BIRTHSTONES
Here are the modern (listed first) and traditional birthstones, and in some cases their commonly recognized substitutes.
Also listed are some values each stone represents.
Click on the month name or gemstone name for additional information regarding that
birth stone; click on the Jewelry links for a selection of fine jewelry from a variety of highly ranked jewelers.
GARNET JEWELRY
ROSE QUARTZ JEWELRY
(Strength, perseverity, prosperity, health)
(Emotional balance, forgiveness)
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AMETHYST JEWELRY
ONYX JEWELRY
(Wisdom, spirituality, sobriety, security)
(Relaxation, comfort)
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AQUAMARINE JEWELRY
BLOODSTONE JEWELRY
(Beauty,
honesty, loyalty, happiness)
(Endurance)
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DIAMOND JEWELRY
ROCK CRYSTAL JEWELRY
(Invincibility, clarity, purity, eternal love)
(Balance, clarity, energy)
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EMERALD JEWELRY
CHRYSOPRASE JEWELRY
(Patience, understanding, foresight)
(Fertility, secrecy)
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ALEXANDRITE JEWELRY
MOONSTONE JEWELRY
PEARL JEWELRY
(Balance, confidence, joy)
(Balance, good fortune, tender passion)
(Modesty, purity, beauty, happiness)
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RUBY JEWELRY
CARNELIAN JEWELRY
(Love, success, integrity, passion & promise)
(Luck, safety)
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PERIDOT JEWELRY
SARDONYX JEWELRY
(Fame, dignity, protection, success)
(Relaxation, security)
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SAPPHIRE JEWELRY
LAPIS JEWELRY
(Truth, sincerity, commitment, loyalty)
(Understanding, protection)
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OPAL JEWELRY
TOURMALINE JEWELRY
(Hope, faith, confidence)
(Balance, endurance, safety)
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TOPAZ JEWELRY
CITRINE JEWELRY
(Strength, wisdom, courage)
(Hope, cheerfulness, youth, health, fidelity)
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TANZANITE JEWELRY
ZIRCON JEWELRY
TURQUOISE JEWELRY
(Contentment, understanding)
(Wisdom, honor, wealth)
(New possibilities, happiness)
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Birthstones tend to be a very personal choice, even to the point that people
who don't like the color of their true birthstone will find any excuse to
claim another. For example, the true November birthstone is citrine or
golden topaz, yet many people choose blue topaz even though that lovely blue
color is the result of treatment of a golden or colorless natural topaz
crystal.
You may notice that the colors of the modern and traditional birthstones
tend to be the same, implying that (historically speaking) the traditional
color is the important consideration and blue topaz would not be an
acceptable birthstone choice for November, only golden topaz. Indeed, blue
topaz is sometimes considered to be an alternate birthstone for December -
it is the right color. Remember, however,
that the wishes of the gift recipient override all other considerations
regarding the correctness of a birthstone gift.
Note that blue
sapphire is the traditional color for September. But sapphires come in
every color of the rainbow (except hues of red which are given the name ruby), as do
tourmalines and even diamonds. Garnet, usually thought of as a red
birthstone, actually is available in a variety of colors including orange,
green, and even the lovely deep purple color of grapes.
Tanzanite became an official December birthstone on October
30, 2002, in the first revision since 1912 to the birthstone list maintained
by the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA).
In addition to the individual jewelry links above, consider BIRTHSTONE JEWELRY which
often incorporates multiple birthstones, such as one for each child.
Also see the Stones of the
Seasons, and the Weekday Stones. For the "sign stones" which are based upon the astrological
signs (constellations) of the Zodiac, see Zodiac Birthstones.
For the "stones of the Bible", see Biblestones.
Also see Anniversary Gift Ideas for a list of appropriate stones for any
anniversary.
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