Birthstones have been cherished for centuries as symbols of identity, protection, and personal meaning. Each month of the year is associated with a specific gemstone, and wearing your birthstone — or the birthstones of the people you love — is one of the most personal ways to celebrate your family's story.
At AJ's Collection, we use genuine Swarovski crystals for every birthstone in our personalized jewelry. Each crystal is carefully selected to match the traditional color of its month, giving you brilliant sparkle and rich color that lasts. Here's your complete guide to birthstones by month, including their colors, meanings, and the stories behind them.
January — Garnet
Color: Deep red
Garnet has been prized since ancient times for its rich, wine-red hue. The name comes from the Latin word "granatum," meaning pomegranate, because the deep red crystals resemble the fruit's seeds. Garnet is believed to symbolize friendship, trust, and safe travels. In medieval times, warriors carried garnet as a talisman for protection. Today, it's the perfect birthstone for those born in the first month of the year — a bold, warm stone that stands out against sterling silver.
February — Amethyst
Color: Purple
Amethyst is one of the most recognizable gemstones in the world, known for its stunning purple color that ranges from light lavender to deep violet. The ancient Greeks believed amethyst could prevent intoxication — the name actually comes from the Greek word "amethystos," meaning "not drunk." Throughout history, amethyst has been associated with clarity of mind, inner peace, and spiritual wisdom. Its regal purple color has made it a favorite of royalty for centuries.
March — Aquamarine
Color: Light blue
The name aquamarine comes from the Latin words for "water" and "sea," and one look at this stone's serene blue color tells you why. Sailors once carried aquamarine as a good luck charm for safe voyages across the ocean. This birthstone represents courage, tranquility, and clear communication. Its soft, calming blue is one of the most universally flattering birthstone colors and pairs beautifully with sterling silver jewelry.
April — Diamond (Crystal Clear)
Color: Clear / Crystal
April's birthstone is the diamond, the hardest natural substance on earth and a universal symbol of eternal love and strength. In our Swarovski crystal birthstone collection, April is represented by a brilliant clear crystal that captures and reflects light beautifully. Diamonds and clear crystals symbolize purity, invincibility, and everlasting commitment. It's fitting that the most enduring of all gemstones belongs to the month that ushers in spring.
May — Emerald
Color: Green
Emerald's lush green color has captivated people for thousands of years. Cleopatra was famously devoted to emeralds, and the ancient Egyptians associated the stone with fertility and rebirth. Emerald symbolizes renewal, growth, and prosperity — perfectly aligned with the month when spring is in full bloom. The vibrant green Swarovski crystal makes a striking addition to any personalized necklace or bracelet.
June — Alexandrite (Light Amethyst)
Color: Light purple / Lavender
June is one of the few months with multiple traditional birthstones, including pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone. In our collection, June is represented by a beautiful light amethyst Swarovski crystal with a soft lavender hue. Alexandrite is famous for appearing to change color depending on the light — green in daylight, red under incandescent light. June's birthstone symbolizes balance, joy, and good fortune.
July — Ruby
Color: Red
Ruby is known as the "king of gemstones" and has been one of the most valued precious stones throughout history. Its fiery red color represents passion, vitality, and courage. Ancient warriors implanted rubies into their skin, believing the stones would make them invincible in battle. Ruby is also traditionally associated with love and romance, making it a popular choice for jewelry gifts. The bold red Swarovski crystal commands attention on any personalized piece.
August — Peridot
Color: Light green
Peridot is one of the few gemstones that exists in only one color — a distinctive yellow-green that the ancient Egyptians called "the gem of the sun." Unlike most gemstones that form in the earth's crust, peridot forms deep in the mantle and is brought to the surface by volcanic activity. Some peridot has even been found in meteorites. This birthstone symbolizes strength, protection, and good health. Its bright, cheerful green makes it instantly recognizable.
September — Sapphire
Color: Deep blue
Sapphire's deep, velvety blue has made it one of the most coveted gemstones for thousands of years. Medieval kings wore sapphires as symbols of heaven's blessings, and the stone has long been associated with royalty, wisdom, and divine favor. Sapphire symbolizes loyalty, truth, and sincerity — qualities that make it a meaningful choice for personalized family jewelry. The rich blue Swarovski crystal adds a sophisticated depth to any sterling silver piece.
October — Rose (Tourmaline)
Color: Pink / Rose
October's birthstone, tourmaline, comes in a rainbow of colors, but the most traditional and popular shade is a beautiful rosy pink. The name comes from the Sinhalese word "turmali," meaning "mixed gems," because tourmaline's wide range of colors often caused it to be confused with other stones. Pink tourmaline represents compassion, love, and emotional healing. The warm rose-colored Swarovski crystal adds a feminine, romantic touch to personalized jewelry.
November — Topaz (Golden)
Color: Golden yellow / Amber
November's topaz glows with a warm golden color that perfectly captures the feeling of autumn. Ancient civilizations believed topaz could harness the power of the sun, providing warmth, energy, and protection. The stone symbolizes abundance, generosity, and strength. Its warm amber hue adds a rich, autumnal quality to personalized necklaces and bracelets — especially beautiful when paired with the cool tone of sterling silver.
December — Blue Zircon
Color: Blue
December's birthstone, blue zircon, features a bright, icy blue that mirrors the winter sky. Despite its name, zircon is not related to cubic zirconia — it's a natural gemstone that has been treasured for centuries. In the Middle Ages, zircon was believed to bring wisdom, honor, and prosperity. The stone symbolizes healing, peace, and spiritual grounding. Its cool blue Swarovski crystal representation completes the calendar beautifully.
Bonus: Pearl
Color: White / Cream
In addition to our twelve monthly birthstones, we offer a classic pearl option on many of our personalized pieces. Pearls are unique among gemstones because they're created by living organisms rather than formed in the earth. They symbolize purity, innocence, and timeless elegance. A pearl accent adds a classic, sophisticated touch to any personalized necklace or bracelet.
Birthstone Quick Reference Chart
| Month | Birthstone | Color | Key Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Garnet | Deep Red | Friendship & Trust |
| February | Amethyst | Purple | Clarity & Peace |
| March | Aquamarine | Light Blue | Courage & Tranquility |
| April | Diamond | Clear | Strength & Purity |
| May | Emerald | Green | Renewal & Growth |
| June | Alexandrite | Lavender | Balance & Joy |
| July | Ruby | Red | Passion & Vitality |
| August | Peridot | Light Green | Strength & Protection |
| September | Sapphire | Deep Blue | Loyalty & Wisdom |
| October | Tourmaline | Pink / Rose | Compassion & Love |
| November | Topaz | Golden | Abundance & Generosity |
| December | Blue Zircon | Blue | Peace & Healing |
Personalized Birthstone Jewelry from AJ's Collection
Now that you know the story behind each birthstone, here are some of our favorite ways to wear them:
The All My Munchkins necklace features individual birthstone charms for each family member — perfect for moms and grandmothers who want to carry their whole family close to their heart.
Our Victorian Key necklace combines custom names with matching Swarovski birthstones on an elegant sterling silver pendant that holds up to six names.
For a simpler look, add a single individual birthstone charm to any necklace in our collection. It's also a wonderful add-on when gifting a personalized name necklace.
Every birthstone in our collection is a genuine Swarovski crystal, hand-set into solid .925 sterling silver. The result is jewelry that's as meaningful as it is beautiful.
Ready to create something special? Shop our full collection and add the birthstones that tell your family's story.