Birthstone Buying Guide: Meaning, Tips & Gemstone Traits
Discover the story behind each month's gemstone — and how to choose the right one.
Birthstones add a personal touch to any jewellery piece, making them a timeless choice for birthdays, anniversaries, or just-because gifts. Each stone is linked to a specific month, believed to hold unique symbolism and energies. Whether you're buying for yourself or someone else, understanding birthstones can help you choose a piece that feels meaningful, thoughtful, and beautiful.
Below, we explore the birthstones by month, their meaning, visual traits, and shopping tips.
January – Garnet
Symbolism: Protection, grounding, loyalty
Colour: Deep red (but also found in orange, green, and purple tones)
Gem Traits: Durable, with excellent brilliance in well-cut stones
Buying Tip: Look for richly saturated red garnets — almandine and pyrope types are most common in fine jewellery.
February – Amethyst
Symbolism: Calm, clarity, spiritual balance
Colour: Violet to deep purple
Gem Traits: Affordable and striking, with moderate hardness (7 on Mohs scale)
Buying Tip: Choose stones with even colour and minimal zoning (patchiness). Deeper purple tones are typically more valuable.
March – Aquamarine
Symbolism: Peace, communication, courage
Colour: Pale to medium blue, sometimes with a greenish tint
Gem Traits: Belongs to the beryl family (same as emerald); usually very clear
Buying Tip: Look for a vivid sky-blue hue. Avoid overly pale stones unless you prefer a soft, understated look.
April – Diamond
Symbolism: Strength, purity, eternal love
Colour: Colourless is traditional, but fancy colours (yellow, blue, pink) are rising in popularity
Gem Traits: The hardest natural substance (10 on Mohs scale); brilliant and timeless
Buying Tip: Consider the 4Cs: cut, colour, clarity, and carat. For birthstone jewellery, even smaller diamonds can add symbolic value.
May – Emerald
Symbolism: Renewal, wisdom, intuition
Colour: Rich green, often with blue undertones
Gem Traits: Luxurious but delicate — natural emeralds often have inclusions (called jardin)
Buying Tip: Expect natural imperfections. Prioritise colour and transparency over flawless clarity.
June – Pearl / Moonstone / Alexandrite
Symbolism: Femininity, transformation, inner growth
Pearl: Soft sheen, often creamy white, needs careful care
Moonstone: Shimmering adularescence, milky with a glowing light
Alexandrite: Colour-change gem (green to red) and highly rare
Buying Tip: For classic elegance, choose pearls. For a mystical vibe, try moonstone or alexandrite. Note that alexandrite is rare and expensive.
❤️ July – Ruby
Symbolism: Passion, courage, love
Colour: Rich red, sometimes with pinkish undertones
Gem Traits: Second only to diamond in hardness (9 on Mohs); fiery and eye-catching
Buying Tip: Look for a deep, vivid red with minimal visible inclusions. Burmese rubies are the most prized.
August – Peridot
Symbolism: Lightness, joy, protection
Colour: Yellow-green, fresh and citrusy
Gem Traits: Often eye-clean, with sparkling clarity; affordable and cheerful
Buying Tip: Medium olive-green stones are more desirable than overly yellow tones. Often sourced from Arizona or Pakistan.
September – Sapphire
Symbolism: Wisdom, loyalty, self-expression
Colour: Traditionally royal blue, but also available in peach, yellow, green, and teal
Gem Traits: Very durable (9 on Mohs), versatile, suitable for everyday wear
Buying Tip: Blue sapphires should have strong saturation with a velvety depth. Teal and parti sapphires are unique modern alternatives.
October – Opal / Tourmaline
Symbolism: Creativity, uniqueness, open heart
Opal: Iridescent, shifting colours — no two are the same
Tourmaline: Found in many colours, from pink to green to black
Buying Tip: Opals require more care — avoid harsh impact. Tourmalines are more durable and come in stunning candy hues.
November – Citrine / Topaz
Symbolism: Positivity, abundance, clarity
Citrine: Yellow to honey orange; warm and inviting
Topaz: Often sky blue or golden; occasionally pink or imperial (orange-pink)
Buying Tip: Citrine is budget-friendly and perfect for everyday wear. Blue topaz is a vibrant, affordable classic.
❄️ December – Tanzanite / Zircon / Turquoise
Symbolism: Reflection, serenity, insight
Tanzanite: Vivid violet-blue, only from Tanzania
Zircon: Often confused with diamond; sparkly and underrated
Turquoise: Sky blue or green-blue with unique veining
Buying Tip: Tanzanite is more luxurious; turquoise has a rustic, bohemian charm. Zircon is a hidden gem for brilliance on a budget.
How to Choose the Right Birthstone Jewellery
Match the Mood: Is this for everyday wear or a meaningful keepsake?
Think Beyond Birth Month: Some people choose by energy, colour, or symbolism, not just month.
Set it Right: Lighter stones (like opal or pearl) suit delicate, protected settings. Harder stones (sapphire, garnet) are ideal for rings.
Customise It: Add a birthstone as a subtle accent, centrepiece, or engraving detail.
Birthstones Make Beautiful, Personal Gifts
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, marking a milestone, or simply saying “I see you,” birthstone jewellery offers a personal connection that few pieces can match.
Want to personalise a piece with a birthstone? [Contact us] or [Explore Custom Options].