A Month-by-Month Guide to the Sparkliest Tradition in Jewelry
Let’s be real - there’s something undeniably magical about birthstones. Whether you believe in zodiac signs or just love a little sparkle with meaning, wearing your birthstone is one of the oldest (and chicest) ways to personalize your jewelry.
At MUSE of My Own, we believe that jewelry should feel personal - something that tells your story, not just fills your jewelry box. And that’s where solid gold birthstone jewelry really shines.
Here’s everything you need to know about birthstone jewelry, including a full month-by-month breakdown, what your stone means, and why they’ve been cherished for centuries.
What Are Birthstones, Anyway?
Birthstones are gemstones associated with each month of the year. The tradition goes back thousands of years, but it became popular in modern fine jewelry in the 19th century when the idea of wearing your month’s stone caught on across Europe and the US.
Each birthstone is believed to hold specific symbolism, energy, and personality traits - and honestly, we love that. It’s a perfect mix of style and substance. Whether you wear it as a solid gold birthstone ring, dainty necklace, or stackable charm, it’s a beautiful way to add meaning to your everyday pieces.
Why Quality Stones Matter
Some birthstone jewelry (especially mass-produced or gold-plated) uses cheap alternatives like cubic zirconia, which can cloud, scratch, and lose their sparkle over time. That’s never been our vibe.
At MUSE of My Own, we’re all about lasting beauty - with carefully chosen materials like solid gold and real gemstones. Whether it's diamonds, topaz, or sapphires, we only work with stones that wear well, look stunning, and stay that way.
The Birthstone Calendar (Plus a Little Personality Insight)
January – Garnet
Color: Deep red
Meaning: Protection, confidence, strength
Garnet’s history goes back over 5,000 years - even the ancient Egyptians used it as a symbol of life. Its rich red hue was thought to resemble pomegranate seeds, which is likely where it got its name (from the Latin granatum). In the Middle Ages, travelers wore garnets as protective talismans, believing they would guard against nightmares and accidents.
For January babies, garnet brings warmth and grounding energy - especially fitting for the coldest month of the year.
February – Amethyst
Color: Violet to deep purple
Meaning: Wisdom, calm, spiritual clarity
The Greeks believed amethyst could ward off intoxication - which is why wine goblets were often carved from it. Its name even comes from the Greek amethystos, meaning “not drunk.” Over time, it became associated with spiritual clarity and mental focus, making it a favorite among royalty and religious figures.
Born in February? You’ve got a gem that’s all about emotional balance and inner strength.
March – Aquamarine
Color: Pale blue
Meaning: Peace, courage, communication
Derived from the Latin aqua marina (“water of the sea”), aquamarine was beloved by sailors who believed it calmed waves and protected them at sea. Ancient lore also credits it with soothing tempers and strengthening relationships. Its gentle hue reflects clarity and calm - a perfect match for the arrival of spring.
If you’re a March baby, your stone encourages trust, honesty, and new beginnings.
April – Diamond
Color: Clear, white sparkle
Meaning: Strength, purity, endurance
From the Greek adamas, meaning “unbreakable,” diamonds have long symbolized endurance and devotion. For centuries, they’ve been the stone of royalty, worn in battle as a symbol of invincibility. Today, they’re still the ultimate symbol of love and commitment - prized for their unmatched sparkle and hardness (10/10 on the Mohs scale).
April’s stone is a powerful reminder that strength and beauty can go hand in hand. And let’s be clear, solid gold and diamonds are a combo that never misses.
May – Emerald
Color: Rich green
Meaning: Growth, renewal, love
Emeralds have been cherished for over 4,000 years - from Cleopatra’s obsession to Incan sacred rituals. Their rich green color was seen as a symbol of fertility, renewal, and vitality. In springtime, when everything is blooming, it’s no surprise emeralds became May’s stone.
For those born in May, emerald brings renewal, abundance, and deep emotional insight.
June – Pearl or Moonstone
Color: Iridescent white
Meaning: Femininity, intuition, transformation
Pearls are unique - they’re the only gemstones formed by living creatures. Cultures throughout history believed they represented purity and divine connection. Moonstone, with its mystical glow, is linked to inner strength and feminine energy. Together, they represent softness and power in harmony.
June's birthstones are a nod to inner light and quiet confidence.
July – Ruby
Color: Bold red
Meaning: Passion, courage, vitality
Once believed to hold the power of life itself, rubies were thought to protect against danger and stimulate the heart. Their fiery red tone made them the gem of kings and warriors. In ancient Burma, rubies were inserted into the skin for protection in battle.
July-born individuals are fiery and fierce - and their birthstone reflects that spark.
August – Peridot
Color: Lime green
Meaning: Confidence, growth, luck
Formed deep inside the Earth and brought to the surface by volcanic activity, peridot has always been seen as a stone of fire and light. Ancient Egyptians called it the “gem of the sun.” It’s said to clear negative energy and encourage personal growth.
August’s peridot reminds us that transformation often happens under pressure - and brings incredible strength with it.
September – Sapphire
Color: Royal blue (but also pink, yellow, and white!)
Meaning: Wisdom, integrity, loyalty
Associated with truth and divine favor, sapphires were once worn by priests and royalty to shield against evil. They were believed to promote clarity and protect from envy. Their enduring strength (Mohs 9) also makes them one of the best stones for everyday wear.
September babies are known for being grounded, loyal, and quietly powerful - just like their stone.
October – Opal or Tourmaline
Color: Milky white with flashes / rainbow shades
Meaning: Creativity, change, emotion
Opals were believed to carry the energy of all gemstones - thanks to their multicolor glow. They were once thought to grant invisibility or luck. Tourmaline, available in nearly every shade, is linked to self-discovery and emotional healing. Both stones are ever-changing, just like the seasons in October.
Born in October? Your stone is a celebration of individuality and personal expression.
November – Topaz or Citrine
Color: Pale blue, peach, or golden yellow
Meaning: Joy, clarity, abundance
Topaz has long been seen as a symbol of wisdom and strength - even worn by ancient priests to enhance spiritual connection. Citrine, the “merchant’s stone,” is believed to attract wealth and success. November’s gems are full of light and positivity, bringing energy to an otherwise chilly month.
And yes — topaz is one of our favorite stones to work with at MUSE of My Own.
December – Turquoise or Blue Topaz
Color: Sky blue
Meaning: Protection, wisdom, truth
Turquoise is one of the oldest known gemstones, prized by Native American, Egyptian, and Persian cultures. It was believed to offer protection and spiritual insight. Blue topaz, on the other hand, represents calmness and honest communication. Both stones offer hope and clarity as the year comes to a close.
For December-born souls, these stones are about grounding, healing, and moving forward.
The Final Sparkle
Birthstone jewelry is more than just a trend - it’s a story. A way to wear a piece of yourself in solid gold, to mark a moment, a birthday, or a just-because gift that actually means something.
Whether you're shopping for yourself or someone else, a solid gold birthstone piece is personal, stylish, and full of meaning. And unlike plated or fake alternatives, it’s made to last - just like the memory behind it.