What are the Birthstone Colors and Meanings?
Birthstone Colors by Month (Modern & Traditional)
Use this quick month-by-month guide to find the color of your birthstone, its meaning, and popular alternatives. Explore designs or read the full Gemstone Guide for deeper education.
January Birthstone — Garnet
Garnet is celebrated for saturated reds (with rarer greens) and a timeless, elegant glow.
- Alternatives: Lab-grown garnet
- Care tips: Warm water, mild soap; avoid harsh ultrasonic if heavily included.
February Birthstone — Amethyst
Beloved for its violet hues—from soft lilac to deep royal purple.
- Alternatives: Lab-grown amethyst
- Care tips: Keep from prolonged direct sunlight; gentle cleaning.
March Birthstone — Aquamarine (Modern) & Bloodstone (Traditional)
Aquamarine offers oceanic blues; bloodstone is a dramatic, earthy alternative.
- Alternatives: Lab-grown aquamarine
- Care tips: Aquamarine: gentle cleaning; Bloodstone: avoid harsh chemicals.
April Birthstone — Diamond
Classic brilliance and durability for everyday heirlooms.
- Alternatives: White sapphire, moissanite (lab-created).
- Care tips: Soak in warm water with mild soap; soft brush.
May Birthstone — Emerald
Emerald’s lush greens feel instantly luxurious and classic.
- Alternatives: Green sapphire, chrome diopside.
- Care tips: Avoid ultrasonic; mild soap + water only.
June Birthstones — Pearl (Traditional) & Alexandrite (Modern)
Pearls are timeless; alexandrite shifts color with lighting—pure magic.
- Alternatives: Moonstone (often used as June alternative).
- Care tips: Pearls last longest away from chemicals; soft cloth only.
July Birthstone — Ruby
Ruby’s vivid reds symbolize passion and enduring strength.
- Alternatives: Red spinel, garnet.
- Care tips: Gentle clean; avoid hard knocks.
August Birthstones — Peridot (Modern), Spinel (Modern), Sardonyx (Traditional)
Choose lively peridot, versatile spinel, or classic sardonyx banding.
- Alternatives: Green tourmaline.
- Care tips: Peridot: avoid thermal shock; Spinel: durable; Sardonyx: gentle clean.
September Birthstone — Sapphire
From cornflower blues to pinks and yellows, sapphire covers a stunning spectrum.
- Alternatives: Blue spinel, blue topaz.
- Care tips: Very durable; gentle clean.
October Birthstones — Opal (Traditional) & Tourmaline (Modern)
Choose opal’s shimmering play-of-color or tourmaline’s vibrant palette.
- Alternatives: Pink topaz.
- Care tips: Opal prefers gentle, no ultrasonic; Tourmaline: mild soap + water.
November Birthstones — Topaz (Modern) & Citrine (Modern)
Warm, sunny tones that pair beautifully with silver or gold.
- Alternatives: Simulated lab-grown stones.
- Care tips: Gentle clean; avoid extreme heat.
December Birthstones — Turquoise (Traditional), Lapis (Traditional), Blue Zircon (Modern), Blue Topaz (Modern)
From opaque turquoise to brilliant blue zircon and topaz, December is rich in blues.
- Alternatives: Tanzanite (often used as a modern December option).
- Care tips: Turquoise & lapis are porous—avoid chemicals; zircon/topaz: gentle clean.
Birthstone FAQs
What’s the difference between modern and traditional birthstones?
Traditional lists come from historical customs; modern lists reflect updated trade standards and popular alternatives.
Can birthstone colors vary?
Yes—natural gems vary by origin and cut; color families are guidelines, not exact matches.
About Jewelry Artist Lisa Ramos
Lisa Ramos is a member of the Art Association Napa Valley, Argentium Silver Guild, BayAreaMade, MJSA, and International Gem Society (IGS).
beautiful design
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