Take the Birthstone Quiz
What do you know about birthstones? Take our short birthstone quiz and learn about the makeup, cutting, and value of these popular gemstones.
What is My Birthstone?
Throughout history, people have given poetic meanings to different gemstones. Nowadays, our use of birthstones is probably the best-known example of this practice. Each month has a special stone assigned to it. For those born in a particular month, that month's gem purportedly acts as a "good luck" charm. Of course, birthstones and their meanings vary across cultures. Below you'll find a list of birthstones commonly used in English speaking countries.
MONTH | MODERN | ANCIENT |
January | Garnet | Garnet |
February | Amethyst | Amethyst |
March | Aquamarine | Bloodstone |
April | Diamond | Diamond |
May | Emerald | Emerald |
June | Alexandrite | Pearl |
July | Ruby | Ruby |
August | Peridot | Sardonyx |
September | Sapphire | Sapphire |
October | Tourmaline | Opal |
November | Golden Topaz or Citrine | Topaz |
December | Blue Zircon or Tanzanite | Turquoise or Lapis |
The "modern" list was created in the early 20th century. However, it never really replaced the "ancient" or traditional list. It became more of a supplement. Today, people freely choose between modern and ancient options. In addition to these, some people consult alternative birthstone lists, including lists based on astrological signs and birth hour.
Birthstone Quiz
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Which Birthstones are Usually Cut as Cabochons?
Which Birthstones are the Most Valuable?
Donald Clark, CSM IMG
The late Donald Clark, CSM founded the International Gem Society in 1998. Donald started in the gem and jewelry industry in 1976. He received his formal gemology training from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the American Society of Gemcutters (ASG). The letters “CSM” after his name stood for Certified Supreme Master Gemcutter, a designation of Wykoff’s ASG which has often been referred to as the doctorate of gem cutting. The American Society of Gemcutters only had 54 people reach this level. Along with dozens of articles for leading trade magazines, Donald authored the book “Modern Faceting, the Easy Way.”
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