A birthstone is a peculiar gemstone that represents a person’s month of birth. Birthstones are often integrated in jewelry pieces like necklaces, rings, and bracelets.
The origin of birthstones dates back to centuries ago as far as the biblical times. Historians believe that the 12 gemstones on Aaron’s breastplate were referring to the twelve tribes of Israel. And these stones offer specific powers, resulting in people wearing them as talismans or for therapeutic benefits.
Over the years, these gemstones have been modernized into birthstones for every month (January to December). In this post, we will make a comparison between the traditional birthstones and modern birthstones, discussing the differences between them.
Traditional and Modern Birthstones Chart By Month
Here is a Chart for traditional and modern birthstones by month. Traditional birthstones chart have historical and cultural origins, while modern birthstones were standardized by the Jewelers of America in 1912 and have been updated over time.
| Month | Traditional Birthstone(s) | Modern Birthstone(s) |
| January | Garnet | |
| February | Amethyst | |
| March | Bloodstone | Aquamarine, Bloodstone (UK) |
| April | Diamond | |
| May | Emerald | |
| June | Pearl, Moonstone | Pearl, Moonstone, Alexandrite |
| July | Ruby | |
| August | Sardonyx | Sardonyx, Peridot, Spinel |
| September | Sapphire | |
| October | Opal | Opal, Tourmaline |
| November | Topaz | Topaz, Citrine |
| December | Turquoise | Turquoise, Zircon, Tanzanite |
January Birthstone: Garnet (Traditional & Modern)
Garnet has been treasured since ancient times as a protective talisman for travelers and warriors. As January’s birthstone in both traditional and modern lists, it is admired for durability, brilliance, and rich, warm tones that suit everyday jewelry.
Color
Deep red is most iconic, but garnet also occurs in green, orange, pink, and purplish hues depending on the variety.
Meaning
Associated with protection, vitality, loyalty, and enduring friendship. Traditionally believed to safeguard the wearer during journeys.
February Birthstone: Amethyst (Traditional & Modern)
Amethyst, a purple variety of quartz, has long symbolized calmness and clarity. Revered by royalty and clergy, it remains February’s birthstone in both systems due to its beauty, affordability, and suitability for all jewelry styles.
Color
Ranges from pale lilac to deep violet and royal purple, sometimes with reddish or bluish undertones.
Meaning
Represents peace, wisdom, spiritual balance, and protection. Historically linked to sobriety and clear thinking.
March Birthstone: Bloodstone (Traditional & Modern)
Bloodstone is one of March’s historic birthstones, valued since antiquity for its bold appearance and symbolic strength. It has been used in seals, amulets, and carvings, especially in medieval Europe.
Color
Dark green chalcedony with distinctive red speckles resembling drops of blood.
Meaning
Symbolizes courage, strength, vitality, and protection. Traditionally associated with warriors and resilience.
March Birthstone: Aquamarine (Modern)
Aquamarine is the most popular modern birthstone for March, prized for its serene ocean-blue color and excellent clarity. Its fresh, luminous look makes it especially favored in contemporary fine jewelry.
Color
Light blue to blue-green, often resembling clear seawater; deeper blue stones are considered more valuable.
Meaning
Linked to tranquility, harmony, courage, and safe travel—especially protection for sailors at sea.
April Birthstone: Diamond (Traditional & Modern)
Diamond, April’s birthstone in both traditional and modern lists, is prized for unmatched hardness and brilliance. Long associated with eternal love, it remains the ultimate gemstone for engagement rings and heirloom jewelry.
Color
Typically colorless, but diamonds also occur in fancy colors such as yellow, pink, blue, and champagne.
Meaning
Represents purity, strength, eternal love, and invincibility. Often seen as a symbol of commitment and resilience.
May Birthstone: Emerald (Traditional & Modern)
Emerald has symbolized renewal and prosperity for thousands of years. As May’s birthstone, its lush green color evokes spring growth and vitality, making it a timeless choice for fine jewelry collections.
Color
Rich green to bluish-green, with vivid, saturated stones considered the most valuable.
Meaning
Associated with rebirth, growth, fertility, prosperity, and wisdom. Traditionally believed to bring harmony and good fortune.
June Birthstone: Pearl (Traditional & Modern)
Pearl is unique among gemstones because it forms within living mollusks. Long cherished for its natural elegance, it has symbolized refinement and purity across cultures and remains a classic June birthstone.
Color
Commonly white or cream, but also found in pink, silver, gold, and black varieties.
Meaning
Represents purity, innocence, wisdom, and serenity. Often associated with femininity and timeless elegance.
June Birthstone: Moonstone (Traditional & Modern)
Moonstone is admired for its mystical glow known as adularescence, which resembles moonlight floating beneath the surface. It has been linked to lunar symbolism and intuition for centuries.
Color
Usually milky white with blue sheen, but can also appear peach, gray, or rainbow-toned.
Meaning
Symbolizes intuition, emotional balance, new beginnings, and feminine energy. Traditionally connected to the moon and cycles.
June Birthstone: Alexandrite (Modern)
Alexandrite is one of the rarest gemstones, famous for its dramatic color-changing ability under different lighting. Discovered in Russia in the 19th century, it quickly became a prized collector’s stone.
Color
Green to bluish-green in daylight, shifting to purplish-red under incandescent light.
Meaning
Associated with transformation, luck, balance, and adaptability. Often viewed as a symbol of change and duality.
July Birthstone: Ruby (Traditional & Modern)
Ruby, one of the most valuable colored gemstones, has long been revered as the “king of gems.” Its intense red hue and durability make it a powerful symbol of passion and vitality.
Color
Vivid red ranging from pinkish-red to deep “pigeon blood” red, the most prized shade.
Meaning
Represents passion, courage, protection, and prosperity. Historically believed to bring power and success to its wearer.
August Birthstone: Sardonyx (Traditional & Modern)
Sardonyx is one of the oldest known gemstones, valued in ancient Rome for seals and cameos. As August’s traditional birthstone, it offers a classic, earthy alternative to brighter modern stones.
Color
Layered bands of reddish-brown sard and white onyx, sometimes with black or cream stripes.
Meaning
Symbolizes strength, courage, stability, and protection. Historically believed to bring confidence and clear communication.
August Birthstone: Peridot (Modern)
Peridot, formed deep within the Earth’s mantle and sometimes found in meteorites, is August’s most popular modern birthstone. Its fresh green glow makes it a favorite for vibrant summer jewelry.
Color
Bright yellow-green to olive green, often with a warm golden undertone.
Meaning
Associated with happiness, prosperity, renewal, and positive energy. Traditionally believed to ward off negativity.
August Birthstone: Spinel (Modern)
Spinel was often mistaken for ruby in historical crown jewels, yet it is a gemstone in its own right with excellent brilliance and durability. It was officially added as an August birthstone in modern lists.
Color
Occurs in many colors, including vivid red, pink, purple, blue, and black.
Meaning
Represents revitalization, inspiration, and strength. Often associated with fresh energy and recovery.
September Birthstone: Sapphire (Traditional & Modern)
Sapphire has long symbolized royalty and wisdom, adorning crowns and sacred objects for centuries. As September’s birthstone, it is prized for durability and timeless elegance.
Color
Best known for deep royal blue, but also found in pink, yellow, green, and colorless varieties.
Meaning
Symbolizes wisdom, loyalty, truth, and nobility. Traditionally believed to protect against harm and envy.
October Birthstone: Opal (Traditional & Modern)
Opal is famous for its mesmerizing play-of-color, displaying flashes of rainbow hues as it moves. This unique optical effect makes it one of the most distinctive gemstones for October.
Color
Base color ranges from white to black, with shifting flashes of red, green, blue, and other colors.
Meaning
Associated with creativity, imagination, emotional expression, and inspiration. Often linked to artistic energy.
October Birthstone: Tourmaline (Modern)
Tourmaline is celebrated for its extraordinary color diversity, sometimes showing multiple colors in a single crystal. It has become a popular modern alternative to opal.
Color
Available in nearly every color, including pink, green, blue, black, and bi-color “watermelon” varieties.
Meaning
Represents balance, protection, compassion, and emotional healing. Often associated with grounding energy.
November Birthstone: Topaz (Traditional & Modern)
Topaz has been treasured since ancient civilizations and remains November’s primary birthstone. Its excellent clarity and wide color range make it suitable for both fine and fashion jewelry.
Color
Naturally occurs in yellow, orange, blue, pink, and colorless; golden “imperial” topaz is highly prized.
Meaning
Symbolizes strength, abundance, joy, and confidence. Traditionally believed to bring success and warmth.
November Birthstone: Citrine (Modern)
Citrine, a golden variety of quartz, is a more affordable modern alternative for November. Its sunny color and durability make it ideal for everyday wear.
Color
Warm yellow to deep amber or orange-brown tones, resembling sunlight or autumn leaves.
Meaning
Associated with optimism, prosperity, creativity, and positive energy. Often called the “merchant’s stone.”
December Birthstone: Turquoise (Traditional and Modern)
Turquoise is one of the world’s oldest known gemstones, revered by ancient cultures from Persia to the Americas. Its distinctive color has made it a symbol of protection for millennia.
Color
Sky blue to greenish blue, often with natural veining known as matrix.
Meaning
Represents protection, wisdom, good fortune, and spiritual grounding. Traditionally used as a protective talisman.
December Birthstone: Zircon (Modern)
Zircon is a natural gemstone prized for exceptional brilliance and fire, sometimes mistaken for diamond. It offers a sparkling modern option for December birthdays.
Color
Occurs in blue, colorless, golden, brown, and reddish tones; blue zircon is most popular.
Meaning
Associated with prosperity, wisdom, honor, and spiritual clarity. Historically believed to promote restful sleep.
December Birthstone: Tanzanite (Modern)
Tanzanite, discovered only in the 20th century in Tanzania, is one of the newest birthstones. Its rich blue-violet color and rarity make it highly desirable in contemporary fine jewelry.
Color
Velvety blue to violet-blue, sometimes shifting slightly depending on lighting.
Meaning
Symbolizes transformation, intuition, and spiritual awareness. Often linked to new beginnings and personal growth.
What are the Differences between Modern and Traditional Birthstones?
When comparing modern vs. traditional birthstones, the differences go beyond just the types of gems used. They reflect a shift in cultural traditions, commercial preferences, and historical origins. Below is a comprehensive explanation highlighting the main distinctions.
| Feature | Traditional Birthstones | Modern Birthstones |
| Historical Origin | Biblical and ancient roots | Standardized by Jewelers of America (1912) |
| Types of Gems | Opaque and transparent | Mostly transparent |
| Selection Criteria | Symbolic, spiritual, cultural significance | Commercial viability and aesthetic appeal |
| Number of Stones per Month | Typically one | Some months have multiple options |
| Recent Updates | Rarely changed | Updated (e.g., Spinel in 2016, Tanzanite in 2002) |
1. Key Differences at a Glance
- More Variety for Certain Months: June, August, October, and December have multiple modern birthstones, giving consumers more options for style and symbolism.
- Cultural vs. Commercial Influence: Traditional birthstones are rooted in ancient customs, often influenced by religion or local lore. Modern stones were selected based on gemstone availability, market demand, and jewelry design trends.
- Recent Additions for Modern Appeal:
- Spinel was added to August’s list in 2016, bringing a vibrant alternative to Peridot.
- Tanzanite, discovered in the 1960s, was officially added for December in 2002, offering a richly colored choice alongside Turquoise and Zircon.
2. Historical Factor
- Traditional Birthstones
The idea of birthstones dates back to biblical times, with links to the 12 stones in Aaron’s breastplate, as described by the historian Josephus. He believed each stone represented one of the 12 tribes of Israel.
However, interpretations varied—George Frederick Kunz, a well-known American mineralogist, believed Josephus referred to the Second Temple’s breastplate, not Aaron’s.
By the 8th and 9th centuries, the practice evolved to wearing one stone per month. Eventually, this transitioned into associating one gemstone with each birth month, forming the basis of the traditional birthstone system.
- Modern Birthstones
To bring clarity and consistency, the National Association of Jewelers in the U.S. formalized a modern list of birthstones in 1912. This list aimed to reduce confusion and offer standardized options for each month.
Since then, updates have been made to reflect gemstone availability, global sourcing, and changing consumer preferences. For instance, Tourmaline was added as a modern October stone alongside Opal, due to its vibrant color options and market appeal.
3. Different Types of Gems
- Traditional Birthstones
These are a mix of transparent and opaque stones, often selected based on their symbolic, spiritual, or cultural significance rather than just appearance.
They include gems that were widely available in ancient trade routes, such as Bloodstone, Sardonyx, and Turquoise.
- Modern Birthstones
Modern selections focus on transparent gems, allowing jewelers to craft pieces that align with contemporary aesthetics. This shift made room for stones like Alexandrite and Tanzanite, which offer unique optical effects and appeal to modern tastes.
Why Do Some Months Have Multiple Birthstones?
You would have noticed that some months have more than 1 birthstone. These are the reasons for that:
- Historically, some regions had varying cultures, resulting in how the birthstones were recognized. For example, in the traditional list, June birthstone are pearl and moonstone.
- In recent years, gemologists and mineralogists have discovered newer gemstones, which has resulted in updates of the birthstone lists. This is why you have 2 modern birthstones for November (Golden Topaz and Citrine) and 3 modern birthstones for December (Blue Zircon, Blue Topaz, and Tanzanite).
- The inclusion of more birthstones for every month offers a wider range of choices. Depending on your budget, you can choose an affordable option without compromising your taste. For example, in the modern list, December has 3 birthstones, which are priced differently;
- Blue Topaz: Most affordable
- Blue Zircon: Moderately priced
- Tanzanite: Quite expensive because of its rarity
What are the Price-Affected Issues When Selecting Your Birthstones?
There are a number of factors you need to consider when selecting the stone to add to your birthstone jewelry. They include:
Color
Check the color thoroughly to see how natural and intense it is. The more pure and vivid the color, the higher the value of the birthstone. For example, quality Amethyst has a deep, rich purple color that commands attention and makes you stand out in any gathering.
On the other hand, there are some gemstones usually treated to enhance their color. These types are often priced low because they tend to lose their luster and shine over time.
Clarity
Birthstones by month are also selected based on how clear they are. Those with fewer or no impurities are more costly. Impurities in this context means inclusions (internal flaws) and blemishes (outer flaws).
Imperfections affect the free flow of light across the gemstones, which impacts how beautiful they appear. Thus, birthstones with lesser inclusions and blemishes have higher prices.
Gemstones like Diamonds and Tanzanite cost more because of their high degree of clarity. But stones like Emerald and Blue Zircon have more imperfections, which reduces their clarity standards.
Rarity
The more rare a birthstone is, the more costly it will be. This is most common with precious gemstones like Diamond, Ruby, Emerald, and Sapphire. They are very hard to find and have a high market demand because of their uniqueness.
But common birthstones like Topaz, Tourmaline, Amethyst, and Citrine are less expensive because they are easier to find in large quantities.
Cut and Carat
Naturally, birthstones come in uneven and irregular shapes, requiring that they are cut properly. How a birthstone is cut affects its brilliance and color. This goes as far as impacting its overall appeal and value. Poorly cut stones irrespective of their quality won’t allow light pass through to reflect their beauty and radiance.
Also, the carat weight of the birthstone influences the price. Larger stones are harder to find and more valuable. A 2-carat birthstone is more expensive than a 1-carat birthstone.
Which Birthstone Is the Most Expensive?
The most expensive birthstone is generally considered to be the Diamond, which is the birthstone for April.
Here’s why:
- High market demand (for engagement rings and luxury jewelry)
- Hardness and durability (rated 10 on the Mohs scale)
- Brilliance and rarity (especially in higher color/clarity grades)
- Cultural symbolism (eternal love, purity, wealth)
Importance of Birthstone Durability and Hardness
The hardness and durability of your birthstone is crucial in how long they will last without losing their luster and shine. To know how strong birthstones are, the Mohs scale is used. This scale grades birthstones hardness and durability by measuring their resistance to damaging components.
Below is a table of the hardest and weakest birthstones:
The Top 5 Hardest Birthstones
| Birthstone | Mohs Scale |
| Diamond(Apr.) | 10 |
| Sapphire(Sept.) | 9 |
| Ruby(Jul.) | 9 |
| Alexandrite(Jun.) | 8.5 |
| Topaz(Nov.) | 8 |
The Two Weakest Birthstones
| Birthstone | Mohs Scale |
| Pearl(Jun.) | 2.5 |
| Opal(Oct.) | 5.5 |
Conclusion
Despite the evolution of birthstones across centuries, they are still popular. In fact, their inclusion in jewelry pieces has made them retain their peculiarity.
Now that you know the difference between birthstones modern vs traditional birthstones and the factors that affect their pricing & quality, it’s important that you get a professional jewelry manufacturer with verifiable experience and technical know-how to meet your specifications.
