What is a birthstone?

A birthstone is a gemstone that represents the period in which a person is born. These gemstones are typically matched to calendar months or zodiac signs, and you will find a full list of the birth month and gemstone pairings below.

You will find that the contemporary list differs from the traditional birthstones for some months. The traditional list of birthstones originates from Poland in the 16th century, whereas the contemporary list was compiled by the National Association of Jewellers in 1912.

The modernisation of birthstones came about to help jewellers create 'mother's rings' that feature birthstones of a woman's multiple children. The traditional list of birthstones included bright hues that would clash when paired with other gemstones, hence the modernisation of the list to include gems that would complement one another.

Birth Month	Contemporary	Traditional
January	Garnet	Garnet
February	Amethyst	Amethyst
March	Aquamarine	Bloodstone
April	Diamond	Diamond
May	Emerald	Emerald
June	Pearl, Alexandrite	Pearl
July	Ruby	Ruby
August	Peridot, Spinel	Sardonyx
September	Sapphire	Sapphire
October	Tourmaline, Opal	Opal
November	Golden Topaz, Citrine	Topaz
December	Blue Zircon, Blue Topaz, Tanzanite	Turquoise, Lapis Lazuli

What colour is my birthstone?

You may be wondering what colour your birthstone is, whether this is to see if it will match your complexion or simply to see if it is one of your favourite colours. Here is a full list of the colours of each birthstone.

Birthstone	Colour
Garnet	Maroon/Red
Amethyst	Purple
Aquamarine	Turquoise/Blue
Diamond	Clear
Emerald	Green
Pearl, Alexandrite	White (Pearl) Various (Alexandrite)
Ruby	Red
Peridot, Spinel	Green or Yellow (Peridot) Various (Spinel)
Sapphire	Blue
Tourmaline, Opal	Various
Golden Topaz, Citrine	Yellow/Orange
Blue Zircon, Blue Topaz, Tanzanite	Blue

January birthstone - Garnet

January's birthstone is garnet, and gemstones from this family typically come in maroon, but you may find some variations in orange, yellow or purple. Garnets have been used as gemstones since the Bronze Age and were even included in necklaces of ancient Egyptian pharaohs. The garnet symbolises trust, commitment, protection, friendship and love. It is also said to protect the wearer during travel. Historically, the garnet was believed to have been a protective stone that shielded the wearer from injury. This meant it became popular in royal circles and with warriors.

What to buy someone whose birthstone is garnet?

• Garnet earrings
• Garnet necklaces and pendants
• Garnet beads and charms

February birthstone - Amethyst

February's birthstone is amethyst, and gemstones within this family are typically lilac or purple in hue. Amethyst is a scratch-resistant stone and is said to be a natural tranquilliser that relieves strain and stress while soothing irritability. The gemstone has been loved throughout history, with the Romans and Greeks being drawn to amethyst because of their believed healing powers. The gemstone has also been connected to providing spiritual healing, wisdom and calmness.

What to buy someone whose birthstone is Amethyst?

• Amethyst beads and charms
• Amethyst bracelets
• Amethyst earrings
• Amethyst necklaces and pendants
• Amethyst rings

March birthstone - Aquamarine

Aquamarine is the birthstone for March, and jewellery from this family is crafted with sparkling turquoise hues designed to dazzle. Historically these stones have been used to protect those at sea and by sailors to make them fearless whilst on treacherous waters. The name aquamarine derives from Latin and means 'seawater'; in modern connotations, the stone is meant to symbolise superior intellect and marital happiness.

What to buy someone whose birthstone is Aquamarine?

• Aquamarine beads and charms
• Aquamarine earrings
• Aquamarine necklaces and pendants
• Aquamarine rings

April birthstone - Diamond

Not only a girl's best friend but also the birthstone of April. Diamonds are a luxurious birthstone, and we envy everyone born during this month. Diamonds are one of the most popular gemstones worldwide due to their beauty and the clarity of their appearance. Diamonds represent eternal love and strength, which is why they are commonly used in wedding and engagement rings. They are also extremely durable and hard, making them the perfect life companion.

What to buy someone whose birthstone is a Diamond?

• Diamond bangles
• Diamond bracelets
• Diamond earrings
• Diamond necklaces and pendants
• Diamond rings

May birthstone - Emerald

Showcasing rich and deep green hues, emerald is the birthstone for May. Known as one of the 'big four' gemstones alongside ruby, diamonds and sapphires, emeralds belong in the beryl family and get their green hue from chromium and vanadium properties. Those wearing emeralds are believed to think objectively, have heightened intelligence and even have healing elements.

What to buy someone whose birthstone is Emerald?

• Emerald beads and charms
• Emerald earrings
• Emerald necklaces and pendants
• Emerald rings

June birthstone - Pearl

For those born in June, your birthstone is a pearl! Formed inside a mollusc, such as an oyster, the pearl is one of the only gemstones derived from living creatures. Most pearls in the jewellery market today are cultured or cultivated due to their rare and exotic nature. Pearls are associated with wisdom, purity and honesty due to their natural origins and have been said to bring the wearer love and luck. Pearls have deep roots in history, and in Ancient Rome, Julius Caesar passed a law stating that only the ruling class could wear them.

What to buy someone whose birthstone is Pearl?

• Pearl beads and charms
• Pearl bracelets
• Pearl earrings
• Pearl necklaces and pendants
• Pearl rings

July birthstone - Ruby

For those lucky enough to be born in the summer month of July, your birthstone is ruby. The properties of ruby make it extremely durable, and because of that, the meanings behind the birthstone are associated with strength and physicality. It is believed that those who wear rubies have increased stamina and strength, making them a favourite gemstone of ancient warriors. Many attribute calmer thoughts and navigating emotional situations better whilst wearing rubies.

What to buy someone whose birthstone is Ruby?

• Ruby bangles
• Ruby beads and charms
• Ruby bracelets
• Ruby earrings
• Ruby necklaces and pendants
• Ruby rings

August birthstone - Peridot

One of the more unique gemstones on the list is the birthstone for those born in August ' peridot. Believed to protect the wearer during the night, peridot has ancient connections and is said to have parallels with the sun, meaning that keeping the stone close at night warned away evil spirits. Peridot is always green in colour and has a dazzling appearance that occasionally has glints of yellow or brown.

What to buy someone whose birthstone is Peridot?

• Peridot beads and charms
• Peridot earrings
• Peridot necklaces and pendants

September birthstone - Sapphire

September's birthstone is sapphire, and those lucky enough to be born this month can expect deep blue gemstones designed to dazzle. The sapphire has been cherished for thousands of years, and for good reason. It is said to be a protective gemstone and protect the wearer from physical harm and envy. Historically, believers thought sapphires could be used as an antidote to poison. This gemstone also has a religious connection, and priests are believed to wear sapphires. The most famous sapphire in the world was arguably Princess Diana's engagement ring, which was then given to the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton.

What to buy someone whose birthstone is a Sapphire?

• Sapphire bangles
• Sapphire beads and charms
• Sapphire bracelets
• Sapphire earrings
• Sapphire necklaces and pendants
• Sapphire rings

October birthstones - Opal

Classy, chic and for those born in the month of October ' opal is the birthstone that exudes sophistication. Opal is delicate and requires special care and attention by the wearer, but looks magnificent in any form. The meaning behind the opal birthstone correlates to magic and lightness.

What to buy someone whose birthstone is Opal?

• Opal beads and charms
• Opal earrings
• Opal necklaces and pendants
• Opal rings

November birthstones - Golden Topaz

Golden topaz is the birthstone for November as well as citrine. Topaz is a mineral from granite rock and lava flow and is often sourced from the exotic lands of Brazil, Mexico, Russia and Utah. It is believed to attract wealth to the wearer and historically has been believed to attract generosity from royalty. It is said to promote empathy and serenity, and some believe that it can make the wearer feel energised.

What to buy someone whose birthstone is Golden Topaz?

• Topaz bracelets
• Topaz earrings
• Topaz necklaces and pendants
• Topaz rings

December birthstone - Tanzanite

Tanzanite is the birthstone for those born in December, and gemstones within this family are often deep blue in hue, and their appearance is often compared with sapphires. Discovered in 1967, it was added to the birthstone list in 2002 and has gained status as one of the world's most favoured gemstones. It is believed that the wearer of tanzanite has higher levels of intuition, perception and calmness.

What to buy someone whose birthstone is Tanzanite?

• Tanzanite earrings
• Tanzanite necklaces and pendants
• Tanzanite rings

Find your perfect birthstone at Francis & Gaye

Whether you are looking for a birthstone for a loved one or want to treat yourself, we have a wide collection of birthstone jewellery for you to choose from. The range features gemstones in various styles to suit your aesthetic, skin tone and, of course, your birthstone. Our curated selection of birthstone jewellery includes stunning pieces of all types, so whether you are looking for a pair of earrings to dazzle in the finer moments of life or a ring you can wear daily ' we have what you are looking for.