Birthstones are typically symbolised through precious and / or semi-precious gemstones, usually presented in the form of jewellery. Wearing your birthstone jewellery is believed to bring you the qualities in which the gemstone represents.
Traditionally birthstones represent a month of the year based on the Gregorian calendar and each month with its associated birthstone has a poem to match. The Gregorian calendar birthstone poems of unknown author were first published by Tiffany & Co in 1870.
The birthstone jewellery guide below, which dates back to 1912 and is believed to represent the origin of birthstones, displays the gemstones, their associated meaning, gemstone alternative and Gregorian calendar poem.
January
Gemstone: Garnet
Meaning: faith, eternity and truth
By her who in this month (January) is born, No gem save garnets should be worn;
They will ensure her constancy, True friendship, and fidelity.
Gemstone: Amethyst
Meaning: Luck, wittiness and health
The February-born shall find, Sincerity and peace of mind,
Freedom from passion and from care, If they an amethyst will wear.
Gemstone: Aquamarine / Bloodstone
Meaning: Happiness and understanding
Who in this world of ours their eyes, In March first open shall be wise,
In days of peril firm and brave, And wear a bloodstone to their grave.
Gemstone:Diamond / Rock Crystal
Meaning: Eternity, courage and health
She who from April dates her years, Diamonds shall wear, lest bitter tears
For vain repentance flow; this stone, Emblem of innocence, is known.
Gemstone: Emerald / Chrysoprase
Meaning: Fidelity, goodness and love
Who first beholds the light of day, In spring’s sweet flowery month of May
And wears an emerald all her life, Shall be a loved and happy wife.
Gemstone: Pearl / Moonstone
Meaning: Peace, nobility and beauty
Who comes with summer to this earth, And owes to June her hour of birth,
With ring of agate on her hand, Can health, wealth, and long life command.
Gemstone: Ruby / Cornelian
Meaning: Love, enthusiasm, strength
The glowing ruby shall adorn, Those who in July are born;
Then they’ll be exempt and free, From love’s doubts and anxiety.
Gemstone: Peridot / Sardonyx
Meaning: Success, peace, love
Wear a sardonyx or for thee, No conjugal felicity;
The August-born without this stone, `Tis said, must live unloved and lone.
Gemstone: Sapphire / Lapis Lazuli
Meaning: Serenity, truth
A maiden born when September leaves, Are rustling in September’s breeze,
A sapphire on her brow should bind, `Twill cure diseases of the mind.
Gemstone: Opal
Meaning: Purity, hope, health
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.
Gemstone: Topaz / Citrine
Meaning: Wisdom, courage, sincerity
Who first comes to this world below, With drear November’s fog and snow,
Should prize the topaz’s amber hue, Emblem of friends and lovers true.
Gemstone: Tanzanite / Turquoise
Meaning: Love, happiness and luck
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.