The wearing of birthstones is thought to bring good luck and good health. Astrologers long ago attributed supernatural powers to certain gemstones. The birthstones we associate with certain months now are not necessarily the
same ones as in ancient times. Once, color was the most important feature of a stone. Ancients did not
distinguish between a ruby and a garnet, for example.
The names used in history may not relate to the stone we think of with that name today.
Birthstone Meanings by Month
January's birthstone, the garnet, is thought to keep the
wearer safe during travel.
February's birthstone, the amethyst, is said to strengthen
relationships and give its wearer courage. At one time, only royalty could wear
the gem. Ancient Greeks thought that the amethyst guarded against intoxication.
In fact, amethyst comes from amethystos, a Greek word meaning "sober."
March's birthstone, the aquamarine, was thought to cure
heart, liver, and stomach diseases—all one had to do was drink the water in
which the gem had been soaking. Early sailors believed that aquamarine
talismans, etched with the likeness of the sea god Neptune, protected them
against ocean dangers.
April's birthstone, the diamond, in addition to being a
symbol of everlasting love, was once thought to bring courage. In Sanskrit, the
diamond is called "vajra," which also means lightning; in Hindu mythology, vajra
was the weapon of Indra, the king of gods.
May's birthstone, the emerald, was one of Cleopatra's favorite gems.
It has long been associated with fertility, rebirth, and love.
Ancient Romans went so far as to dedicate this stone to Venus,
the goddess of love and beauty.
Today, it is thought that emeralds signify wisdom, growth, and patience.
June's birthstone, the pearl, has long been a symbol of
purity. The ancient Greeks believed that pearls were the hardened tears of joy
from Aphrodite, the goddess of love.
July's birthstone, the ruby, was regarded by ancient Hindus
as the "king of gems." It was believed to protect its wearer from evil. Today,
the ruby's deep-red color signifies love and passion.
August's birthstone, the peridot, symbolizes strength. It is
sometimes called the evening emerald for its light green color. It was once
believed that the green peridot crystals found in volcanic ashes were the tears
of the volcano goddess, Pele. When set in gold, this gem was said to protect the
wearer from nightmares.
September's birthstone, the sapphire, was once thought to
guard against evil and poisoning. It was believed that a venomous snake would
die if placed in a vessel made of sapphire. Traditionally a favorite stone of
priests and kings, the sapphire symbolizes purity and wisdom.
October's birthstone, the opal, symbolizes faithfulness and
confidence. The word comes from the Latin opalus, meaning "precious jewel."
Necklaces with opals set in them were worn to repel evil and to protect
eyesight.
November's birthstone, the topaz, symbolizes love and
affection. It is believed to give the wearer increased strength and
intellect.
December's birthstone, turquoise, is regarded as a love
charm. It is also a symbol of good fortune and success, and it is believed to
relax the mind and to protect its wearer from harm. Turquoise rings, in
particular, are thought to keep away evil spirits.
same ones as in ancient times. Once, color was the most important feature of a stone. Ancients did not
distinguish between a ruby and a garnet, for example.
The names used in history may not relate to the stone we think of with that name today.
The stones originally assigned to each month related to the stones appearing
on the breastplate of a Jewish high priest.
Birthstone Meanings by Month
January's birthstone, the garnet, is thought to keep the
wearer safe during travel.
February's birthstone, the amethyst, is said to strengthen
relationships and give its wearer courage. At one time, only royalty could wear
the gem. Ancient Greeks thought that the amethyst guarded against intoxication.
In fact, amethyst comes from amethystos, a Greek word meaning "sober."
March's birthstone, the aquamarine, was thought to cure
heart, liver, and stomach diseases—all one had to do was drink the water in
which the gem had been soaking. Early sailors believed that aquamarine
talismans, etched with the likeness of the sea god Neptune, protected them
against ocean dangers.
April's birthstone, the diamond, in addition to being a
symbol of everlasting love, was once thought to bring courage. In Sanskrit, the
diamond is called "vajra," which also means lightning; in Hindu mythology, vajra
was the weapon of Indra, the king of gods.
May's birthstone, the emerald, was one of Cleopatra's favorite gems.
It has long been associated with fertility, rebirth, and love.
Ancient Romans went so far as to dedicate this stone to Venus,
the goddess of love and beauty.
Today, it is thought that emeralds signify wisdom, growth, and patience.
June's birthstone, the pearl, has long been a symbol of
purity. The ancient Greeks believed that pearls were the hardened tears of joy
from Aphrodite, the goddess of love.
July's birthstone, the ruby, was regarded by ancient Hindus
as the "king of gems." It was believed to protect its wearer from evil. Today,
the ruby's deep-red color signifies love and passion.
August's birthstone, the peridot, symbolizes strength. It is
sometimes called the evening emerald for its light green color. It was once
believed that the green peridot crystals found in volcanic ashes were the tears
of the volcano goddess, Pele. When set in gold, this gem was said to protect the
wearer from nightmares.
September's birthstone, the sapphire, was once thought to
guard against evil and poisoning. It was believed that a venomous snake would
die if placed in a vessel made of sapphire. Traditionally a favorite stone of
priests and kings, the sapphire symbolizes purity and wisdom.
October's birthstone, the opal, symbolizes faithfulness and
confidence. The word comes from the Latin opalus, meaning "precious jewel."
Necklaces with opals set in them were worn to repel evil and to protect
eyesight.
November's birthstone, the topaz, symbolizes love and
affection. It is believed to give the wearer increased strength and
intellect.
December's birthstone, turquoise, is regarded as a love
charm. It is also a symbol of good fortune and success, and it is believed to
relax the mind and to protect its wearer from harm. Turquoise rings, in
particular, are thought to keep away evil spirits.