Quiet elegance, everyday meaning. Here’s your definitive, easy-to-use guide to every month’s birthstone—what it symbolises, the colour to expect, and thoughtful jewellery gift ideas that feel personal without guessing sizes.
Quick chart — months, colours & meanings
| Month | Birthstone | Colour Family | Meaning |
| Jan | Garnet | Deep Red | Protection, devotion |
| Feb | Amethyst | Violet | Calm, clarity |
| March | Aquamarine | Pale Blue | Serenity, luck |
| April | Diamond | Clear White | Strength, promise |
| May | Emerald | Green | Growth, love |
| June | Morganite | Peach | Headling, compassion |
| July | Ruby | Rich Red | Courage, passion |
| August | Peridot | Fresh Green | Renewal, joy |
| Sept | Sapphire | Royal Blue | Loyalty, truth |
| Oct | Tourmaline | Soft Pink | Creativity, wonder |
| Nov | Topaz | Amber | Gratitude, warmth |
| Dec | Tanzanite | Bright Purple | Protection, travel |
Tip: Choose by month, meaning, or colour palette—all three are “right.” Add an initial charm or name necklace to make it unmistakably hers.
How to choose the perfect birthstone gift
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Intent first: Is this for a birthday, a new job, or “just because”? Match the meaning (e.g., Emerald for growth, Sapphire for loyalty).
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Layer-friendly lengths: Is this for a necklace? If so, 40/45/50 cm plays well with most necklines. Unsure? 45 cm, including a 5 cm extender, is the safest option.
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Birthstones across her wrist: If you fancy something a little more refined for her wrist, consider a birthstone tennis bracelet, a contemporary, personalised twist on a modern classic.
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Personal touch: If you're choosing a birthstone necklace, consider adding an initial or pair it with a custom name necklace for a two-piece story.
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Gifting confidence: Our birthstone pieces sit in the £40–£70 sweet spot for modern, meaningful gifts.
Month-by-month guide (with gift ideas)
Below we've compiled a month-by-month guide, accompanied by gifting ideas from Isabel Carter, so you can give a gift she'll remember.
January — Garnet (deep red)
Overview
January’s birthstone is red garnet—a semi-precious gem with glassy lustre and deep, wine-red tones. Elegant, versatile and quietly opulent, it’s a natural choice for January birthstone jewellery and meaningful gifting.
History & lore
From Bronze Age adornment to Roman signet rings, garnet has long been worn as a protective talisman. In the Middle Ages, it symbolised faith and friendship, then returned to vogue in Victorian cluster styles—cementing its status as a refined classic.
Meaning
Aligned with protection, devotion and vitality, red garnet is said to guard against negativity and encourage purposeful action—beautiful for new-year intentions and partner gifts.
Colour
Traditionally dark crimson—think claret to burgundy—with a warm glow that sings in gold and offers chic contrast in silver. Its name echoes Middle English gernet (“dark red”), a nod to pomegranate seeds.
At-a-glance
- Month: January
- Stone: Red Garnet
- Meaning: Protection · Devotion · Vitality
- Colour family: Deep red (claret/burgundy)
Gift idea: a single birthstone necklace layered with a paperclip chain.
February — Amethyst (violet)
Overview
February’s birthstone is amethyst—a violet variety of quartz with a soft, velvety glow. From delicate lilac to royal purple, it feels both serene and striking, making it a beautiful choice for everyday birthstone jewellery and thoughtful, symbolic gifting.
History & lore
Named from the Greek amethystos, meaning “not intoxicated”, amethyst was believed to protect its wearer from overindulgence and clouded judgment. Ancient Greeks and Romans carved it into goblets and talismans, while in later centuries it adorned the rings and rosaries of bishops—earning the nickname “the bishop’s stone”. Long associated with royalty and spiritual insight, it became a quiet emblem of wisdom and composure.
Meaning
Linked with clarity, calm and intuition, amethyst is said to soothe the mind, ease anxious thoughts and invite clear decision-making. It’s a beautiful stone for new chapters, boundary-setting and self-trust—perfect for February birthdays, milestone moments and anyone drawn to gentle, grounding energy.
Colour
Amethyst sits in a spectrum from pale lavender to deep, grape-purple, often with subtle flashes of blue or red in the light. It feels warm and romantic in gold, and coolly modern in silver—an effortless way to introduce colour while keeping the look refined.
At-a-glance
- Month: February
- Stone: Amethyst
- Meaning: Clarity · Calm · Intuition
- Colour family: Violet to deep purple
Style note: pairs beautifully with silver initials for cool-toned stacks.
March — Aquamarine (pale blue)
Overview
March’s birthstone is aquamarine—a luminous blue beryl named for the sea. With its clear, watery tones and soft radiance, it feels effortlessly refined: light-catching, understated and perfect for modern birthstone jewellery and meaningful, calming gifts.
History & lore
From the Latin aqua marina (“sea water”), aquamarine was cherished by sailors as a charm for safe passage and favourable winds. In ancient Rome it was engraved into intaglio seals, while in the Renaissance, it was linked with foresight and harmony in marriage. Long associated with the ocean, it carries a quiet mythology of protection, clear vision and emotional balance.
Meaning
Aquamarine is often connected with serenity, truth and communication. It’s said to soothe turbulent emotions, encourage honest expression and support courage in speaking from the heart—beautiful for new beginnings, relationship milestones and anyone seeking a sense of inner calm.
Colour
Typically, a cool, crystal-clear blue—ranging from pale sky to soft blue-green—aquamarine has a gentle brightness that feels fresh on the skin. It glows ethereally in silver and platinum, and takes on a sunlit, seaside warmth in gold.
At-a-glance
- Month: March
- Stone: Aquamarine
- Meaning: Serenity · Truth · Communication
- Colour family: Light blue to blue-green
Gift set: pendant + initial necklace for gentle contrast.
April — Diamond/CZ (clear white)
Overview
April’s birthstone is diamond—carbon transformed under immense heat and pressure into something clear, resilient and enduring. With its brilliant sparkle and timeless appeal, diamond feels both iconic and intimate, making it a natural choice for April birthstone jewellery, commitment pieces and heirloom-worthy gifts.
History & lore
From the Sanskrit vajra (“thunderbolt”) to the Greek adamas (“unbreakable”), diamonds have long been symbols of strength and invincibility. In ancient India, they were believed to carry divine light; in the Middle Ages, they were worn as talismans for courage and protection in battle. By the 19th and 20th centuries, diamonds became entwined with love stories and milestone moments—sealing their place as the stone of enduring connection.
Meaning
Aligned with strength, purity and devotion, diamond is said to amplify intention, clarify purpose and honour unbreakable bonds. It’s a beautiful choice for marking commitments—to a partner, a path or even to oneself—making April pieces especially meaningful for anniversaries, new beginnings and deeply personal milestones.
Colour
Often imagined as pure white, diamonds actually exist in a nuanced spectrum: from icy, near-colourless tones to warm, champagne hues and rare fancy colours. Classic white diamonds offer a clean, modern brilliance in any metal, while warmer stones feel softly romantic in yellow and rose gold—subtle variations that make each piece uniquely personal.
At-a-glance
- Month: April
- Stone: Diamond
- Meaning: Strength · Purity · Devotion
- Colour family: White to near-colourless (with natural variations)
Elevate it: layer with a tennis Bracelet for occasion dressing.
May — Emerald (green)
Overview
May’s birthstone is emerald—a lush green variety of beryl with a soft, almost velvety glow. Instantly recognisable and quietly dramatic, it feels both regal and romantic, making it a beautiful choice for May birthstone jewellery, anniversaries and meaningful keepsakes.
History & lore
From Cleopatra’s fabled mines to royal crown jewels, emerald has been coveted for millennia. The name comes from the Greek smaragdos, meaning “green gem”. In ancient Egypt it symbolised rebirth and eternal youth; in Rome it was associated with Venus, goddess of love and beauty. Later, in medieval lore, emerald was believed to sharpen the mind, reveal truth and protect against deception—cementing its status as a stone of insight and elevated taste.
Meaning
Emerald is often linked with growth, love and renewal. It’s said to nurture the heart, deepen emotional bonds and support fresh starts—beautiful for celebrating relationships, personal evolution and new chapters in life or love. A meaningful choice for partners, soul friendships and anyone embracing change with intention.
Colour
Emerald’s signature hue ranges from soft, garden green to deep, saturated forest tones, often with natural inclusions that are poetically referred to as the stone’s “jardin” (garden). It looks rich and opulent in yellow and rose gold, and crisply modern in white metals—its green instantly lifting even the simplest silhouettes.
At-a-glance
- Month: May
- Stone: Emerald
- Meaning: Growth · Love · Renewal
- Colour family: Rich green (from garden to deep forest)
Pairing: birthstone pendant with an engravable heart necklace for personal meaning.
June — Morganite (peach)
Overview
June’s birthstone is morganite—a blush-toned member of the beryl family with a soft, luminous glow. Its gentle pinks and peachy hues feel romantic yet modern, making it a beautiful choice for June birthstone jewellery, partner gifts and contemporary takes on forever pieces.
History & lore
Discovered in the early 20th century and named in honour of financier and gemstone collector J.P. Morgan, morganite quickly became associated with refined taste and quiet luxury. Sometimes called the “pink emerald” for its shared mineral family, it has been treasured in modern jewellery for its subtle, elegant colour—a softer, more intimate alternative to traditional statement gems.
Meaning
Morganite is often linked with love, compassion and emotional healing. It’s said to open the heart, deepen tenderness and support gentle, honest connection—with others and with oneself. A meaningful choice for romantic milestones, self-love pieces and anyone drawn to soft, nurturing energy.
Colour
Typically a delicate spectrum of blush, peach and soft rose, morganite carries a warm, flattering glow on the skin. It feels especially ethereal in rose gold, where metal and stone seem to melt together, and beautifully refined in yellow or white metals for a more contemporary, understated look.
At-a-glance
- Month: June
- Stone: Morganite
- Meaning: Love · Compassion · Healing
- Colour family: Blush pink to soft peach
Gift angle: perfect for graduations and timeless birthdays.
July — Ruby (rich red)
Overview
July’s birthstone is ruby—a precious corundum glowing with intense, saturated red. Fiery yet refined, it carries an unmistakable presence on the skin, making it a powerful choice for July birthstone jewellery, love tokens and statement pieces with lasting meaning.
History & lore
From ancient India, where rubies were called the “king of precious stones”, to medieval Europe, where warriors believed they brought protection in battle, ruby has long been associated with power and passion. In many cultures it was thought to contain an inner flame—symbolising life force, love and courage. Woven through royal regalia and romantic legends alike, ruby remains a timeless emblem of heartfelt intensity and elevated taste.
Meaning
Ruby is often linked with passion, courage and deep emotional connection. It’s said to energise the wearer, strengthen the heart and inspire bold, authentic love—towards a partner, a path or a purpose. A beautiful stone for anniversaries, declarations of love and moments that call for brave, wholehearted living.
Colour
Ruby ranges from bright, vivid scarlet to rich, velvety crimson, sometimes with subtle hints of pink or purple. The most coveted tones feel like a glowing ember—intense but sophisticated. It looks luxuriously classic in yellow gold, romantic and modern in rose gold, and strikingly crisp in white metals.
At-a-glance
- Month: July
- Stone: Ruby
- Meaning: Passion · Courage · Connection
- Colour family: Rich red (scarlet to deep crimson)
Occasion: milestone birthdays and big celebrations.
August — Peridot (fresh green)
Overview
August’s birthstone is peridot—a vibrant gem with fresh, yellow-green tones and a soft, luminous glow. Light, uplifting and quietly distinctive, it brings an instant touch of modern colour to birthstone jewellery and feels especially meaningful as a symbol of renewal and optimism.
History & lore
Peridot has been treasured since antiquity, particularly in ancient Egypt, where it was mined on the Red Sea island of Zabargad and revered as the “gem of the sun”. Some historians believe that certain “emeralds” in historic treasures and church relics were, in fact, peridot. Traditionally worn as a protective stone—thought to ward off nightmares and dispel dark thoughts—it became associated with warmth, wellbeing and a bright, enduring spirit.
Meaning
Linked with renewal, abundance and positivity, peridot is said to clear stagnant energy, invite fresh perspectives and encourage confidence in new directions. It’s a beautiful stone for fresh starts, career shifts, new chapters in love, and for anyone drawn to light, energising symbolism.
Colour
Peridot is defined by its distinctive yellow-green hue—ranging from zesty lime to softer olive tones—with a natural golden warmth that flatters most skin tones. It feels sunlit and vibrant in yellow gold, earthy-chic in darker metals, and crisply contemporary in silver—perfect for adding a refined pop of colour to everyday pieces.
At-a-glance
- Month: August
- Stone: Peridot
- Meaning: Renewal · Abundance · Positivity
- Colour family: Yellow-green (lime to soft olive)
Stack idea: mix with warm gold layers for a soft glow.
September — Sapphire (royal blue)
Overview
September’s birthstone is sapphire—a precious corundum most loved in deep, celestial blue. Cool, composed and quietly radiant, it balances richness with restraint, making it a beautiful choice for September birthstone jewellery, heirloom-inspired pieces and modern, meaningful gifting.
History & lore
From the Greek sappheiros, sapphire has been revered for centuries as a stone of the heavens. In ancient Persia, it was believed the sky’s blue came from reflections of a giant sapphire. Medieval clergy wore it as a symbol of wisdom and divine favour, while royalty chose it to represent loyalty and protection. Today, sapphire is woven through royal engagement rings and historic regalia—an enduring emblem of trust, depth and considered elegance.
Meaning
Sapphire is often associated with wisdom, loyalty and inner steadiness. It’s said to support clear thinking, grounded decision-making and faithful, long-term bonds—beautiful for commitments, life pivots and relationships built on quiet, enduring trust. A meaningful choice for partners, soul connections and anyone seeking a sense of calm confidence.
Colour
Though best known for its signature blue—from soft, twilight tones to inky midnight—sapphire naturally appears in a spectrum of “fancy” colours, including pink, yellow and green. Classic blue sapphires feel timeless and polished in white metals, deeply romantic in yellow and rose gold, and chicly modern in minimalist settings that let the colour lead.
At-a-glance
- Month: September
- Stone: Sapphire
- Meaning: Wisdom · Loyalty · Steadiness
- Colour family: Primarily blue (twilight to deep navy), with natural colour variations
Work-friendly: elegant with a tailored blazer; add a fine necklace for subtle texture.
October — Tourmaline (soft pink)
Overview
October’s birthstone is tourmaline—a kaleidoscopic gem celebrated for its remarkable range of colours. From soft blush pink to vivid green and inky blue, it feels modern, playful and refined all at once, making it a beautiful choice for October birthstone jewellery and highly personal, colour-led gifting.
History & lore
Tourmaline’s name comes from the Sinhalese word turmali, meaning “mixed gems”, a nod to the variety of crystals once discovered together and mistaken for other stones. In the 18th and 19th centuries, tourmaline was prized in Europe and Russia for its striking hues, often misidentified as other gemstones. It has been associated with creativity, inspiration and a sense of openness—favoured by artists, writers and those drawn to expressive, unconventional beauty.
Meaning
Tourmaline is often linked with balance, creativity and emotional alignment. It’s said to help ground scattered energy while encouraging self-expression and authenticity—beautiful for new ventures, creative pursuits and anyone embracing their full, multifaceted self. Pink tourmaline, in particular, is associated with love, compassion and gentle confidence.
Colour
Tourmaline is famously colour-rich: from blush pinks and watermelon bi-colours to verdant greens and deep blue-greens. This natural variety makes it ideal for highly personalised jewellery—choosing a shade that reflects mood, meaning or style. Soft pinks feel romantic in rose gold, greens and blue-greens glow vividly in yellow gold, and darker tones look sleek and contemporary in white metals.
At-a-glance
- Month: October
- Stone: Tourmaline
- Meaning: Balance · Creativity · Self-expression
- Colour family: Wide spectrum (notably pinks)
Styling: dreamy alone; magical with initial charms.
November — Topaz (amber)
Overview
November’s birthstone is topaz—most often celebrated in warm, golden tones that feel like captured sunlight. With its bright yet refined sparkle, it brings an easy warmth to November birthstone jewellery, perfect for uplifting everyday pieces and thoughtful, mood-boosting gifts.
History & lore
Topaz takes its name from the ancient Greek Topazios, an island in the Red Sea where a yellow gem—likely not modern topaz—was once mined. In ancient Egypt and Rome, golden stones we now associate with topaz were linked to sun deities and believed to carry their radiance and protection. Through the Middle Ages, topaz was thought to calm tempers, break spells and strengthen the wearer’s resolve—giving it a long-standing reputation as a talisman of courage and good fortune.
Meaning
Topaz is often associated with warmth, confidence and abundance. It’s said to inspire optimism, boost self-belief and support a generous, open-hearted outlook—beautiful for new ventures, personal growth and celebrating those who bring light into your life. A meaningful choice for friendships, career milestones and moments of quiet self-celebration.
Colour
While topaz occurs in a range of hues, November’s birthstone is traditionally golden to honey-yellow, sometimes with soft amber or peach undertones. These sun-warmed tones glow beautifully in yellow and rose gold for a rich, luminous look, and feel clean, contemporary in white metals—an elegant way to wear colour that still feels timeless.
At-a-glance
- Month: November
- Stone: Topaz
- Meaning: Warmth · Confidence · Abundance
- Colour family: Golden yellow (from soft honey to amber)
Gift list: say “thank you” with a cosy, golden stack.
December — Tanzanite (bright purple)
Overview
December’s birthstone is tanzanite—a rare blue-violet gem found only in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. With its hypnotic colour shift from inky indigo to soft periwinkle, it feels modern, luxurious and quietly mesmerising—a beautiful choice for December birthstone jewellery, milestone moments and future heirlooms.
History & lore
First discovered in the 1960s in Tanzania, tanzanite is a newcomer in the world of gemstones, yet it quickly captivated designers and collectors alike. Named by Tiffany & Co. after its country of origin, it was positioned as an exclusive, contemporary alternative to more traditional blue gems. Its single-source origin and comparatively recent discovery give it an almost mythical, once-in-a-lifetime quality—often associated with uniqueness, destiny and rare opportunities.
Meaning
Tanzanite is often linked with transformation, insight and elevated intuition. It’s said to support clear inner vision, encourage alignment between heart and mind, and mark turning points with intention—beautiful for new life chapters, career shifts, big moves and deeply personal rebirths. A meaningful stone for those drawn to depth, self-discovery and quietly powerful change.
Colour
Tanzanite is celebrated for its signature blue-violet hue—ranging from soft, cornflower blues with lilac undertones to richer, inkier indigo with hints of purple. Its pleochroism (showing different colours from different angles) gives it an almost liquid, shifting quality. It looks cool and sculptural in white metals, dreamily romantic in rose gold, and decadently rich in yellow gold.
At-a-glance
- Month: December
- Stone: Tanzanite
- Meaning: Transformation · Insight · Intuition
- Colour family: Purple-violet (cornflower to deep indigo)
Holiday-ready: bright, uplifting purple that photographs beautifully.
Birthstone gifting sets that never miss
Birthstone + Initial: A delicate initial pendant paired with her birthstone creates a two-piece story she’ll wear every day.
The look is minimal and luminous: a fine chain that layers effortlessly with paperclip links or a name necklace, and a subtle pop of colour that feels personal without requiring guesswork about sizes.
Each set arrives in our gift-ready box with a soft pouch and care card; add a short note at checkout to complete the moment
Shop the Isabel Carter Script Initial & Birthstone Pendant Necklace
Double Birthstone: Two stones, one sentiment. Choose months that mark partners, children or milestones and let the colour pairing do the talking.
The silhouette is balanced and photogenic—polished over knits, easy with tees, and beautiful solo or stacked.
We present the necklace in a keepsake box with a foam insert so both stones face up on opening—a reveal made for photos.
Shop the Isabel Carter Double Birthstone Pendant Necklace
Tennis Birthstone Bracelet: A classic tennis line meets a slim birthstone bracelet for a wrist stack with memory built in. Worn together, it’s occasion-ready polish; worn apart, it becomes a quietly elegant rotation.
The set mixes seamlessly with a paperclip bracelet for texture and arrives secured side by side for a neat, premium unboxing—ready for birthdays, promotions or the kind of thank-you she’ll remember.
Shop the Isabel Carter Birthstone Tennis Bracelet Collection
FAQs about Birthstones
Are your birthstones real gemstones?
We use lab-grown stones chosen for consistent colour and brilliance—made for everyday shine.
What length should I choose for a necklace gift?
45 cm, including a 5cm extender, suits most. For layering, add 40 cm (closer) or 50 cm (longer).
Which months and stones do you offer?
All 12: Garnet (Jan), Amethyst (Feb), Aquamarine (Mar), Diamond (Apr), Emerald (May), Morganite (Jun), Ruby (Jul), Peridot (Aug), Sapphire (Sep), Tourmaline (Oct), Topaz (Nov), Tanzanite (Dec).
Can I add an initial or name with a birthstone?
Yes—most styles support an initial charm or pair beautifully with a name necklace for a personal set.
Do birthstones come in gold and silver?
Yes—most designs are available in both finishes, so you can match her jewellery wardrobe.
Are they water-resistant and skin-friendly?
Our pieces are designed for everyday wear and are hypoallergenic. Wipe them after wear and avoid using harsh chemicals.
Can I choose by colour instead of month?
Absolutely. Many customers choose by their favourite colour or meaning rather than their birth month.
Can I include multiple birthstones on one necklace?
Yes—choose the double birthstone necklace, ideal for children’s or partners’ months.
Are any birthstone pieces ready to ship?
Selected items are in stock and usually dispatched in 1–2 working days; personalised sets are made to order. Read more about our shipping policy.
What size is the pendant—will it feel dainty?
Most pendants are designed for subtle, everyday wear (dainty scale); check each product’s measurements.
What makes a good gift if I’m unsure of her style?
A single birthstone pendant or initial + birthstone duo—timeless, easy to layer, and size-safe.
Choose your birthstone jewellery gift
Ready to choose by colour or meaning? Explore our birthstone necklaces and tennis bracelets and curate a stack that tells her story—one stone at a time.