The Meaning of Birthstones – Discover the Gem That Tells Your Story
Their Colors, Meanings & History Explained
Birthstones are more than gems — they’re symbols of identity, protection, and personal meaning. For centuries, people across cultures have worn birthstones to attract luck, health, and prosperity. Today, they remain one of the most beloved introductions to the world of gemstones and fine jewelry, appealing to all ages, genders, and traditions.
At RUVA, we believe every stone carries a story. Whether it’s your birth month or zodiac sign, your gem is a reminder of who you are — and what you’re becoming.
Birthstones by Month
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The modern list of birthstones was standardized in 1912 by the American National Retail Jewelers Association (now Jewelers of America). While ancient traditions often focused on color over specific stone types, today each month is paired with unique gemstones.
Here’s the modern birthstone chart:
| Month | Birthstone(s) |
|---|---|
| January | Garnet |
| February | Amethyst |
| March | Aquamarine & Bloodstone |
| April | Diamond |
| May | Emerald |
| June | Alexandrite |
| July | Ruby |
| August | Peridot |
| September | Sapphire |
| October | Tourmaline |
| November | Topaz |
| December | Zircon |
The Fascinating History of Birthstones
Birthstones are more than just beautiful gems – they carry centuries of tradition, symbolism, and meaning. Today, they are commonly set in rings, bracelets, and necklaces, but their story goes back hundreds of years.
The Origins of Birthstones
The idea of linking gemstones to specific months began in 18th-century Europe. The tradition quickly spread to the United States, where it became very popular.
In 1912, the American National Retail Jeweler’s Association (now Jewelers of America) standardized the official birthstone list that is still widely used around the world today.
Why Do Birthstones Change Over Time?
In earlier times, people valued gemstones primarily for their color, rather than their exact mineral type. For example, a deep red stone could be called either a garnet or a ruby.
Over time, birthstone lists were adapted depending on:
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The availability of certain gems,
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Their price,
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And trends in jewelry.
This explains why some months have more than one recognized birthstone today.
Symbolism and Legends
Across cultures, birthstones have been surrounded by legends. Many believed these gems carried special powers, bringing luck, love, health, or protection. Wearing your own birthstone was thought to amplify its positive energy.
Even today, many people choose to wear their birthstone not only for its beauty, but also as a symbol of identity, personality, and meaning.
Do you know your birthstone?
At Ruva, we designed a unique collection of birthstone necklaces – elegant pieces of jewelry that tell your story and highlight your personality.
