Birthstones by Month: Your Complete Guide to Meanings and Choices

Birthstone jewellery conveys more than colour, each stone carries its own meaning, tradition, and personal significance. This guide helps you identify the stone for your birth month, understand what it represents, and navigate alternative options where more than one exists.

A Month by Month Guide to Birthstones with Colour and Meaning

Silvery sources high quality cubic zirconia birthstones. Many of the natural stones come in a range of colours but we have curated a range of colours that will beautifully complement each birthstone jewellery piece.

Month	Birthstone	Colour	Traditional Meaning
January	Garnet	Deep red	Protection, strength, friendship
February	Amethyst	Purple	Wisdom, clarity, peace
March	Aquamarine	Light blue	Serenity, courage, clarity
April	Diamond	Clear	Love, resilience, clarity
May	Emerald	Rich green	Growth, renewal, wisdom
June	Light Amethyst	Lavender	Peace, harmony, healing
July	Ruby	Deep red	Passion, vitality, courage
August	Peridot	Yellow green	Protection, happiness, harmony
September	Sapphire	Deep blue	Wisdom, loyalty, truth
October	Tourmaline	Light pink	Creativity, inspiration, hope
November	Topaz	Golden yellow	Joy, abundance, strength
December	Blue topaz	Blue-green	Protection, healing, balance

Some months have traditional or modern birthstone options, which are explored in more detail below.

What is My Birthstone?  Month by Month Guide

January: Garnet

Deep red and enduring, garnet traditionally symbolises protection and strength. It pairs beautifully with timeless sterling silver jewellery designs.

February: Amethyst

Associated with calm and clarity, amethyst ranges from soft violet to deep purple tones. We select deeper purple tones for a striking statement in our birthstone jewellery.

March: Aquamarine

With clear, tranquil blue tones reminiscent of calm waters, the aquamarine is often chosen for its quiet strength and protection. While widely recognised as March’s birthstone, some modern lists also include bloodstone. At Silvery, the fresh blue hues translate into quietly meaningful pieces.

April: Diamond

Celebrated for brilliance and clarity, the diamond symbolises strength and lasting love. Alternatives such as white topaz are sometimes noted alongside this traditional April stone. We reflect its light-filled sparkle in clear cubic zirconia for a similarly refined look.

May: Emerald

Emerald’s vibrant green tones are linked with renewal and growth, bringing a fresh lift to birthstone jewellery. Alongside this traditional May stone, green tourmaline is sometimes considered as a modern alternative.

June: Light Amethyst

Pale lilac hues give light amethyst a soft, understated feel, associated with calm and gentle clarity. While June traditionally includes pearl and moonstone, we choose the light amethyst for its feminine, contemporary appeal.

July: Ruby

The vivid red ruby, the traditional July birthstone, is closely linked to passion and vitality, with a depth of colour that naturally draws the eye. Its vibrancy creates a striking contrast against gleaming sterling silver.

August: Peridot

Fresh yellow-green peridot suggests positivity and energy. The bright, uplifting peridot used in Silvery pieces lends itself to light, contemporary birthstone jewellery.

September: Sapphire

Well known for its deep blue colour, the sapphire is associated with wisdom and integrity. Its richness gives a timeless and versatile finish.

October: Tourmaline

Naturally found in a wide spectrum of colours, tourmaline offers a more varied alternative to opal, October’s traditional stone.
Soft pink tones are favoured at Silvery for their gentle femininity and their natural pairing with sterling silver.

November: Yellow Topaz

The golden tone of yellow topaz is associated with joy and abundance. We choose yellow topaz for its gentle warmth, which brings a subtle glow to everyday jewellery.

December: Blue Topaz

The clear blue light of the blue topaz evokes calm and clarity, offering a fresh, light-filled finish. The alternative birthstone for December is tanzanite. The bright, wearable tone of blue topaz suits clean, modern birthstone jewellery.

Frequently Asked Questions about Birthstones

Why do some months have more than one birthstone?
Birthstone lists have evolved over time due to cultural traditions, availability, and modern taste. Modern birthstones offer more accessible and affordable options, giving you the flexibility to choose between stones based on colour, meaning, or personal preference.

What is the difference between traditional and modern birthstones?
Traditional birthstones date back centuries and often reflect cultural or spiritual beliefs. Modern birthstones were standardised more recently to provide more practical or affordable options while still retaining symbolic meaning.

Can I wear a birthstone that isn’t for my birth month?
Absolutely. Birthstone jewellery is as much about personal expression as it is about tradition. Many people choose stones based on colour, meaning, or connection to a loved one rather than a birth month. There are no rules: it’s about what feels right to you.

What birthstone jewellery makes the best gift?

Pieces that are symbolic, easy to wear and reflect the recipient’s personality or story make treasured gifts.  Simple necklaces, stud earrings, or delicate stacking pieces are popular choices, as they suit a wide range of styles and can be worn daily. Or you might want to celebrate your family with a piece that showcases multiple stones.