Birthstones by Month: A Complete Guide

TL;DR: Each month has a traditional birthstone — January garnet through December turquoise/tanzanite/zircon — with several months having more than one accepted stone. Birthstone jewellery makes a genuinely personal gift or self-purchase, and a bespoke setting lets you use a birthstone as a centre stone or a meaningful accent rather than a generic charm.

The Full List

Month Birthstone(s)
January Garnet
February Amethyst
March Aquamarine, Bloodstone
April Diamond
May Emerald
June Pearl, Alexandrite, Moonstone
July Ruby
August Peridot, Spinel
September Sapphire
October Opal, Tourmaline
November Citrine, Topaz
December Turquoise, Tanzanite, Zircon

Why Some Months Have More Than One Stone

The modern birthstone list was standardised by the American National Association of Jewelers in 1912, but several months had multiple stones associated with them historically, and rather than force a single choice, the list retained options — giving more flexibility on colour, budget, and durability for months like June, August, October, and December.

Using a Birthstone as a Centre Stone

Not every birthstone suits daily wear as a centre stone — sapphire and diamond are excellent for durability, while pearl and opal need more careful setting and care given their relative softness. See our durability guide for how the more common birthstones hold up.

Multi-Birthstone Designs

A popular approach for family jewellery is combining multiple birthstones — one for each child, or one for each family member — into a single ring, pendant, or bracelet. This works particularly well in a toi et moi or cluster-style setting where each stone can be individually chosen.

Designing With Birthstones at À Vie Diamonds

We can source certified birthstones and design a setting around one stone or several. Get in touch to discuss a birthstone commission.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the birthstone for my month? See the full table above — several months have more than one accepted option.

Can I combine multiple birthstones in one piece? Yes — a common approach for family jewellery, often in a cluster or toi et moi style setting.

Last reviewed: July 2026 · À Vie Diamonds

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