens the overall look.

What Is the May Birthstone?

The May birthstone is emerald, a vivid green gemstone that represents rebirth, fertility, and renewal. Cleopatra was famously devoted to emeralds, and the ancient Egyptians associated the stone with eternal spring. Emerald is one of the four "precious" gemstones alongside diamond, ruby, and sapphire.

Color: Green, ranging from slightly yellowish-green to a deep, saturated forest green. The most valuable emeralds are a vivid, slightly bluish green.

Meaning & personality traits: May-born individuals are described as loyal, patient, and deeply connected to nature. Emerald's association with growth and renewal makes it a meaningful stone for new beginnings of any kind.

Best metals to pair with emerald: Emerald's green is dramatic against gold and rose gold. Sterling silver provides a cooler backdrop that lets the green stand alone.

Emerald Birthstone Bracelet

Price: $29 Best for: May birthdays, nature lovers, or marking new chapters Personalization: Choose emerald as your birthstone, or combine with other family members' stones Collection: /collections/birthstone-bracelets

What Is the June Birthstone?

The June birthstone is pearl, the only birthstone created by a living organism. Pearls symbolize purity, innocence, and wisdom gained through experience. June also claims alexandrite, a rare color-changing stone, as an alternative birthstone — but pearl remains the most recognized and widely worn June stone.

Color: Classic white or cream with a luminous, iridescent sheen called "orient." Pearls also occur in pink, lavender, black, and golden shades.

Meaning & personality traits: June-born individuals are associated with adaptability, warmth, and emotional intelligence. Pearl's organic origin — formed layer by layer inside a living shell — mirrors the idea that beauty develops through patience and time.

Best metals to pair with pearl: Pearl's neutral warmth complements gold and rose gold effortlessly. Silver creates a classic, timeless combination.

What Is the July Birthstone?

The July birthstone is ruby, the most valuable colored gemstone in the world and a symbol of passion, vitality, and power. Ancient Hindus called the ruby "the king of gems" and believed it protected its wearer from evil. Ruby's hardness — second only to diamond — makes it one of the most durable birthstones for everyday jewelry.

Color: Red, ranging from pinkish-red to a deep, saturated "pigeon blood" red. The finest rubies combine a vivid red hue with excellent clarity.

Meaning & personality traits: July-born people are described as confident, energetic, and passionate. Ruby's fiery color reflects vitality and zest for life. It is also the gemstone of the 15th and 40th wedding anniversaries.

Best metals to pair with ruby: Ruby's warm red is striking against both gold and rose gold. Sterling silver creates a bold, high-contrast look.

Ruby Birthstone Necklace

Price: $35-$49 Best for: July birthdays, milestone anniversaries, or anyone who loves bold red gemstones Personalization: Select ruby as your birthstone in a pendant or charm necklace Collection: /collections/birthstone-necklaces

What Is the August Birthstone?

The August birthstone is peridot, a yellow-green gemstone that symbolizes strength and healing. Unlike most gemstones formed in the Earth's crust, peridot forms deep in the mantle and is brought to the surface by volcanic activity. Ancient Egyptians called it "the gem of the sun" and mined it on a volcanic island in the Red Sea.

Color: Yellow-green to olive green, with a distinctive warm glow. The finest peridot is a vivid, slightly yellowish green without brown undertones.

Meaning & personality traits: August-born individuals are often described as strong-willed, generous, and optimistic. Peridot has been historically connected to healing and the warding off of negative emotions. It also serves as the gemstone of the 16th wedding anniversary.

Best metals to pair with peridot: Peridot's warm green-gold tone is a natural match for gold and rose gold settings. Silver provides a cooler balance that lets the stone's green pop.

What Is the September Birthstone?

The September birthstone is sapphire, one of the four precious gemstones and a symbol of truth, loyalty, and nobility. Sapphires have been worn by royalty for centuries — most famously in the engagement ring now worn by Catherine, Princess of Wales. The stone's exceptional hardness (9 on the Mohs scale) makes it ideal for everyday jewelry.

Color: Classic deep blue, though sapphires occur in every color except red (which would make it a ruby). For birthstone purposes, September sapphire is always blue.

Meaning & personality traits: September-born people are associated with sincerity, intelligence, and a strong moral compass. Sapphire's ancient connection to truth and wisdom aligns with these qualities. It is also the gemstone of the 5th and 45th wedding anniversaries.

Best metals to pair with sapphire: Sapphire's deep blue looks regal with gold and dramatic with silver. Rose gold adds an unexpected softness.

Sapphire Birthstone Bracelet

Price: $29 Best for: September birthdays, anniversary milestones, or lovers of deep blue gemstones Personalization: Select sapphire as your birthstone in a beaded or charm design Collection: /collections/birthstone-bracelets

What Is the October Birthstone?

The October birthstone is opal, a unique gemstone prized for its play of color — the ability to flash multiple colors simultaneously depending on the angle of light. Opal symbolizes hope, creativity, and spontaneity. October's alternative birthstone, tourmaline, comes in a broad range of colors and is gaining popularity as a more durable option.

Color: White opal displays a rainbow play of color against a pale body. Black opal is rarer, with vivid color play against a dark background. Tourmaline ranges from pink to green to watermelon (pink and green together).

Meaning & personality traits: October-born individuals are described as imaginative, free-spirited, and emotionally expressive. Opal's shifting colors reflect adaptability and multifaceted personalities.

Best metals to pair with opal: Opal's iridescent surface pairs beautifully with every metal tone — rose gold emphasizes pink flashes, gold highlights warm tones, and silver lets cool blues shine.

What Is the November Birthstone?

The November birthstone is topaz, a warm golden gemstone that symbolizes abundance, warmth, and good fortune. Citrine, topaz's more affordable alternative, shares the same golden color family and is often used interchangeably in birthstone jewelry. In ancient lore, topaz was believed to dispel enchantment and strengthen the mind.

Color: Classic topaz ranges from golden yellow to deep orange-amber. Blue topaz (a treated variety) is also popular but is not the traditional November color. Citrine ranges from pale yellow to rich honey.

Meaning & personality traits: November-born individuals are associated with generosity, optimism, and inner strength. The warm golden hues of topaz and citrine are considered stones of joy and abundance.

Best metals to pair with topaz/citrine: Golden topaz and citrine are naturals with gold and rose gold. Sterling silver provides a cooler counterpoint.

Topaz/Citrine Birthstone Bracelet

Price: $29 Best for: November birthdays, harvest-season gifts, or anyone drawn to warm golden tones Personalization: Choose your November birthstone in a beaded or charm style Collection: /collections/birthstone-bracelets

What Is the December Birthstone?

The December birthstone is tanzanite, a blue-violet gemstone discovered in 1967 near Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania — making it one of the newest additions to the birthstone list. December also claims turquoise (one of the oldest known gemstones) and blue zircon as alternative stones. Tanzanite was officially added to the birthstone chart by the American Gem Trade Association in 2002.

Color: Tanzanite shifts between blue and violet depending on the light, with the most prized specimens showing a saturated blue-violet. Turquoise is an opaque, robin's-egg blue. Zircon is a clear, brilliant blue.

Meaning & personality traits: December-born individuals are associated with wisdom, transformation, and a spirit of exploration. Tanzanite's recent discovery and rarity reflect uniqueness and new beginnings.

Best metals to pair with December stones: Tanzanite and turquoise both look stunning in silver settings that complement their blue tones. Gold adds warmth to tanzanite's violet undertones, while turquoise and gold is a classic pairing rooted in Southwest American jewelry traditions.

How Do You Choose Birthstone Jewelry?

Choose birthstone jewelry in three steps: identify the correct birthstone by month (using the chart above), select a jewelry style that matches the wearer's daily habits, and pick the right metal based on skin tone and personal preference. The most popular birthstone jewelry styles are bracelets and necklaces, because they display the stone prominently and are easy to layer with other pieces.

Step 1: Confirm the birthstone. Use the chart above and verify whether the recipient prefers the modern or traditional stone (June, October, November, and December each have alternatives).

Step 2: Match the style to the wearer. Someone who works with their hands may prefer a necklace over a bracelet. Someone who prefers minimalist jewelry will gravitate toward a single-stone pendant rather than a beaded bracelet. Consider their existing jewelry — do they wear gold or silver? Delicate chains or bold statement pieces?

Step 3: Pick the metal. As a general rule: warm skin tones (golden or olive undertones) pair well with gold and rose gold. Cool skin tones (pink or blue undertones) pair well with silver. Neutral skin tones look good in all three metals.

Multi-birthstone pieces are ideal for moms, grandmothers, and anyone who wants to represent multiple family members. Mint & Lily birthstone bracelets allow you to select up to 8 stones on a single piece.

For a complete walkthrough with sizing guidance, read our guide on how to choose a birthstone bracelet.

What Are the Best Birthstone Jewelry Gift Ideas?

The three most popular birthstone jewelry gifts are beaded birthstone bracelets (ideal for birthdays and Mother's Day), birthstone pendant necklaces (ideal for milestones and anniversaries), and multi-stone family pieces (ideal for moms and grandmothers). Mint & Lily offers birthstone jewelry in 60+ styles starting at $29, with 33,800+ five-star reviews on Trustpilot and free U.S. shipping on orders over $65.

For birthdays: A single-stone bracelet or necklace featuring the recipient's birth month. This is the simplest, most universally appreciated birthstone gift.

For Mother's Day: A multi-birthstone bracelet featuring all of her children's birth months. This is consistently the best-selling birthstone format for mothers — Mint & Lily data shows multi-stone bracelets outsell single-stone pieces 2-to-1 during the Mother's Day season. See our full personalized jewelry gifts for Mom guide for more ideas.

For anniversaries: A birthstone piece featuring both partners' stones side by side. Some couples choose the birthstone of the month they were married rather than their individual birth months.

For grandmothers: A multi-stone piece with every grandchild's birthstone. Bracelets with 4-8 stones are the most popular format for grandmothers, because each stone tells a story.

For graduates: Their birth month stone set in a pendant necklace — a piece they will wear long after the ceremony.

Family Birthstone Bracelet

Price: $29-$45 Best for: Moms, grandmothers, or anyone representing multiple family members Personalization: Choose 1-8 birthstones in a beaded or charm bracelet Collection: /collections/birthstone-bracelets

Birthstone Pendant Necklace

Price: $35-$49 Best for: Birthdays, milestones, or a single meaningful gemstone Personalization: Select one birthstone in a pendant setting — gold, silver, or rose gold Collection: /collections/birthstone-necklaces