Birthstone Finder

A birthstone is a gemstone associated with a specific month of the year. Each month has one or more gemstones that are traditionally believed to bring luck, protection, and specific benefits to people born in that month. The concept dates back to the Breastplate of Aaron described in the Book of Exodus, which featured 12 gemstones representing the 12 tribes of Israel. Over time, these became linked to the 12 months of the year and the 12 zodiac signs. Today, wearing your birthstone is a popular tradition in jewelry and is thought to enhance the stone's metaphysical properties for the wearer.

Several months have multiple birthstones due to different cultural traditions, historical updates by jewelry associations, and the discovery of new gemstones over time. The modern birthstone list was standardized by the Jewelers of America in 1912, but has been updated several times since. For example, June has three birthstones — Pearl, Alexandrite, and Moonstone — offering variety in color, rarity, and price point. This gives consumers more options to choose a stone that resonates with them personally or fits their budget. Additionally, some months have both traditional (historical) and modern (contemporary) birthstone designations.

The origin of birthstones traces back to the Breastplate of Aaron, a religious garment described in the Bible's Book of Exodus, which was adorned with 12 gemstones representing the 12 tribes of Israel. In the 1st century, historian Josephus linked these 12 stones to the 12 months of the year. Later, in the 5th century, St. Jerome connected them to the 12 zodiac signs. The practice of wearing a single birthstone for one's birth month became popular in 16th-century Poland and Germany. The modern standardized list was created by the National Association of Jewelers (now Jewelers of America) in 1912, with updates in 1952, 2002, and 2016 to include newly discovered gemstones.

Yes, birthstones have a historical connection to zodiac signs and astrology. In ancient times, gemstones were often associated with celestial bodies and astrological signs. Some traditions assign specific gemstones to zodiac signs rather than calendar months. For example, Ruby is associated with Leo, Emerald with Taurus, and Sapphire with Virgo. While the modern birthstone system follows calendar months, many people also enjoy wearing gemstones aligned with their zodiac sign. This dual system allows for personalized jewelry choices based on either birth month or astrological sign, depending on personal preference.

Absolutely! There are no rules restricting which gemstones you can wear. While traditionally people wear their own birth month's stone, many choose gemstones based on personal preference, aesthetic appeal, or the specific metaphysical properties they seek. Some people collect all 12 birthstones to represent family members, while others wear stones associated with months significant to them (like an anniversary month). The most important factor is that you feel a connection to the stone you're wearing. Jewelry is deeply personal, and choosing a gemstone that resonates with you — regardless of birth month — is perfectly acceptable.

Among birthstones, Alexandrite (June) is widely considered the rarest. This extraordinary gemstone exhibits a remarkable color-change effect, appearing green in daylight and red under incandescent light — often described as "emerald by day, ruby by night." Fine-quality Alexandrite is extremely scarce because it requires a specific geological condition where beryllium and chromium occur together, which is rare in nature. The original Russian deposits from the 1830s have been largely depleted. Other notably rare birthstones include high-quality natural Ruby (July), fine Emerald (May), and natural Tanzanite (December alternative), which is found only in a small area of Tanzania.

Care depends on the specific gemstone's hardness and properties. Generally, most birthstones can be cleaned with warm soapy water and a soft brush. However, some require special care: Pearls (June) are organic and very soft (2.5–4.5 Mohs) — avoid chemicals, perfumes, and ultrasonic cleaners; use only a soft damp cloth. Opals (October) contain water and can crack if exposed to extreme temperature changes or dry conditions. Emeralds (May) often have natural inclusions and should not be cleaned with ultrasonic devices. Always store gemstone jewelry separately to prevent harder stones from scratching softer ones. For heirloom or valuable pieces, professional cleaning is recommended annually.

Yes, lab-created (synthetic) gemstones are chemically, physically, and optically identical to their natural counterparts. They are "real" gemstones — just grown in a controlled laboratory environment rather than formed naturally over millions of years. Lab-created stones are often more affordable, ethically sourced, and environmentally friendly. They typically have fewer inclusions and more consistent color than natural stones. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires clear disclosure when gemstones are lab-created. Whether you choose natural or lab-created birthstones is a matter of personal preference, budget, and values. Both options are widely accepted in modern jewelry.