loose_stonesThe Twelve Birthstones

Often combined with modern birthstone lists, traditional birthstones are older society-based birthstones. Since many different cultures have their own list, jewellers’ lists are often inconsistent over what constitutes a traditional birthstone.

In 1912, in an effort to standardise birthstones, the (American) National Association of Jewelers officially adopted a list, shown in the “Modern” column in the table below.  The most recent change to the list was in 2002, with the addition of tanzanite as a December birthstone.

Month Traditional Modern
January Garnet Garnet
February Amethyst, Hyacinth, Pearl Amethyst
March Bloodstone, Jasper Aquamarine
April Diamond, Sapphire Diamond
May Emerald, Agate Emerald
June Agate, Turquoise, Cat’s Eye Moonstone, Pearl
July Turquoise, Onyx Ruby
August Sardonyx, Carnelian, Moonstone, Topaz Peridot
September Chrysolite Sapphire
October Opal, Aquamarine Opal, Pink Tourmaline
November Topaz, Pearl Topaz, Citrine
December Bloodstone, Ruby Turquoise, Tanzanite, Blue Topaz

Birthstones by signs of the zodiac:

Sign Dates Stone
Aquarius January 21 – February 19 Garnet
Pisces February 20 – March 20 Amethyst
Aries March 21 – April 20 Bloodstone
Taurus April 21 – May 20 Sapphire
Gemini May 21 – June 21 Agate
Cancer June 22 – July 22 Emerald
Leo July 23 – August 23 Onyx
Virgo August 24 – September 23 Carnelian
Libra September 24 – October 23 Peridot
Scorpio October 24 – November 22 Beryl
Sagittarius November 23 – December 21 Topaz
Capricorn December 22 – January 20 Ruby