All About Birthstones and Their History

Birthstones are more than just gems - they're symbols of one's birth month and personality. Often, they hold significant meaning and many people believe in their healing properties. With so many different options, from Ruby to Sapphire to Topaz, there's a birthstone for everyone.


Each month has its specific birthstone, and each stone is thought to have unique properties that bring good luck and prosperity to the wearer. The tradition of wearing birthstone jewelry dates back to ancient times and has been passed down through generations. These gems have captivated us for centuries with their range of colors and meanings. Whether you're looking for a thoughtful gift or a meaningful accessory, birthstone gems are a beautiful and personal choice. In this blog, we'll explore the history, lore, and symbolism behind each birthstone gem.

January: Garnet

Garnet is the birthstone for January birthdays. It is a beautiful deep red color that symbolizes passion, strength, and courage. This gemstone has been used for centuries to promote healing and ward off negative energy. The word "garnet" comes from the Latin word "granatus," which means "seed-like," referring to its resemblance to a pomegranate seed.

February: Amethyst

Amethysts are the beautiful stone associated with the month of February. They have a stunning purple color that is said to represent royalty, courage, and inner strength. Legend has it that wearing an Amethyst can protect one from drunkenness and promote sobriety, making it a popular choice for drinking vessels in ancient times. Other beliefs hold that this gemstone can bring clarity of mind and help one to focus their energy.

March: Aquamarine

Aquamarine is known for its beautiful blue-green hue that symbolizes youth, health, and hope. Its name derives from the Latin words "aqua" and "marina," which mean "water" and "of the sea," respectively. Historically, Aquamarine has been associated with the protection of sailors, and it was believed to bring good luck and calm rough waters. Today, it is a popular gemstone for jewelry, offering a unique and vibrant addition to any collection.

April: Diamond

Diamond is the birthstone for April and is one of the most popular and well-known gemstones in the world. The word "diamond" is derived from the Greek word "adamas," which means invincible or indestructible, referring to its incredible hardness and durability. Diamonds are often associated with love and commitment, making them a popular choice for engagement rings and wedding bands. Additionally, Diamonds have been used throughout history for their supposed healing properties, including mental clarity and protection against negative energies.

May: Emerald

Emeralds are one of the most sought-after and valuable gemstones in the world, known for their lustrous green color and timeless beauty. They have been prized by royalty and the wealthy throughout history, with Cleopatra being one of the most famous Emerald collectors. In addition to their aesthetic appeal, Emeralds are also believed to have healing properties, particularly in promoting emotional balance and harmony. They are the birthstone for May and are a popular choice for both fine jewelry and statement pieces.

June: Alexandrite or Pearl

Alexandrite is a rare and unique gemstone that was first discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia in the 1830s. It is known for its remarkable color-changing properties, appearing green or blue under daylight or fluorescent light and red or purple under incandescent light. As the birthstone for June, Alexandrite is believed to bring good fortune and creativity to its wearers. It is also known for its alleged healing properties, particularly in promoting emotional and spiritual balance.

The Pearl birthstone is said to symbolize purity and innocence. These lustrous gems come in a variety of colors, including white, black, and pink.

July: Ruby

Ruby is one of the most classic and timeless gemstones in the world, with a vibrant red color that has captivated people's attention for centuries. This precious stone is the birthstone for July and is known for its symbolic attributes of love and passion. It has been said that the ruby can bring good fortune, success, and positive energy to its wearers, making it a popular choice for engagement rings and other romantic jewelry. Additionally, the Ruby is believed to have healing properties, particularly in boosting energy levels and promoting overall wellness.

August: Peridot

Peridot, the birthstone for August, is a vibrant green gemstone prized for its lush color and bright, sparkling nature. It is often associated with the sun and with good luck, and is believed to promote prosperity, growth, and abundance in all areas of life. Additionally, Peridot is said to have powerful healing properties that can help with everything from stress relief to boosting the immune system. Whether worn as jewelry or used for its healing benefits, Peridot is a versatile and beautiful gemstone that is sure to delight anyone lucky enough to receive it.

September: Sapphire

Sapphire is a stunning gemstone that is deeply associated with wisdom, loyalty, and faithfulness. Its rich, blue color has made it a popular choice for engagement rings and other romantic jewelry, while its purported healing properties have made it a favorite of those seeking balance and peace in their lives. Many cultures throughout history have valued Sapphire for its ability to attract good fortune, enhance intuition, and promote mental clarity, making it a versatile and highly valued gemstone to this day. 

If you're looking for an alternative birthstone, consider lapis lazuli or iolite.

October: Pink Tourmaline or Opal

Pink Tourmaline is a beautiful and rare gemstone that is often associated with the month of October. Its pink hue has made it popular for use in jewelry, particularly in classic and vintage styles. In addition to its aesthetic qualities, the rose gemstone is deeply associated with love, passion, and romance. Its soft pink hue symbolizes delicate beauty and grace, making it a popular choice for jewelry and other decorative accessories.

The Opal birthstone is an alternative choice for October birthdays and is said to symbolize creativity and inspiration. These beautiful gems come in a variety of colors, including white, black, and blue. Opal is known for its unique display of rainbow-like colors, called "play-of-color," which can range from subtle to vibrant depending on the light.

Opal was first discovered in Australia in the 19th century, but it has been valued by many cultures for centuries. The ancient Greeks believed that opals gave their owners the power of prophecy, while the Romans considered them a symbol of hope and purity.

November: Citrine or Yellow Topaz

Citrine is a vibrant and beautiful gemstone with a sunny yellow hue and sparkling shine that evokes images of warmth and happiness. Citrine is highly valued for its ability to inspire creativity and promote feelings of abundance and success, making it a popular choice for those seeking to enhance their creativity and manifest their goals. In addition to its metaphysical properties, Citrine is also said to have physical health benefits, such as soothing digestive issues and enhancing immune function.

Yellow topaz is another beautiful gemstone that is the birthstone for the month of November. It is known for its warm golden hue and stunning brilliance. Yellow topaz is also a symbol of strength, healing, and protection.

This gemstone is hard and durable, making it suitable for everyday wear. It has a high refractive index, which means that it is very reflective and can sparkle in any light. Yellow topaz is also known for its pleochroism, which means that it can display different colors when viewed from different angles.

December: Blue Topaz or Tanzanite

Blue Topaz is a soothing and calming gemstone with a pale blue hue that promotes mental clarity and clear communication. It is often associated with relaxation and peacefulness, making it a popular choice for those seeking to reduce stress and anxiety. In addition to its metaphysical properties, blue topaz is also said to have physical health benefits such as enhancing respiratory function and reducing inflammation. Its calming properties and beautiful color make Blue Topaz a wonderful choice for jewelry and decoration.

Tanzanite is a rare and highly prized gemstone that is recognized as an alternate birthstone for December. It was discovered relatively recently in 1967 and is found exclusively in Tanzania, hence its name.

Tanzanite is often associated with qualities such as transformation, spiritual growth, and communication. It is believed to enhance intuition, stimulate the third eye chakra, and promote a sense of calmness and clarity. Some also consider it a stone of protection and luck.



Birthstones have played a significant role in human history and continue to be cherished to this day. Each gemstone has its own unique beauty and symbolism that's worth exploring. Whether you're looking to wear birthstone jewelry for its believed healing properties, as a personal symbol or just for its stunning aesthetic appeal, the world of birthstones offers a wide variety of options. So go ahead and explore the world of birthstones, and find your perfect match!

If you're looking for high-quality birthstone jewelry as a gift for a loved one or a special treat for yourself, Harris Jeweler has unlimited options to choose from including Kendra Scott birthstone necklaces starting at just $65 and one-of-a-kind creating made in our design studio! Check out our website or stop in today to see our selection!