Birthstones by month

Birthstones by Month: Meaning, Colors, Jewelry & Care

Compare the birthstones for every month, then open a detailed guide for color, history, jewelry buying questions, everyday wear and care.

Start with your birth month. Modern birthstone lists may include more than one gem for some months. These guides explain the primary stone used in OOAKB’s current collection and note important alternatives where relevant.

How to use a birthstone chart

A birthstone chart is a starting point, not a quality grade. First choose the month, then compare the gemstone’s color range, durability, treatments and care needs. A ring usually receives more daily impact than a pendant or earrings, so the same stone may suit one jewelry style better than another.

Choose birthstone jewelry for real life

  • For daily wear: check the setting, stone toughness and whether treatment changes the recommended cleaning method.
  • For gifts: confirm the recipient’s month, preferred metal color, jewelry type and usual level of activity.
  • For personalization: verify every supported name, date, message, photo or birthstone option on the product page before ordering.

Birthstone colors are broader than one swatch

Many birthstones occur in more than one color. Garnet is not only dark red, sapphire is not only blue, and topaz is available in several hues. The monthly guides explain the ranges shoppers are likely to encounter without implying that every OOAKB product uses a natural, untreated or certified gemstone.

Frequently asked questions

What is my birthstone?

Your primary birthstone is usually selected by calendar month. Open the corresponding monthly guide above for the gemstone used in OOAKB’s current birthstone collection and any important alternatives.

Can one month have more than one birthstone?

Yes. Modern and historical lists sometimes recognize alternatives for the same month. June, August, October, November and December are common examples.

Does a high Mohs hardness number mean a stone cannot break?

No. Hardness describes resistance to scratching, not resistance to chipping or breaking. Toughness, setting design, treatments and how the jewelry is worn also matter.

Can all birthstone jewelry be cleaned the same way?

No. Heat, steam, ultrasonic cleaners, chemicals and soaking can affect gemstones and treatments differently. Follow the relevant monthly guide and the care information supplied with the product.

Shop all birthstone jewelry Compare zodiac birthstones
December birthstone Turquoise guide
December Birthstone: Turquoise Meaning, Jewelry & Care
What is December’s birthstone? December has three birthstones; this guide follows OOAKB’s turquoise collection. Other recognized December options include tanzanite and zircon. This page keeps the commercial path aligned with... Read more...
November birthstone Topaz guide
November Birthstone: Topaz Colors, Jewelry & Care
What is November’s birthstone? November has two birthstones; this guide follows OOAKB’s topaz collection. Other recognized November options include citrine. This page keeps the commercial path aligned with OOAKB’s Topaz... Read more...
October birthstone Opal guide
October Birthstone: Opal Types, Jewelry & Care
What is October’s birthstone? October has two birthstones; this guide follows OOAKB’s opal collection. Other recognized October options include tourmaline. This page keeps the commercial path aligned with OOAKB’s Opal... Read more...
September birthstone Sapphire guide
September Birthstone: Sapphire Colors, Jewelry & Care
What is September’s birthstone? Sapphire is the recognized September birthstone. This page keeps the commercial path aligned with OOAKB’s Sapphire parent collection. Meaning & historyGem factsHow to chooseJewelry stylesCare guideFAQ... Read more...
August birthstone Peridot guide
August Birthstone: Peridot Meaning, Jewelry & Care
What is August’s birthstone? August has three birthstones; this guide follows OOAKB’s peridot collection. Other recognized August options include spinel and sardonyx. This page keeps the commercial path aligned with... Read more...
July birthstone Ruby guide
July Birthstone: Ruby Meaning, Jewelry & Care
What is July’s birthstone? Ruby is the recognized July birthstone. This page keeps the commercial path aligned with OOAKB’s Ruby parent collection. Meaning & historyGem factsHow to chooseJewelry stylesCare guideFAQ... Read more...
June birthstone Pearl guide
June Birthstone: Pearl Types, Jewelry & Care
What is June’s birthstone? June has three birthstones; this guide follows OOAKB’s pearl collection. Other recognized June options include alexandrite and moonstone. This page keeps the commercial path aligned with... Read more...
May birthstone Emerald guide
May Birthstone: Emerald Meaning, Jewelry & Care
What is May’s birthstone? Emerald is the recognized May birthstone. This page keeps the commercial path aligned with OOAKB’s Emerald parent collection. Meaning & historyGem factsHow to chooseJewelry stylesCare guideFAQ... Read more...
March birthstone Aquamarine guide
March Birthstone: Aquamarine Meaning, Jewelry & Care
What is March’s birthstone? Aquamarine is the best-known modern March birthstone, while bloodstone is also recognized as a March birthstone. This guide focuses on aquamarine because OOAKB’s current March jewelry... Read more...
February birthstone Amethyst guide
February Birthstone: Amethyst Meaning, Jewelry & Care
A practical guide to February’s birthstone, amethyst—including its history, color, durability, care, buying questions and jewelry styles. Read more...
January birthstone Garnet guide
January Birthstone: Garnet Meaning, Colors, Jewelry & Care
What is January’s birthstone? Garnet is the widely recognized January birthstone. Garnet is a group of related minerals—not a single gem variety—and its colors can include red, orange, yellow, green,... Read more...