I once heard someone say that a gift that incorporates birthstones is a thoughtful one because the gift is instantly personalized. The time when they were born and the common characteristics that those born in that time possess are portrayed in each month’s gemstone. Every stone has its purpose. An even bigger perk is when the person receiving the gift actually likes their birthstone! So, what if you don’t like yours? Well there are the “traditional gems” that represent the signs of the Zodiac, and then there are different stones that represent the calendar months. They are called “modern gems”.
For example, I’m currently shopping for my mother’s birthday present and wanted to get her something in her birthstone for August. Unfortunately she HATES Peridot with a passion. I happen to LOVE Peridot. To each their own as I always say, but little does she know that Peridot is only her “modern gem” birthstone. Her “traditional gem” is Sardonyx,which originated in ancient Roman times when soldiers wore sardonyx talismans with the gods of war carved into them. Like a cameo for dudes! They became even more popular during The Renaissance when people believed the stone to bring eloquence to the wearer, and thus were commonly worn by public speakers. This makes perfect sense to be her birthstone since she can definitely talk anyone’s ear off….just kidding, but not really. Even better for her is the sardonyx comes in many colors, but most notably in beautiful brownish-reds, one of her favorite colors!
Anyone with a July birthday to still celebrate can choose from the birthstones Ruby or the gorgeous Carnelian like this pair of Judith Bright Lots O’ Rocks Hammered Wire Drop Earrings!!!
Here is a common list of birthstones for each month, showing both traditional and modern gems, and the meanings behind each one…
January
Traditional Gem(s): Garnet, Rose Quartz
Modern Gem(s): Garnet
The garnet was once thought to be connected with the blood. This stone is supposed to protect the wearer from nightmares and offer guidance through the dark. January babies are ambitious, stubborn, sensitive and deep thinkers.
February
Traditional Gem(s): Amethyst, Onyx
Modern Gem(s): Amethyst
The folklore attached to he amethyst associates it with sobriety, tranquility, protection and peace. This birthstone as also been linked to improving the skin and preventing baldness, as well as protection from deceit. February babies are clever, temperamental, loyal, and abstract thinkers.
March
Traditional Gem(s): Bloodstone
Modern Gem(s): Aquamarine
The aquamarine has been linked to the making of new friends as well as affection and love, hope and health. This stone was once also thought to protect those at sea. March babies tend to be shy and reserved, musically talented, very affectionate with attractive personalities.
April
Traditional Gem(s): Diamond
Modern Gem(s): Diamond
One of the most popular gems throughout history, diamonds are linked to love, eternity, and strength. April babies are active and dynamic with strong mentalities and love attention.
May
Traditional Gem(s): Emerald, Chrysoprase
Modern Gem(s): Emerald
The emerald was once linked to health and the curing of ailments, as well as being associated with the ability to see in to the future, giving them an almost bewitching, magical reputation. May babies are strong-willed and highly motivated, hard-hearted but deep feelers.
June
Traditional Gem(s): Alexandrite
Modern Gem(s): Pearl, Moonstone
The pearl has been linked with chastity and modesty, making it something of an angelic, pure birthstone. It is also linked to successful and happy marriages. June babies are visionaries who are easily influenced by kindness, polite but great sense of humors.
July
Traditional Gem(s): Ruby
Modern Gem(s): Ruby, Carnelian
The ruby is traditionally linked with protection and harmony. This birthstone has been mined since ancient times, and boasts a spectacular beauty. July babies are fun to be with, secretive and sometimes misunderstood, but make great friends.
August
Traditional Gem(s): Sardonyx
Modern Gem(s): Peridot
Peridot was commonly linked with protection against evil and night terrors, as well as a gem that enhanced the properties of healing drugs. August babies love to joke, suave and caring, fearless and make great leaders.
September
Traditional Gem(s): Sapphire, Lapis
Modern Gem(s): Sapphire
The sapphire has been linked with faith and purity, as well as foresight. It was thought that the stronger the sparkle of the gem, the more faithful and honest the wearer. September babies are very organized, calm and confident, trustworthy, and tend to be very knowledgeable on a wide range of topics.
October
Traditional Gem(s): Tourmaline
Modern Gem(s): Opal, Tourmaline
The opal has been linked to purity, hope and innocence. This gem has also been linked to healing forces, friendship and emotion, so it has experienced its fair share of folklore over the years. October babies are chatty and opinionated, daydreamers who consider their friends very important to them.
November
Traditional Gem(s): Citrine
Modern Gem(s): Yellow Topaz, Citrine
Topaz was once linked with sanity, healing, and life, as well as being connected to strength by the ancient Greeks. This stone has even been linked to an ability to make the wearer invisible in dangerous situations. November babies tend to be idealistic and unique with a strong clairvoyance and never give up till they get their way.
December
Traditional Gem(s): Zircon, Turquoise, Lapis Lazuli
Modern Gem(s): Blue Topaz, Turquoise
Turquoise was once linked to happiness, fortune and luck, making it a very popular gem in centuries gone by. December babies are very social and interactive, generous and loving, very prideful but have a great sense of humor.
