Birthstones Guide
A quick guide to what birthstones mean-and why they matter.
Birthstone Meaning
Birthstones are special gemstones linked to each month of the year. Some people wear them for luck, others for beauty, and many for the meaning they carry. Whether you're shopping for yourself or picking out a gift, knowing more about birthstones can help you choose something that feels just right.And for those who love meaningful accessories with a story, birthstones often appear in vintage designer jewelry, offering both charm and character.
But what exactly is a birthstone?
Simply put, it's a gemstone chosen to represent your birth month. The idea goes back hundreds of years, and over time, each month became tied to one or more specific stones. Many believe these gems reflect certain personality traits, offer spiritual protection, or bring good fortune.
Even if you don't believe in the symbolism, there's something personal and thoughtful about wearing-or giving-someone their birthstone. It connects a piece of jewelry to a time, a memory, or a person in a way that feels meaningful.
Birthstones by Month
- January – Garnet: Protection and safe travel
- February – Amethyst: Peace and clarity
- March – Aquamarine: Calm and balance
- April – Diamond: Strength and purity
- May – Emerald: Growth and wisdom
- June – Pearl/Alexandrite: Femininity and change
- July – Ruby: Passion and courage
- August – Peridot: Joy and renewal
- September – Sapphire: Loyalty and insight
- October – Opal/Tourmaline: Creativity and emotion
- November – Citrine/Topaz: Energy and success
- December – Turquoise/Tanzanite: Luck and protection
Which Is the Most Expensive Birthstone in the World?
The most expensive birthstone is diamond, which belongs to April. A high-quality diamond can cost thousands-even tens of thousands-per carat, especially when it's clear, large, and naturally colored (like pink or blue).
Why so pricey? Diamonds are tough, brilliant, and highly desirable. They also have strong emotional value in love and commitment, which keeps demand high.
What Other Birthstones Are Expensive?
While diamonds often steal the spotlight, they're not the only birthstones with serious value. Some lesser-known gems can be just as rare-and just as expensive.
🔷 Sapphire (September)
Appearance: Most known for its deep royal blue, but also comes in pink, yellow, white, and even orange
Hardness: 9
Value: High-quality blue sapphires can cost $5,000–$10,000 per carat or more. Rare varieties like Padparadscha (a pink-orange sapphire) are even more expensive.
Why it's valuable: It's hard, durable, and long associated with royalty. Natural, unheated sapphires with rich color and clarity are highly sought after in fine jewelry.
🔷 Alexandrite (June)
Appearance: Rare and dramatic - green or teal in daylight, changing to reddish-purple under incandescent light
Hardness: 8.5
Value: Veryexpensive; fine alexandrite can sell for $10,000–$15,000 per carat or more
Why it's valuable: It's extremely rare and displays a unique color-change effect. High-quality alexandrite is often priced higher than diamonds by carat.
🔷 Paraiba Tourmaline (October)
Appearance: Electric neon blue to green with a glowing inner light
Hardness: 7–7.5
Value: Among the most expensive colored gemstones, up to $20,000+ per carat for vivid, clean stones
Why it's valuable: Very rare and only found in a few places in the world. Its vivid color is caused by copper, which is unusual for tourmalines.
🔷 Natural Pearl (June)
Appearance: Softly glowing white, cream, pink or gold; smooth, rounded shape
Hardness: 2.5–4.5
Value: High for natural pearls (not cultured); prices vary widely, with top-grade natural pearls fetching tens of thousands
Why it's valuable: True natural pearls (formed without human help) are extremely rare. Most on the market are cultured; natural ones are prized by collectors.Pearls aren't all the same - there are actually lots of different kinds out there.
🔷 Tanzanite (December)
Appearance: Rich violet-blue, sometimes with flashes of burgundy or purple
Hardness: 6–7
Value: Medium to high; large, intensely colored stones can reach $1,000–$2,000 per carat
Why it's valuable: Found only in one place on Earth (Tanzania), tanzanite's limited supply and striking color drive its value.
Which Birthstones Are the Most Affordable?
Some birthstones are more abundant and widely available, which makes them more affordable - perfect for those who want meaningful jewelry without the luxury price tag.Many of these affordable stones are also popular choices in gemstone bracelets and delicate everyday jewelry, perfect for stacking or gifting.
🔸 Garnet (January)
Appearance: Usually deep red, though green, orange, and pink varieties exist
Hardness: 6.5–7.5
Value: Very affordable; standard red garnets cost between $10–100 per carat
Why it's affordable: Found in many countries, easy to cut and polish. However, rarer green garnets (tsavorite) can be expensive.
🔸 Amethyst (February)
Appearance: Pale lavender to deep royal purple
Hardness: 7
Value: Typically $5–50 per carat
Why it's affordable: Once rare, but now abundant due to large deposits in Brazil and Africa. Still popular and beautiful.
🔸 Citrine (November)
Appearance: Golden yellow to amber orange
Hardness: 7
Value: $5–30 per carat
Why it's affordable: Most citrine on the market is heat-treated amethyst. It's durable and widely available.
🔸 Peridot (August)
Appearance: Fresh green to olive green with slight yellow tones
Hardness: 6.5–7
Value: $10–100 per carat for most stones
Why it's affordable: Found in volcanic areas, and production is stable. Bright and lively, but not rare.
🔸 Blue Topaz (November)
Appearance: Icy sky blue, Swiss blue, or London blue (deeper tone)
Hardness: 8
Value: $10–80 per carat
Why it's affordable: Most blue topaz is colorless topaz that has been irradiated and heat-treated. It's eye-catching and easy to source.
What Jewelry Can Birthstones Be Used On?
Birthstones can be set in just about any jewelry you like:
- Rings (including engagement rings)
- Necklaces and pendants
- Earrings
- Bracelets
- Charms
- Even cufflinks or watch faces
Some people prefer a minimalist look, others love bold statement pieces. Birthstones work for both.You'll also find them in timeless gemstone rings or statement gemstone bracelets, depending on the look you're after.
How to Choose a Good Birthstone
Here are a few quick tips:
- Pick a color you love - that matters most.
- Check hardness - softer stones (like opals or pearls) need more care.
- Ask if it's treated - many stones are heat-treated to look better.
- Buy from a seller you trust - make sure you're getting what you pay for.
How to Decide Which Birthstone Is Best for You
The obvious answer is to choose based on your birth month - but honestly, you don't have to.
You can also:
- Pick the stone that feels "you"
- Choose by meaning or message
- Match your style or skin tone
- Wear a loved one's birthstone
- Or collect them all - one for each chapter of your life
- There's no rule here. Birthstones are personal - and that's what makes them special.
Looking for Birthstone Jewelry?
If you're thinking about getting birthstone jewelry-for yourself or someone special-we'd love to help. At Nice Jewelry Factory, we offer a wide range of birthstone pieces in different styles, colors, and settings. Whether you're after something simple or something that stands out, you'll find plenty of inspiration on our site.
Take your time, explore the collection, and find the piece that feels just right.
Whether you're shopping retail or sourcing for your brand, our catalog also includes a range of wholesale gemstone jewelry options. Visit NiceJewelryFactory.com to start browsing.