Birthstone Chart: What Your Birthstone Says About You & How to Pick the Perfect Piece of Birthstone jewelry

Jewelry has never been simply to look at. Disparate peoples throughout the world, across centuries, have invested gemstones with stories and beliefs, as well as personal meaning. Today’s Birthstone Chart is not a random creation made up for mere marketing. Though it has ancient roots, the National Association of Jewelers (later became Jewellers of America)  officially standardised the system in 1912 to promote clarity in the jewelry business.  

So let’s break down the Birthstone Chart: what it is, where it comes from and why it even matters so much still in selecting beautiful birthstone jewelry for women today.

What Is a Birthstone Chart? 

A birthstone chart is an accepted list of gemstones that designates a gemstone for each month of the year.

Historical Background:

The tradition of birthstones is believed to be related to the Breastplate of Aaron described in the Bible (Book of Exodus), which contained twelve gemstones representing the twelve tribes of Israel. Over millennia, various cultures began to associate these stones with months or zodiac signs.

But the birthstone chart that most of us recognise as it relates to jewelry today was a standardisation practice instituted by Jewellers of America in 1912 to bring uniformity into the industry. The list has changed just a little - and I mean just barely any to add in stones like:

• Tanzanite (added for December in 2002)
• Alexandrite (added for June) 

The Traditional Birthstone Chart (Old List)

US Birthstone Chart (Accepted throughout the World) - As per the widely accepted US Birthstone Chart:

• January – Garnet
• February – Amethyst  
• March – Aquamarine
• April – Diamond
• May – Emerald
• June – Pearl, Alexandrite, Moonstone
• July – Ruby
• August – Peridot
• September – Sapphire
• October – Opal, Tourmaline
• November – Citrine, Topaz
• December – Turquoise, Tanzanite, Zircon

This is the chart true fine jewelry brands adhere to when they’re creating birthstone jewelry collections.

Personalized birthstone rings using birthstone charts

Just to set the record straight: gemstone symbolism is purely based on historical/cultural associations, not evidence! But these meanings are known throughout the jewelry world.

January – Garnet jewelry 

It was often worn in the past as a protection charm and for safe passage. Garnet accessories tend to symbolise loyalty and strength.

February – Amethyst jewelry

In ancient Greece and Rome, amethyst was held in high regard. It was considered to bring clarity and calm. In today's fine collections, amethyst jewelry is still a favourite.

March – Aquamarine jewelry

Aquamarine is associated with the sea and was believed to be the treasure of mermaids; sailors have long been their protectors. Aquamarine jewelry is associated with a light blue colour and serenity.

April – Diamond jewelry

Diamonds are prized for their hardness (10 on the Mohs scale). Desirable images of diamond jewelry represent long-lasting quality and symbolise strength because they are indestructible.

May – Emerald jewelry

Jewels and jewelry Emeralds have been held in regard since the time of ancient Egypt. Emeralds were also well-known to Cleopatra. Emeralds symbolise renewal and growth.

July – Ruby jewelry

It is no wonder that ruby jewelry has historically been associated with passion and life force. Rubies were historically worn by warriors to promote protection in battle and have become recognised as protective stones in many cultures.

August – Peridot jewelry

Peridot was used in ancient Egypt and is also one of the few gemstones generated deep in the Earth’s mantle. Description: Peridot is valued for its vivid green colour.

September – Sapphire jewelry

Sapphire jewelry traditionally represents wisdom and nobility. In mediaeval Europe, sapphire gemstones represented heaven and were worn by the clergy. Though most are blue, sapphires also come in other colours.

October – jewelry with Opal and/or Tourmaline

• Opal Jewelry – Known for its play-of-color effect. Ancient Romans admired opals for containing multiple colors in one stone.
  
• Tourmaline Jewelry – Comes in a wide range of colors and gained popularity in the 19th century.

Both of these stones are treasured for their special appearance.

November – Topaz and Citrine jewelry

• Topaz Jewelry – Historically associated with strength and healing in ancient cultures (symbolic belief, not medical fact).
  

• Citrine Jewelry – Known for its warm golden hue and often associated with positivity in traditional gemstone lore.

December – Birthstone jewelry of Turquoise, Tanzanite and Zircon

• Turquoise Jewelry – One of the oldest known gemstones used in jewelry, valued by ancient Egyptians and Native American cultures.
  

• Tanzanite Jewelry – Discovered in Tanzania in 1967 and later added to the modern Birthstone Chart in 2002.
  

• Zircon Jewelry – A natural gemstone (not cubic zirconia) used for centuries, known for its brilliance.

These meanings are of gemstone lore and not medical benefits. Good for both indoor and outdoor use.

Birthstone Jewelry in the Modern Fine Jewelry Industry  

Today, the Birthstone Chart is a useful guide in jewelry design and marketing.

Fine jewelry brands create:

• Birthstone rings
• Birthstone necklaces
• Birthstone bracelets
• Custom birthstone jewelry  

With the Birthstone Chart, customers can buy meaningful birthstone jewelry for women with confidence because of this standardised system.

The large retailers, a luxury jewelry brand and independent designers all use this chart to categorise gemstone jewelry collections.

Why Meaningful Jewelry Continues to Grow

Fads come and go, but personalised jewelry never goes out of style. This is retail action, not speculation.

Reasons birthstone jewelry remains relevant:

• It gives me the level of customisation without having to go full custom design.
• It connects jewelry to identity.
• It offers a simple way to give.
• It carries established symbolism.

Unlike fad-centric fashion jewelry , birthstone jewelry is historically validated and well-recognised in the industry for its birthstone chart.

How to Choose Jewelry Using a Birthstone Chart

If you can't figure out what to buy as a gift for someone, get him or her a piece of birthstone jewelry.

Step 1: Confirm Your Birthstone           

Use the standardised birthstone.

Step 2: Choose the jewelry style, type, etc.

Options include:

• Gold jewelry birthstone rings
• Diamond-accented birthstone pendants
• Fine jewelry gemstone earrings
• Custom jewelry designs

Step 3: Select Metal Quality and Conclusion

High quality birthstone jewelry typically includes:

• All gold jewelry (yellow, white and rose)
• Platinum fine jewelry 
• Ethically sourced gemstone jewelry 

Certified diamonds when applicable

Step 4: Consider Wearability

Select Perfectly Tough Stones For Day to day jewelry:

• Diamond
• Sapphire  
• Ruby

Softer stones such as opal or pearl need to be worn with more caution.

This practical method of selection will ensure that your birthstone jewelry becomes a meaningful keepsake.

Meaningful Birthstone jewelry for Women

Women have endless options to treat themselves with elegant birthstone jewelry that goes beyond fashion. It mixes identity, symbolism, and personal history with the art of fine jewelry making. Each stone is linked to a certain month on the Birthstone Chart, and suddenly (on an emotional level) the piece is realised.

Popular styles include:

• Stacking Birthstone Rings for Women to Stack Multiple Meaningful Stones (kids' birth months, family clusters.)

• Simple yet elegant gemstone pendants made as everyday jewelry, some in gold jewelry or white gold fine jewelry settings.

• Custom jewelry: initials/date or short message + birthstone.

• Personalised birthstone bracelets with several gemstones for Mom and family.

The appeal lies in identity. Instead of reaching for generic fine jewelry, birthstone jewelry reads as considered and specific. A garnet ring for January or emerald jewelry for May turns into something more than a stone; it’s ingrained with the birth month, a memory, or even an accomplishment.

The use of birthstone jewelry is popular for significant events, including:

• Birthday gifts
• Mother’s Day gifts
• Push presents
• Graduation gifts
• Anniversary gifts
• Newborn celebration jewelry 

In the jewelry trade a birthstone chart is generally accepted and used so buyers can be confident they are choosing an authentic gemstone each time. It is this uniformity that we find in the birthstone category that makes it one of the most reliable segments in personalised jewelry.

The contemporary fine jewelry market has seen women looking for pieces that reflect their unique style, not what is in style. This is where birthstone jewelry falls – in the perfect balance of sentiment and contemporary cool, so it’s at once a classic choice but also very now.

The Difference Between Symbolism and Science 

It's good to divorce the symbolism of a grove and claim science.

• There is no medical proof that crystals cure diseases.  
• Nothing scientifically backs up the theory that your birthstone can change your personality. 
• The imagery derives from historical, religious and cultural sources.

The worth of birthstone jewelry inheres in meaning, identity, and tradition not in medical or mystical assurances.

This openness is what inspires trust and credibility.

Why the Birthstone Chart Still Matters Today  

The birthstone still matters because:

• It is standardised and industry recognised.
• It simplifies personalised jewelry selection.
• It links past gemstone traditions with contemporary design.
• It supports meaningful jewelry purchases.  
• With emerald jewelry, ruby jewelry, amethyst jewelry, garnet jewelry, aquamarine jewelry and peridot jewelry, there exists a recognised gemstone in each of the birthstone charts.

In the fine jewelry realm, this formulation provides clarity for designers and customers alike.

Closing Perspective

The Birthstone Chart is no passing thing. It mixes history and modern-day fine jewelry and vanilla industry tactics. That's when meaning was born, and with the meaning, a tradition that will not see you wearing diamond underpants is needed to understand what it all means at the end of the day.

The Birthstone Chart - with it you can go to birthstone jewelry for women as a personal women's necklace or ring that celebrates identity, values tradition, and is up to date. When it comes to gold, diamond, and gemstone custom jewelry, consider kicking off a meaningful collection with the Birthstone Chart.   

FAQ’S 

1. How do I find my correct birthstone?

Check your birth month in the official Birthstone Chart. The modern chart assigns one or more gemstones to each month.

2. Is the birthstone decided by month or exact date?

The widely accepted system assigns birthstones by month, not by specific day.

3. What is the difference between traditional and modern birthstone charts?

The traditional chart is older and varies by culture. The modern chart was standardized in 1912 and is used by most jewelry brands today.

4. Can I choose my birthstone by zodiac sign instead of month?

Yes, zodiac based gemstone lists exist, but they are separate from the standard monthly birthstone chart.

5. Why do some months have more than one birthstone?

Some months have multiple stones to offer price, color, and availability options.

6. Are birthstone meanings scientifically proven?

No. Birthstone meanings come from historical and cultural traditions, not scientific evidence.

7. Which birthstones are best for daily jewelry?

Harder stones like diamond, sapphire, and ruby are more suitable for everyday wear.