Birthstones are a lovely way to personalise a gift, and the list is simpler than it looks. Here is a month-by-month guide, with notes on the stones we set in handmade sterling silver. Birthstone lists vary a little between traditions, so we have included the common alternatives.
The birthstone for each month
- January: garnet, usually deep red
- February: amethyst, the purple variety of quartz
- March: aquamarine
- April: diamond
- May: emerald
- June: pearl and moonstone (alexandrite is also listed)
- July: ruby
- August: peridot (spinel is also listed)
- September: sapphire
- October: opal and tourmaline
- November: topaz and citrine
- December: turquoise, tanzanite and zircon; lapis lazuli appears on many traditional lists
A note for the Southern Hemisphere
Birthstones follow the calendar month, not the season, so the list is the same in Australia. Only the weather changes.
Choosing a stone for a gift
Start with the recipient's birth month, then think about how they will wear it. Studs suit everyday wear, drop earrings and pendants make more of a statement, and rings are best with a harder stone. Garnet, ruby, topaz and citrine are relatively hard and suit frequent wear. Softer stones such as moonstone and pearl are lovely but need a little more care, which we cover in our jewellery care guide.
Not your birth month?
You do not have to wear your own birthstone. Many people choose a stone for its colour or simply because they love it. Browse all of our earrings, pendants and rings.
Every Zorba piece is handmade in solid 925 sterling silver and dispatched from Canberra within 2 business days.