Top Things To Know About All 12 Birthstones

Top Things to Know About All 12 Birthstones

A birthstone necklace is one of the simplest ways to make a piece of jewellery personal. Each month has its own stone, each stone has its own colour and centuries of folklore, and several double up as traditional wedding anniversary gifts.

Whether you're choosing your own month, someone else's, or simply a colour you like, here's what to know about each one.

Month	Birthstone	Anniversary
January	Garnet	2nd
February	Amethyst	6th
March	Aquamarine	19th
April	White topaz (or diamond)	—
May	Green onyx (or emerald)	—
June	Moonstone	13th
July	Ruby	15th and 40th
August	Peridot	16th
September	Blue sapphire	5th, 45th and 65th
October	Opal	14th
November	Citrine	13th
December	Blue topaz	4th

January: Garnet

A deep, wine-red stone. Garnet has long been linked with strength, balance and protection, and was carried by travellers as a talisman. It's also the stone for a 2nd wedding anniversary.

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February: Amethyst

Soft violet to deep purple. Amethyst is traditionally associated with calm and clarity; the ancient Greeks believed it kept the wearer clear-headed. It marks a 6th anniversary.

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March: Aquamarine

The pale blue of clear water, which is where the name comes from. Aquamarine has long been linked with calm, youth and hope, and sailors once wore it for safe passage. It's the 19th anniversary stone.

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April: White Topaz or Diamond

Clear and bright. Diamond is April's traditional stone; white topaz gives a similar sparkle in a softer register. Both are associated with clarity and self-expression. For diamond, every one we use is lab-grown.

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May: Green Onyx or Emerald

May's stones are both green. Emerald is the traditional choice, a clear, saturated green; green onyx is opaque and calmer. Both have long been associated with renewal, love and friendship.

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June: Moonstone

Milky, with a blue sheen that shifts as it moves, like light on water. Moonstone has always been linked with the moon, and with new beginnings. In Hindu mythology it's made of solidified moonbeams. A 13th anniversary stone.

Shop June birthstone jewellery · The story behind the moonstone

July: Ruby

A saturated red, and one of the four traditional precious stones. Ruby stands for passion, courage and energy, and marks both the 15th and the 40th anniversaries.

Shop July birthstone jewellery · The story behind the ruby

August: Peridot

A bright lime green, and one of very few gems formed deep in the earth and brought up by volcanic activity. Peridot is traditionally linked with strength, warmth and protection. It's the 16th anniversary stone.

Shop August birthstone jewellery · The story behind the peridot

September: Blue Sapphire

A deep, clear blue, and second only to diamond in hardness, so it wears well every day. Sapphire has long stood for loyalty, wisdom and sincerity. It marks the 5th, 45th and 65th anniversaries.

Shop September birthstone jewellery · The story behind the sapphire

October: Opal

No two opals look alike: each shows its own play of colour as the light moves. Opal is traditionally linked with hope, love and truth. It's the 14th anniversary stone. (October also has a second birthstone, pink tourmaline.)

Shop October birthstone jewellery · The story behind the opal

November: Citrine

A warm honey-yellow, sometimes called the merchant's stone for its long association with prosperity. Citrine is also linked with confidence and optimism. It's one of the stones for a 13th anniversary.

Shop November birthstone jewellery · The story behind the citrine

December: Blue Topaz

A cool, clear blue. Blue topaz is traditionally associated with calm and clear thinking, and marks a 4th anniversary.

Shop December birthstone jewellery · The story behind the blue topaz

Make it personal

A birthstone sits well alongside a letter. The Initial & Birthstone Necklace pairs the two on one chain: her initial, her month, chosen for her rather than picked off a shelf.