Birthstone Gems and their Meanings

Birthstone Gems

January
Garnet

Some traditions hold that garnet is a powerful protective stone, offering a shield of safety to the one who wears it—one reason it was treasured by ancient warriors and cherished by royalty. Often linked to the life force of blood, red garnet is also seen as a symbol of vitality, devotion, and radiant inner light.

February
Amethyst

Long associated with royalty, the color purple made amethyst a cherished gemstone among nobility. Over the centuries, it has also become linked with spirituality, mental clarity, and gentle, restorative healing.

March
Aquamarine

The name "aquamarine" comes from the Latin for "seawater", and the stones were thought to protect seafarers. Some associate aquamarines with marital happiness and superior intellect.

April
Diamond

Due to their extreme hardness, overall durability, and undeniable beauty, diamonds are associated with strength and eternal love. It is no wonder that they are commonly used in both engagement and wedding ring designs.

May
Emerald

Emerald has long been the very embodiment of the color green, celebrated since ancient times for its lush, vibrant beauty. A truly fine emerald is nothing short of mesmerizing, and this treasured member of the beryl family rightfully holds its place among the legendary “Big Four” gemstones—diamond, ruby, sapphire, and emerald.

June
Pearl

The most exquisite pearls reveal smooth, flawless surfaces and a soft, even glow—qualities that naturally connect them with ideas of honesty, purity, and timeless wisdom. Across cultures, pearls have long been seen as sacred gifts: some believed they were tears fallen from heaven, while others placed them in the graves of loved ones as symbols of protection and remembrance. In ancient Chinese tradition, pearls were said to embody wisdom and power, carried by dragons as treasures of the divine.

July
Ruby

Rubies have long been celebrated for their connection to vitality and strength. Treasured by warriors, these radiant gemstones were believed to resonate deeply with the human body, enhancing stamina and fortitude. Beyond physical power, rubies were thought to soothe anger and guide the wearer through intense or passionate social moments, offering both courage and balance in equal measure.

August
Peridot

Peridots have long been believed to offer protection through the night. A happy stone, their vibrant, sunlit hues inspired ancient associations with the sun itself, and it was thought that keeping a peridot close during the dark hours could ward off malevolent spirits and invite warmth, light, and safety into the wearer’s space.

September
Sapphire

Sapphires are one of the most revered stones of protection, believed to guard the wearer not only from physical harm but also from negative intentions and envy. In ancient traditions, they were thought to possess healing and medicinal properties, while blue sapphires in particular were considered deeply spiritual, often worn by priests and spiritual leaders. Among gemstones, sapphires are also remarkable for their rare asterism, sometimes revealing a luminous six-rayed star within their depths, adding a touch of celestial wonder to their enduring beauty.

October
Opal

With their ever-shifting play of color, opals have long been associated with light, magic, and mystery. Many traditions credited opals with gentle healing properties, particularly for the eyes, and some even believed the stone could grant invisibility to the wearer. While a few have held onto negative superstitions, countless others embrace opals as symbols of luck, wonder, and positive energy, celebrating their luminous beauty and enchanting spirit. Tourmaline is another powerful stone also associate with October.

November
Topaz

Throughout history, topaz has been celebrated for its powerful and mystical qualities. The ancient Greeks believed it bestowed strength upon its wearer, while other traditions credited it with attracting love or even granting invisibility. During the Renaissance, wearing a topaz amulet on the left arm was thought to offer protection from dark magic, while African shamans held the stone as sacred, incorporating it into healing rituals. In India, topaz worn over the heart was believed to ensure longevity, beauty, and wisdom, making it a gemstone of both elegance and profound spiritual significance. Citrine is another gold hued stone that is associated with November.

December
Turquoise

The turquoise birthstone has long been celebrated for its many beneficial powers, from promoting health and good fortune to offering protection in daily life. Beginning in the 13th century, it was believed to guard the wearer from falling—especially from horses—and to shatter into pieces as a warning when danger approached. Hindu mystics taught that glimpsing turquoise after observing the new moon could bring extraordinary wealth.
Turquoise also holds deep significance in Native American traditions. The Apache believed the gemstone could be found by following a rainbow to its end, and that attaching turquoise to a bow or firearm could improve accuracy. The Pueblo held that the gem’s vibrant hue came from the sky, while the Hopi imagined it formed from lizards scurrying across the earth.

In European tradition, gifting a turquoise ring carries the meaning: “forget me not.” In Tibet, turquoise is regarded as a national treasure, believed to grant protection, good fortune, and health. Beyond its historical and cultural symbolism, turquoise continues to be cherished as a stone of peace, offering calm and serenity to those who wear it—making it a truly meaningful gem for December birthdays.