A comprehensive birthstone guide

We typically think of garnets as red, but they’re found in wide range of colors, including oranges, purples, and greens — even a very rare blue. Mohs Scale rating: 6.5 to 7.5. Garnets are scratch-resistant enough for daily wear. Store them away from harder gemstones, which may scratch them, and clean them often.

The purple amethyst is the most coveted variety of quartz and is found in tones ranging from the palest lilac to deep royal purple. Green quartz, technically called prasiolite, is sometimes called green amethyst. Mohs Scale rating: 7. The amethyst gemstone is scratch-resistant enough to wear every day and last for years with proper care. Avoid extended exposure to heat and light, which may cause it to lose or change color.

Aquamarine gemstones are from the same family as emeralds and are found mainly in granite rocks. Mohs Scale rating: 7.5 to 8. Highly scratch-resistant aquamarine gemstones can last for generations even with daily wear.

April’s primary birthstone comes in two types: natural and lab grown diamonds. Formed deep within the earth under immense heat and pressure, natural diamonds are prized for their rarity. Lab grown diamonds are created in a controlled environment and share the same chemical composition, physical properties and sparkle as their natural counterparts. Mohs Scale rating: 10. Diamonds are at the top of the scale — only a diamond can scratch a diamond.

White sapphires are a cost-effective alternative for April birthdays — they’re durable and elegant, with a delicate sparkle. They’re said to represent purity, sincerity and clarity. Mohs Scale rating: 9. (Second only to diamonds.)

Emeralds owe their stunning green color to trace amounts of chromium and sometimes vanadium. Naturally occurring inclusions, called jardin, make each one unique. Mohs Scale rating: 7.5 to 8. They’re relatively resistant to scratching. Because of the inclusions, avoid ultrasonic cleaners, hot water and steam, and harsh chemicals. They are available as both natural and lab created gems.

Cultured pearls are available in a few varieties, including Tahitian (bold sizes, dark colors), South Sea (largest and rarest) and freshwater (unique shapes, pastel colors). Mohs Scale rating: 2.5. Pearls are very soft and easily scratched. With care, however, pearl jewelry can become a treasured family heirloom.

Alexandrite is best known for its shifting colors — shades of green in daylight turning to red and purplish red in lamplight. It’s associated with transformation, balance and creativity. Mohs Scale rating: 8.5. Alexandrite is scratch-resistant and is primarily available as a lab created gem. 

Rubies are a variation of the mineral corundum, with their vivid scarlet hue produced by trace amounts of the element chromium. Mohs Scale rating: 9. They’re nearly as hard as diamonds, making them an excellent, head-turning gem for everyday wear. Rubies are available in lab created and natural varieties.

Unlike many gemstones, peridot only comes in one color: green, though the tones may vary. Mohs Scale rating: 6.5 to 7. With proper care, peridot will last for generations. When cleaning, avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners, and be sure to thoughtfully store your jewelry.

Available as natural and lab created, sapphires with tints of orange, yellow, green, blue and purple are called “fancies.” If they’re red, they’re classified as rubies. Mohs Scale rating: 9. Only diamonds are harder. Their scratch-resistance makes sapphires popular for engagement rings and heirloom birthstone jewelry.

Opals are found in two classes: Precious opals are evaluated based factors like type (black, white, crystal, fire, etc.), play-of-color, transparency, clarity and cut. Common opals don’t display play-of-color; they’re opaque to translucent and come in soft, milky shades. Mohs Scale rating: 5.5 to 6. Opals aren't as hard as other gems. Though they require a little more care, they’re worth the extra TLC.

Tourmaline is from the Sinhalese word toramalli, or “stone of mixed colors,” because it’s found in many different hues. The benefit for October babies: Choose your favorite color for your birthstone jewelry. Mohs Scale rating: 7 to 7.5. Tourmaline will hold up to everyday wear, but heat can be damaging, so avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaning.

Citrine’s name was inspired by the word citron, French for lemon. For a time, it was mistaken for the other November birthstone, topaz. Mohs Scale rating: 7. Citrine is suitable for normal wear and is easy to care for. High heat could cause the gemstone to crack, so avoid steam cleaning.

Because natural blue topaz is so rare, gemstones you come across will likely be colorless natural topaz treated with heat and irradiation to turn different shades of blue. Mohs Scale rating: 8. Topaz is one of the hardest naturally occurring minerals, making it ideal for everyday wear in jewelry pieces. Because of it’s internal structure, a sharp hit or temperature change can cause it to shatter — but a protective setting, like a bezel, or extra care wearing or storing topaz will keep it safe and perfect.

Tanzanite was introduced to the jewelry world in the late ‘60s and quickly grew popular for its deep blue to dark violet tones. This December birthstone is trichotic, which means the color shifts depending on your viewing angle. Mohs Scale rating: 6 to 7. Pendants and earrings, as well as protective settings like bezels, help protect your gemstone from damage. Avoid extreme temperature changes, harsh chemicals, and ultrasonic and steam cleaners.

The custom of wearing birthstones has evolved over thousands of years and many cultures, and those gemstones are reflected in traditional lists. The modern list was created by the Jewelers of America (then called the National Association of Jewelers) in 1912. That list has been updated multiple times since to offer more choices and reflect changing tastes.

Multiple months, such as April, June, October and December, have more than one birthstone. Those lucky babies can choose the gemstones that appeal to their personal aesthetics and best fit their budgets. Some newer additions to birthstone lists are more recently available or accessible.

Taking good care of your birthstone jewelry will keep it looking gorgeous for generations. How to do it depends on the setting as well as the gemstone’s composition and scratch-resistance (as rated by the Mohs Scale of Mineral Hardness, and noted above for each birthstone). Some basics include: putting on jewelry after you’ve applied moisturizers and makeup; taking it off when you’re doing anything dirty, rough or sweaty; keeping it clean; and keeping pieces separate so they don’t scratch each other. 

German mineralogist Friedrich Mohs developed the Mohs scale to compare minerals’ ability to scratch one another. The softest minerals (1-4) aren't typically suitable for daily wear. Medium-hard gemstones (5-6) require carefully handling, but can handle some wear and tear. Hard birthstones (7-9) are ideal for signature pieces. Diamonds get a perfect 10 because of their exceptional hardness. They can only be scratched by another diamond.

The gemstones chosen to represent each month of the year are symbols that come with stories. Over time, different societies have worn birthstones for protection, believed they carry powers, and credited them with bringing good luck. The lore and symbolism of each birthstone is unique and varies depending on the origins and cultures of the people who have cherished them throughout the ages. 

All the ways. Choose a signature piece for everyday wear or a statement look for special occasions. Layer birthstone jewelry with other favorite pieces. Pair your own birthstones with your loved ones' in layers and stacks. Or consider designs that incorporate family members' birthstones, like "mother's rings" or Toi et Moi engagement rings.

Natural alexandrite, June's birthstone, is one of the rarest gems in the world. Lab created alexandrite, however, has the same chemical composition, is much more widely available and features even more dramatic color changes.

Giving birthstone jewelry to someone you care about is a meaningful, personal way to say, "I know you. I understand you. I love you." Birthstones don't just represent a month — they carry centuries of symbolism, stories and cultural meaning. Wearing jewelry with your own birthstone makes a statement about your identity, and wearing loved ones' gemstones celebrates the relationships you treasure.