Birthstones have been used since the first century as a way to celebrate and acquire good luck on ones birthday. Traditionally, gems were associated with each sign of the zodiac based on a color system, as color was thought to unleash the power attributed to the stone. In time, birthstones became associated with calendar months rather than the zodiac, with each birth gemstone having designated qualities and attributes.

There have been many different sets of birthstones used throughout history and in different cultures. In 1912, in an effort to standardize them, the American National Association of Jewelers established the modern birthstone chart assigning an individual gem to each month. Since then, only one gemstone has been added: Tanzanite was included in 2002 as one of December’s official birthstones.

February– Amethyst, the birthstone for February, was believed by ancient Greeks and Romans to ward off the intoxicating powers of Bacchus. It is said to have a sobering effect, keeping the wearer clear-headed and quick-witted. It has symbolized peace, protection and tranquility; and some say it can even prevent baldness and improve the complexion, as well as protect from treason and deceit. Because royalty has always adored the color purple, amethysts abound in the ornaments of ancient Greeks and Egyptians, and in the British Crown Jewels. Amethyst is purple quartz, a beautiful blend of violet and red and is also the accepted anniversary gemstone for the 6th year of marriage.

March– The two birthstones for March are aquamarine and bloodstone.
Linked to the sea because of its distinctive blue-green hues, Aquamarine was believed to protect sailors as well as to guarantee a safe voyage. Victorians gave this jewel to guarantee marital happiness and devotion and it is considered to be a universal symbol of youth, hope and health.
Bloodstone is an alternative birthstone for the month of March. An opaque quartz with red flecks, this ancient stone is believed to have healing powers, especially for blood disorders. It is sometimes called the martyr's stone as legend tells that it was created when drops of Christ's bloodstained some jasper at the foot of the cross.

June– June boasts three gems as birthstones for the month – pearl, Alexandrite, moonstone.
Historically used as an adornment for centuries, the pearl has been recognized as the emblem of modesty, chastity and purity. Appropriately associated with the wedding month of June, the pearl also symbolizes a happy marriage and is the accepted anniversary gem for the 3rd and 30th years of marriage.
Moonstone is another white gem used as a June birthstone. Its name was given by a Roman historian who believed that the stone's appearance altered with the phases of the moon. Considered a sacred stone in India, moonstones are believed to encapsulate a spirit whose purpose is to bring longevity and future fortune.

July– Ruby, the birthstone for July, has long been considered a powerful gemstone. Legend holds that rubies will protect their owners from all kinds of danger and misfortune. Arousing the senses and stirring the imagination, rubies are said to guarantee health, wisdom, wealth and love. Often paired with diamonds to represent eternity in love, rubies are the accepted anniversary gemstone for the 15th and 40th years of marriage.

August– August has two birthstones, peridot and sardonyx.
Peridot, the birthstone for August, is said to host magical powers and healing properties to protect against nightmares and to bring the wearer power, influence, and a wonderful year. The Victorians even wore peridot to prevent sorrow. A product of volcanic action, peridot is a lively lime green stone and is the accepted anniversary gemstone for the 16th year of marriage.
Sardonyx, is a form of onyx and is recognized by its layers of reddish brown and white banding. Greeks and Romans carried sardonyx into battle believing it to bring courage and victory. Victorians, however, believed sardonyx to represent wedded contentment.

October– October is a month with two birthstones, opal and tourmaline.
Opal, meaning “precious stone” in Sanskrit, range in color from milky white to black with flashes of yellow, orange, green, red, and blue. Given opal’s fiery flashes of color, it was believed that lightning brought the gem to earth. Opal has symbolized hope, innocence and purity through the ages. Protection from disease was its main virtue, while also allowing the wearer to see into the future. However, the Victorians believed opal could bring bad luck when not worn as a birthstone. Opal is the accepted anniversary gemstone for the 14th year of marriage.

December– The month of December has three birthstones, turquoise, zircon and tanzanite.
Turquoise originated in the thirteenth century and describes one of the oldest known gemstones. During the 16th century, the Southwest Indians used turquoise as currency. They believed the gemstone could bring spoils to the warrior, animals to the hunter, and happiness and good fortune to all. Turquoise is the accepted anniversary gemstone for the 11th year of marriage.
Zircon is the traditional birthstone for the final month of the year. Found in a wide range of colors, folk wisdom grants zircon the power to relieve pain, whet the appetite, protect travelers from disease and injury, ensure a warm welcome, and prevent nightmares.