BIRTHSTONE LIST
Compliments
of
The International Gem Society
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 |
Rose Zircon |
Tourmaline or Opal |
|
November |
Golden Topaz |
Topaz |
|
December |
Blue Zircon |
Turquoise or Lapis |
Early in this century jewelers got
together and created a new list of birthstones. In the modern list you will
find only transparent gems. This makes it much easier to create a mothers ring.
Imagine if you needed a pearl, a cabochon of turquoise, a diamond and an
emerald. This would be an awkward thing to make look nice.
Another interesting point is the
addition of alexandrite. This is an incredibly rare gem and not readily
available.
The ancient list is still used
considerably. Many people mix the two as they feel best. This is acceptable,
the modern list has not replaced the ancient one, but supplemented it.