The custom of wearing a single birthstone is only a few centuries old, though modern authorities differ on dates. Some place the custom in 18th century Poland while others trace it to Germany in the 1560s. The tradition has much deeper roots, however — in the eighth and ninth centuries, religious treatises associated particular stones with apostles, linking their virtues to gemstones inscribed on the Foundation Stones.
In 1912, in an effort to standardize birthstones, the American National Association of Jewelers (now Jewelers of America) met in Kansas and officially adopted a list. This list has been updated a few times since, most recently in 2002 with the addition of tanzanite for December.
Birthstone by Month
January — Garnet
Garnet symbolizes trust and friendship. Most commonly seen in a deep red, garnets actually occur in nearly every color. They have been used in jewelry for thousands of years and are prized for their brilliance.
February — Amethyst
Amethyst is a purple variety of quartz and has long been associated with clarity of mind and sobriety. Ancient Greeks believed wearing amethyst would prevent intoxication. Its rich purple hue ranges from light lavender to deep violet.
March — Aquamarine
Aquamarine's name comes from the Latin for "water of the sea," and its cool blue-green color reflects this perfectly. Historically believed to protect sailors, aquamarine symbolizes courage, clarity, and youth.
April — Diamond
April's birthstone is the diamond — the most celebrated gemstone in the world. Symbolizing eternal love and strength, diamonds are the hardest natural material and have been treasured for millennia.
May — Emerald
The lush green emerald symbolizes rebirth, love, and fertility. Cleopatra famously treasured emeralds above all other gemstones. Fine emeralds from Colombia remain among the world's most valuable colored stones.
June — Pearl, Alexandrite, or Moonstone
June has three birthstones. Pearls are organic gems formed in oysters and symbolize purity and innocence. Alexandrite is a rare color-changing stone. Moonstone displays a glowing adularescence reminiscent of moonlight.
July — Ruby
The ruby — with its fiery red hue — symbolizes passion, protection, and prosperity. Among the rarest and most valuable of all colored gemstones, the finest rubies from Burma's Mogok Valley are considered peerless.
August — Peridot, Spinel, or Sardonyx
Peridot, with its distinctive lime-green color, is one of the few gemstones that forms in only one color. It has been mined for over 3,500 years. Spinel was recently added as an alternate August stone and occurs in a range of striking colors.
September — Sapphire
Sapphire has long symbolized wisdom, loyalty, and nobility. Its most famous form is the velvety "cornflower blue," though sapphires occur in virtually every color. The sapphire gained renewed popularity after Princess Diana's iconic engagement ring.
October — Opal or Tourmaline
Opal is one of the most unique gemstones — it displays a shifting play of color called "opalescence." Tourmaline, the alternate October stone, occurs in more colors than any other gemstone and is beloved for its versatility.
November — Topaz or Citrine
Blue topaz is the most popular variety, though topaz occurs in many shades including golden "imperial topaz." Citrine, a warm yellow-orange quartz, is often associated with positivity and energy.
December — Tanzanite, Zircon, or Turquoise
Tanzanite — discovered in Tanzania in 1967, the same year Grissom's was founded — displays a stunning blue-violet color and is found in only one place on earth. Turquoise has been prized since ancient Egypt and is associated with protection and good fortune.
Looking for a birthstone piece or want to create a custom design featuring your stone? Visit our Fort Worth showroom or contact us — we'd love to help you create something meaningful.