Online Encyclopedia
Birthstone
A birthstone is a gemstone or other semi-precious stone which is associated with a month of the Gregorian Calendar. There is no particular connection between the stones and the months, but they are often used as a way to "personalize" jewelry, taking the stone for the month in which a person was born.
There have been many different sets of birthstones used throughout history and in different cultures, but in 1912 the American National Association of Jewelers, Jewelers of America , officially adopted the following list; it is currently accepted as the standard in the United States and many other places.
- January - Garnet
- February - Amethyst
- March - Aquamarine
- April - Diamond
- May - Emerald
- June - Pearl
- July - Ruby
- August - Peridot
- September - Sapphire
- October - Opal
- November - Topaz
- December - Turquoise
Last updated: 10-24-2004 05:10:45