Each month of the year is associated with a precious gemstone, known as Birthstones. Since the discovery of gemstones, they were believed to have some mystical powers which would help the person who wears the stone. The custom of wearing gemstones became popular in the 15th century, in Poland and spread to other parts of the world.
Over the years, different opinions were formed, as to, which was the actual birthstone of a particular month. Due to these confusions, in the year 1912, the Jewelers of America officially adopted a list of Modern birthstones, which is now extensively used in many countries.
We have listed the traditional and modern birthstones, according to the Gregorian calendar, along with the colors of the modern birthstones.
January –
“By her who in January was born
No gem save garnets shall be worn
They will ensure her constancy
True friendship and fidelity”
Traditional: Garnet
Modern: Garnet
Color: Deep Red
February –
“By her who in January was born
No gem save garnets shall be worn
They will ensure her constancy
True friendship and fidelity”
Traditional: Amethyst
Modern: Amethyst
Color: Purple
March –
“By her who in March was born
No gem save bloodstone shall be worn
They will ensure her constancy
True friendship and fidelity”
Traditional: Bloodstone, Jasper
Modern: Aquamarine
Color: Pale Blue
April –
“She who from April dates her years,
diamonds shall wear,
lest bitter tears
For vain repentance flow”
Traditional: Diamond, Sapphire
Modern: Diamond
Color: White, Clear
May -
“Who first beholds the light of day
In spring's sweet, flower month of May
And wears an emerald all her life
Shall be a loved and a loving wife”
Traditional: Emerald, Agate
Modern: Emerald
Color: Green
June –
“By her who in June was born
No gem save pearls shall be worn
They will ensure her constancy
True friendship and fidelity”
Traditional: Alexandrite, Pearl
Modern: Pearl, Moonstone,
Color: White or Purple
July –
“The gleaming ruby should adorn,
All those who in July are born,
For thus they'll be exempt and free,
From lover's doubts and anxiety”
Traditional: Ruby, Onyx
Modern: Ruby
Color: Red
August –
“Wear a peridot or for thee,
No conjugal fidelity,
The August born without this stone,
This said, must live unloved; alone”
Traditional: Sardonyx, Carnelian
Modern: Peridot
Color: Pale Green
September –
“A maiden born when autumn leaves
Are rustling in September's breeze,
A sapphire on her brow should bind;
To bring her joy and peace of mind”
Traditional: Sapphire, Peridot
Modern: Sapphire
Color: Deep Blue
October –
“October's child is born for woe,
And life's vicissitudes must know,
But lay an opal on her breast,
And hope will lull those woes to rest”
Traditional: Tourmaline, Aquamarine
Modern: Opal, Tourmaline
Color: Multi-color, Pink
November –
“Who first comes to this world below
In dreary November's fog and snow,
Should prize the topaz amber hue,
Emblem of friends and lovers true”
Traditional: Citrine, Topaz
Modern: Citrine, Yellow Topaz
Color: Yellow
December –
“If cold December gave you birth
The month of snow and ice and mirth
Place on your hand a turquoise blue;
Success will bless whate'er you do”
Traditional: Zircon, Ruby
Modern: Blue Topaz, Turquoise
Color: Blue
