Birthstones by Month: A Complete Guide

A birthstone is a small, quiet way to carry someone with you: your own month, your children's, or the month of the person you are buying for. Here is every month and the stone that belongs to it, along with what each one has traditionally meant.

What our birthstone charms actually are

Worth being straight about this first. Our birthstone charms are crystal bezel charms in each month's birthstone colour, not the natural gemstone. They are set in 18k gold-plating that is tarnish and water resistant, and they are $8 each. A natural emerald or ruby would cost a great deal more, and we would always rather tell you exactly what you are getting than let you assume.

Birthstones month by month

January: Garnet

Deep red garnet has long been associated with protection and constancy, a stone for safe returns.

February: Amethyst

Soft purple amethyst is traditionally linked with calm and clarity, a steadying stone.

March: Aquamarine

Pale blue as still water. Aquamarine has always been tied to the sea, to courage and safe travel.

April: Diamond

Clear and bright. Diamond is the traditional symbol of strength and enduring love.

May: Emerald

Rich green emerald has long stood for renewal and growth, the stone of new beginnings.

June: Alexandrite

June's stone on our charms, associated with luck and transformation. Pearl is also a traditional June birthstone, more on that below.

July: Ruby

Deep red ruby is the stone of passion and vitality, long considered the most vivid of them all.

August: Peridot

A fresh yellow green. Peridot has traditionally been a stone of light and good fortune.

September: Sapphire

Royal blue sapphire is tied to wisdom and loyalty, a stone of steady devotion.

October: Tourmaline

Tourmaline comes in more colours than almost any stone, and is associated with creativity and balance.

November: Citrine

Warm golden citrine has long been linked with warmth and abundance, a little bottled sunlight.

December: Blue Topaz

Cool blue topaz is traditionally a stone of calm and clear thinking.

These are traditional and symbolic associations, not health claims. Wear the one that means something to you.

How to wear yours

Add a birthstone charm to a necklace you already love, or start fresh at the Charm Bar. Plenty of people wear one for each of their children. Everything is handmade to order in Brisbane.

A note on June: alexandrite is the stone on our June charm, but pearl is also a traditional June birthstone. If pearl feels more like her, we wrote a whole piece on freshwater pearls.

Browse the beaded necklaces to find a piece to add yours to.

Frequently asked questions

Are El Rose birthstone charms real gemstones?

No. They are crystal bezel charms in each month's birthstone colour, set in 18k gold-plating, tarnish and water resistant, $8 each.

What is the birthstone for June?

Alexandrite is the stone on our June charm. Pearl and moonstone are also traditional June birthstones.

Can I wear more than one birthstone?

Yes. Wearing one for each child is one of the most-loved ways to do it.

Do the charms tarnish?

The 18k gold-plating is tarnish and water resistant. See our jewellery care guide to keep it looking its best.

Back to blog