Birthstones
The modern birthstone list dates to 1912, when the National Association of Jewelers (now Jewelers of America) standardized something the trade had been arguing about for centuries. Several months have since gained modern alternatives — June got three, October two, August three, and December three — so the chart you grew up with may not be the whole list.
Start with the overview, then drill into a single month.
By month
JanuaryGarnetA family of stones — almandine, rhodolite, tsavorite, and more.FebruaryAmethystThe royal violet quartz, once rarer than ruby.MarchAquamarinePale-blue beryl, the color of clear shallow seawater.AprilDiamondThe only single-stone birth month.MayEmeraldThe most coveted green gemstone.JunePearl, moonstone, alexandriteThe only month with three accepted stones.JulyRubyThe red corundum, also the 40th anniversary gift.AugustPeridot, spinel, sardonyxThree modern options, each suiting a different style.SeptemberSapphireThe everyday luxury gemstone.OctoberOpal and tourmalineSoft and dramatic, or hard and colorful.NovemberTopaz and citrineThe two warm-toned November birthstones.DecemberTurquoise, tanzanite, zirconThree blue stones, three eras of the trade.