Birthstone: Which Gem Corresponds to Each Month

The birthstone is the gem traditionally assigned to each month of the year: garnet for January, amethyst for February, aquamarine for March... and so on until turquoise for December. Gifting a piece of jewelry with someone's birthstone is one of the most beautiful ways to personalize without engraving anything: the piece carries a message that only that person (and you) know. In our workshop in Córdoba, we have been setting natural stones in 925 sterling silver since 1942, and this is the guide we use.

Where does the tradition of birthstones come from?

It has ancient roots: it is often traced back to the twelve stones of the high priest's breastplate described in Exodus, which tradition associated with the twelve months and signs. The modern list was standardized in the early 20th century by American jeweler guilds and has since become a worldwide reference, with small variations depending on the country.

The List: Your Stone According to Your Month

• January — Garnet: passion and vitality. Deep red to start the year with strength.
• February — Amethyst: mental clarity and intuition. The most elegant violet.
• March — Aquamarine: serenity, the blue of a calm sea.
• April — Diamond (and as a classic alternative, rock crystal or clear quartz): strength and purity.
• May — Emerald (natural alternative: moss agate, green and linked to renewal).
• June — Pearl or moonstone: femininity, intuition, new beginnings. One of the luckiest months.
• July — Ruby (alternative: carnelian). Energy and love.
• August — Peridot (alternative: green agate). Light and growth.
• September — Sapphire (natural alternative: lapis lazuli, the blue of truth and wisdom).
• October — Opal: creativity and imagination, with its changing flashes.
• November — Topaz or tiger's eye: confidence and courage.
• December — Turquoise: protection and friendship. The perfect end to the year.

For the deeper meaning of each, check out our complete guide to natural stones.

How to Gift a Birthstone Jewelry?

Three ideas from the workshop:

• The classic: a silver pendant with their birthstone. Discreet, personal, for everyday wear.
• For mothers: a piece with the birthstones of their children. It's the gift with the most tears of joy per unit we know.
• For couples: each wears the other's birthstone. No need to explain anything to anyone.

925 sterling silver is the ideal setting for these gems: its neutral tone lets the stone's color speak. And in an artisan piece, the setting is custom-made for each specific stone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don't like my month's stone or it's too expensive?
Almost every month has more accessible traditional alternatives (lapis lazuli for sapphire, quartz for diamond). And the golden rule: tradition proposes, you decide. Choose the stone that moves you.

Are birthstones the same in all countries?
The main ones are; some alternatives change according to local tradition. The list in this guide is the most widespread in Europe.

Can I order a piece with a specific stone?
Yes: working on commission is natural in an artisan workshop. Write to us or visit us in Córdoba, Málaga, or Nerja, and we'll find your stone.

This article is written by the Joaquín Espaliú team, artisan jewelry founded in Córdoba in 1942. Natural stones set by hand in 925 sterling silver for over eighty years.