Birthstone Buying GuideBirthstone Education

January: Garnet

Garnets, the January birthstone are found in nature in every color except blue. The deep red, which is used for the January birthstone, is the most popular color of garnet. Garnet jewelry is believed to keep its wearer in good health and to protect them while traveling. Garnets can be worn to signify truth and faith.

February: Amethyst

Amethysts, the February birthstone are members of the quartz family. In ancient times, amethysts were prized by royalty for their regal, purple color. Amethyst jewelry is believed to bring its wearer good luck, and to radiate love.

The color of amethyst ranges from pale lilac to a deep purple. Differences in color may be attributed to the different areas where amethysts are mined. Amethysts are generally mined in Brazil, Uruguay, Bolivia, Argentina, Zambia, Namibia, and other African countries.

March: Aquamarine

The March gemstone, aquamarine, can be found in an array of colors ranging from pale to dark blue. Aquamarine jewelry is thought to embody the beauty of the oceans and bring its wearers knowledge, foresight, and inspiration.

Aquamarines are prized for their absence of inclusions and superior brilliance. The variety of shades of Aquamarine are known by their unique names such as the “Santa Maria,” which is the name for the rare Aquamarine found in the Santa Maria de Itabira mine in Brazil. Some other Aquamarines are known as “Santa Maria Africanas” because they are found in Mozambique mines in Africa. Aquamarines are also mined in Nigeria, Madagascar, Afghanistan and Pakistan.

April: Diamond

Diamonds, the April birthstone are the most brilliant and durable of all gemstones. For people born in April, diamond jewelry is said to protect their innocence and bring out their best qualities. Diamonds have been discovered in Canada, India, Russia, Brazil, Australia, and many countries in Africa.

Diamonds are prized for their superior brilliance and fire. When choosing a diamond it is important to take into consideration the cut, clarity, carat weight, and color of the stone. Read our Diamond Guide to learn more about what to look for when purchasing diamond jewelry, or a loose diamond.

May: Emerald

The rich green emerald, the May gemstone is known as the queen of gems. It has long been regarded as the symbol of fertility, rebirth, and springtime. Emerald jewelry is believed to protect its wearer from the perils of long journeys. Emerald not only makes for gorgeous birthstone jewelry, but is extremely popular among those born in other months.

The name emerald is derived from the Greek word “Smaragdos” meaning “green stone.” Today most of the world’s emeralds are mined in Columbia, Brazil, and Zambia. The natural green color of emerald is incomparable in the world of gemstones and, for this specific reason, the color is commonly referred to as “emerald green.”

June: Pearl

Pearls are indigenous to the waters surrounding Japan and China and are unique to the world of gemstones because they are the only gemstones that are formed within a living creature (ex: pearl oysters). These jewels of the sea come in a wide range of shades, from creamy white to dark black.

Highly valued as the most famed gemstone, pearl, the June birthstone is recognized for its beauty and elegance. The pearl is the only gemstone that is formed within a living creature making its beauty unique and natural. Pearls are found in the regions of Japan, China, Australia, Tahiti, Philippines, U.S.A., and Burma.

July: Ruby

This July birthstone has been the prized possession of kings and queens throughout the course of history. The ruby is a symbol of love and immortality. In some countries, rubies are used in engagement rings instead of diamonds. Overall, ruby rings, ruby earrings, ruby necklaces, and other types of ruby jewelry are extremely popular.

A ruby’s price is determined by color. The brightest and most valuable red shade of a ruby is called pigeon blood-red and commands the highest price. Rubies have been mined in Thailand, Burma, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Afghanistan, Tanzania, Vietnam, Nepal, Pakistan, U.S.A., and Greenland.

August: Peridot

Bright green peridot, the August birthstone, has been treasured since early times, dating back to ancient Egypt more than 3,500 years ago. Peridot jewelry is thought to drive away evil and have special healing properties that can protect their wearer.

Peridot is found in igneous rocks in the Earth’s upper mantle and small crystallites of peridot are often found in the basalt rocks created by volcanoes. It is found in the U.S.A., Myanmar, Egypt, China, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan.

September: Sapphire

The name sapphire is derived from the Latin word for blue, “sapphirus”, therefore it is fitting that September’s birthstone is a velvety blue shade. However, because sapphires are formed in nature, they come in an array of colors ranging from very light to very dark blue, yellow, brown, pink, violet, reddish orange, and bluish green.

Sapphire is one of the two gem varieties of corundum, the other being the red ruby. It comes in every color of corundum except red, with blue being the most popular. Sapphire rings, sapphire earrings, sapphire necklaces, and other types of jewelry that include sapphires, are in fact very popular.

Sapphires are mined from alluvial deposits and can be found in Myanmar, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Australia, Thailand, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tanzania, Kenya, and China.

October: Opal

Opals are prized for their phenomenal play of color that changes with the angle of observation. Opal, the October birthstone is a relatively soft and delicate stone. Opal jewelry is in high demand not only among those born in October, but is beloved by most jewelry wearers.

Opal is a mineral of hydrated silica. It derives its name from the Sanskirt name for precious stone; upala. Opals are found in the regions of Mexico, Brazil, U.S.A., Japan, Honduras, Kenya, Czechoslovakia, Peru, Canada, and Australia.

November: Citrine

Citrine, the November birthstone, is an orangey golden version of the gem topaz. The name citrine comes from the French word for lemon, “citron.” In ancient times, citrine was prized as a gift of the sun and believed to be an antidote to a viper’s venom. Citrine jewelry would make a great gift for a person born in the month of November.

Citrine is a pale yellow variety of crystalline quartz resembling topaz. The different shades range from yellow, gold, orange, and brown. Brazil is the leading producer of citrine.

December: Blue Topaz

Topaz comes in many colors, including light blue, pink, yellow, red and green. The December birthstone is a bright blue form of topaz and brings its wearer protection. The beauty of blue topaz not only makes it a great gift for someone born in the month of December, but overall blue topaz jewelry is one of the most desired types of gemstone jewelry.

Blue topaz is quite rare. Typically colorless or gray, blue topaz is usually heat treated and irradiated to produce a more desired darker blue. Important sources of topaz are in Russia, Siberia, Brazil, Sri Lanka, Africa, China, Japan, Nigeria, U.S.A., and Mexico.