Birthstones by Month

Over thousands of years, a tradition has developed, associating certain gemstones with times of the year.
It is likely that pagan beliefs associated the time of year of a person's birth with certain characteristics. Pagan cultures are ones in which the believers tend to be in tune with nature and the earth's cycles and seasons.
These pagan beliefs became incorporated into later religions including judaism and christianity. Astrology is also a link with these earlier beliefs.

With the passing of time and fashions, different gemstones have been ascribed to different months. It is thought that, originally, colour was the major attribute which determined a person's birthstone. During the eighteenth century, the connection between birthstones and particular months received a wave of popularity, and many different lists came into being. In 1937, the (British) National Association of Goldsmiths (N.A.G.), organised a uniform "official" list, which seems to have become, more or less, internationally recognised. The cynical may wish to believe that this is merely marketing by the jewellery industry!

Gemstones associated with the zodiac signs sometimes coincide with the birthstones by month.

Month	Birthstone	Alternatives	Colour
January	Garnet		Dark Red
February	Amethyst		Purple
March	Aquamarine	Bloodstone	Pale Blue
April	Diamond	Rock Crystal	White
May	Emerald	Chrysoprase	Bright Green
June	Pearl	Moonstone	Cream
July	Ruby	Cornelian, Onyx	Red
August	Peridot	Sardonyx	Pale Green
September	Sapphire	Lapis Lazuli	Deep Blue
October	Opal	Tourmaline	Variegated
November	Topaz	Citrine	Yellow
December	Turquoise		Sky Blue