What is your birthstone? The full list of birthstones by month, with colours, traditional meanings and tips on how to wear your stone.
Birthstones by Month: Find Your Birthstone and Its Meaning
Nov 10, 2026
By Vonsten Sweden · 10 November 2026
Have you ever received a piece of jewelry with your birthstone? Then you know how personal it feels. Birthstones are one of the oldest jewelry traditions there is. And right now, with Christmas coming, plenty of people are looking up the December birthstone and the November birthstone for someone with a winter birthday.
We at Vonsten have put together the full list month by month, the history behind the tradition, what the stones are traditionally said to stand for, and how to choose a piece if your birthstone isn't quite your style.
What is a birthstone?
A birthstone is a gemstone or natural stone linked to a particular birth month. The idea is that the stone follows you through life and carries a symbolism that suits you. The tradition has deep roots: it is often traced back to the twelve stones on the high priest's breastplate described in the Book of Exodus, and to later interpretations where one stone was worn for each month of the year.
The list most widely used today was set in the USA in 1912 by the American National Association of Jewelers and has since been updated a few times. There are also older traditional lists, and the UK has its own version. That is why some months have several stones – it is completely normal and makes it easier to find one you like.
Why the lists differ
There is no single official list. The American list from 1912 has been added to several times – tanzanite joined December in 2002 and spinel joined August in 2016. In Britain the goldsmiths' trade association adopted its own list in 1937, and in India there is an even older tradition in which nine stones, the navaratna, are linked to the celestial bodies rather than to the months (source).
We see that as an advantage rather than a problem. More options make it easier to find a stone that suits both the person and the budget – and a story that feels right.
Birthstones by month
| Month | Birthstone | Common alternatives | Colour | Traditional symbolism |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Garnet | – | Deep red | Loyalty, friendship |
| February | Amethyst | – | Violet | Calm, clarity, inner balance |
| March | Aquamarine | Bloodstone | Pale sea blue | Courage, calm |
| April | Diamond | Rock crystal | Clear | Strength, eternal love |
| May | Emerald | Chrysoprase | Green | Renewal, love |
| June | Pearl | Moonstone, alexandrite | White, lustrous | Purity, intuition |
| July | Ruby | Carnelian | Red | Passion, vitality |
| August | Peridot | Spinel, sardonyx | Olive green | Light, harmony |
| September | Sapphire | Lapis lazuli (older lists) | Deep blue | Wisdom, truth |
| October | Opal | Tourmaline | Play of colour, pink | Creativity, hope |
| November | Topaz | Citrine | Golden, yellow | Warmth, joy |
| December | Turquoise | Tanzanite, zircon | Blue, turquoise | Luck, protection |
December birthstone – turquoise, tanzanite and blue tones
December is one of the months with the most stones to choose from. Turquoise is the classic December birthstone, with a blue-green colour associated with luck and protection. Tanzanite and blue zircon have been added in more modern lists. What they share are cool, wintry blue tones – perfect for a month of snow, candlelight and dark evenings.
Want to give someone born in December a piece of jewelry but can't find a turquoise you like? Then a deep blue stone such as lapis lazuli can be an alternative in the same colour family. Many modern zodiac lists also link lapis to Sagittarius, which runs from late November to around 21 December. Read more in our article on lapis lazuli.
November birthstone – topaz and citrine
November babies have golden stones: topaz and citrine. Both have warm, honey-yellow tones that suit the dark of autumn and are traditionally said to stand for warmth and joy. If you love the warm tones but want something earthier, tiger's eye is a lovely stone in the same palette – golden brown with a beautiful shimmer. Discover tiger's eye jewelry.
February birthstone – amethyst
February has one of the best-loved birthstones: amethyst. This violet quartz has been worn for thousands of years, and its name comes from the Greek amethystos, often translated as "not drunk". Today amethyst is traditionally associated with calm, clarity and inner balance. It is also hard enough for everyday wear, which makes it perfect for bracelets and necklaces. Read our guide how to tell if amethyst is real.
If you don't love your birthstone
Not everyone falls in love with their birthstone, and that is completely fine. Many people choose a stone by colour, style or meaning instead. Here are three easy ways:
- Choose by colour family: if ruby (July) isn't you, another warm red or pink stone may feel right. Rose quartz is a softer alternative in the same romantic palette.
- Choose by zodiac sign: many modern lists link stones to star signs – for example tiger's eye to Leo, obsidian to Scorpio and rose quartz to Taurus and Libra. The lists vary between traditions.
- Choose by meaning: which quality do you want to carry with you? Read more in our guide to gemstone meanings.
✦ Vonsten tip
A personal gift in three steps
1. Find out the birth month. 2. Choose the birthstone – or a stone in the same colour family. 3. Write the stone's meaning on the card. A nice touch is to wrap the gift in the colour of the stone.
Birthstones as gifts – for every occasion
A birthstone is one of the most personal gifts you can give, because it says: I know who you are. It suits almost any occasion. For a birthday it is obvious – the stone belongs to that very month. For a christening or a newborn the birthstone becomes a lifelong keepsake the child can wear when older. At Christmas you can give the whole family their stones, and for a wedding or anniversary you can choose the stone for the month you met. It is a small detail that makes the gift feel thoughtful year after year.
How to wear your birthstone
A birthstone is meant to be worn often. A bracelet is perfect for everyday, while a pendant necklace makes the stone the focal point. Combine your own birthstone with stones for the people you love – for example a bracelet with your stone and one with your child's – for a personal bracelet stack.
Natural stone does best with gentle care: wipe with a soft cloth, avoid perfume and water and store your pieces separately. More tips in our guide to cleaning gemstone jewelry.
Shop the look
From our collection
Looking for birthstone jewelry? Amethyst is the February stone, and lapis lazuli appears as a September stone in older lists. Right now it is buy 2, get 1 free.
Frequently asked questions about birthstones
What is the December birthstone?
Turquoise is the classic December birthstone. Tanzanite and blue zircon are common alternatives in more modern lists.
What is the November birthstone?
Topaz is the November birthstone, and citrine is a common alternative. Both have warm golden tones.
What is the February birthstone?
Amethyst is the birthstone for February. The violet stone is traditionally associated with calm and inner balance.
Is a birthstone the same as a month stone?
Yes, both terms describe the same thing: a stone linked to the month you were born in.
Which month is lapis lazuli the birthstone for?
Older traditional lists mention lapis lazuli as an alternative for September, alongside sapphire. The stone is also often linked to winter blues and to Sagittarius in zodiac lists.
Summary
Birthstones are a beautiful way to make jewelry personal. Use the list above to find your own or someone else's birthstone, and remember that you can always choose by colour, star sign or meaning instead. What matters most is that the stone feels like yours.
Read next
The stone meanings in this article are based on tradition, culture and symbolism and are meant as inspiration. They are not medical or scientific claims.
