Birthstones have been used for centuries as a way to commemorate a person’s birth month and are believed to have various symbolic meanings. The concept of birthstones can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as the Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians, who assigned specific gemstones to each month of the year based on their astrological and spiritual properties.
The modern list of birthstones was established in 1912 by the National Association of Jewelers in the United States, which standardized a list of 12 birthstones, one for each month of the year. The list has since been revised, and some months now have multiple birthstones to choose from.
Here is a list of the birthstones by month:
- January: Garnet
- February: Amethyst
- March: Aquamarine or Bloodstone
- April: Diamond
- May: Emerald
- June: Pearl, Alexandrite, or Moonstone
- July: Ruby
- August: Peridot or Spinel
- September: Sapphire
- October: Opal or Tourmaline
- November: Topaz or Citrine
- December: Turquoise, Zircon, or Tanzanite
Each birthstone has its own unique properties and meanings. For example, the garnet is believed to promote good health and protection, while the ruby is associated with passion and energy. Many people choose to wear their birthstone as a way to connect with these properties and bring good luck into their lives.