Gemstone & Birthstone Guide

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  JanuaryGarnetDeep red

  Found in many colors, from fiery red to vivid green. Long carried as a symbol of friendship and safe travels.

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  FebruaryAmethystPurple

  A purple quartz. Its name comes from the Greek word for “not intoxicated” – it was once thought to keep the wearer clear-headed.

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  MarchAquamarineSea blue

  Named for the Latin words for “seawater.” A durable member of the beryl family, great for everyday wear.

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  AprilDiamondColorless

  The hardest natural material on Earth and a symbol of lasting love. White topaz is a popular, budget-friendly alternative.

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  MayEmeraldGreen

  A green beryl prized since ancient Egypt. Most emeralds have natural inclusions, called “jardin” (garden).

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  JunePearl & AlexandriteCreamy white / color-change

  Pearls are grown by oysters and mussels. Alexandrite famously shifts from green in daylight to red-purple under lamp light.

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  JulyRubyRed

  The red variety of corundum and the “king of gems.” Second only to diamond in hardness.

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  AugustPeridotLime green

  One of the few gems that comes in only one color. Peridot has even been found in meteorites.

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  SeptemberSapphireBlue

  Best known in blue, sapphire comes in nearly every color except red – a red sapphire is called a ruby.

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  OctoberOpal & Pink TourmalinePink / play-of-color

  Opal flashes rainbow colors as it moves. Tourmaline comes in more colors than almost any other gem, with pink a favorite.

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  NovemberTopaz & CitrineGolden

  Golden topaz and citrine share warm sunset tones. Citrine is a popular, affordable alternative.

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  DecemberTanzanite, Zircon & TurquoiseViolet-blue

  Tanzanite is found in only one place on Earth, near Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Blue zircon and blue topaz are popular too.

Diamond

• Hardness: 10 (Mohs)
• Birthstone: April

Pure carbon formed deep in the Earth, diamond is the hardest natural material and the classic choice for engagement rings. Its value comes down to the 4Cs: cut, color, clarity and carat weight. Lab-grown diamonds are chemically the same as mined diamonds, at a lower price.

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Sapphire

• Hardness: 9 (Mohs)
• Birthstone: September

Sapphire is corundum, the same mineral as ruby. Velvety blue is the classic color, but sapphires also come in pink, yellow, green and more. Their toughness makes them a great choice for rings worn every day, including engagement rings.

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Ruby

• Hardness: 9 (Mohs)
• Birthstone: July

Ruby gets its rich red color from trace amounts of chromium. The most prized shade is a vivid, slightly purplish red often called “pigeon blood.” Like sapphire, it is tough enough for everyday rings.

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Emerald

• Hardness: 7.5–8 (Mohs)
• Birthstone: May

Emerald is the green variety of beryl. Nearly all emeralds have tiny natural inclusions, and most are treated with oil or resin to improve clarity. They are beautiful but more delicate than sapphire or ruby, so avoid hard knocks and ultrasonic cleaners.

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More Customer Favorites

• AquamarineHardness: 7.5–8

  Calm sea-blue color and excellent durability for rings and pendants.

• TanzaniteHardness: 6–7

  Rich violet-blue found only in Tanzania. Best in pendants and earrings, or rings worn with care.

• OpalHardness: 5.5–6.5

  Known for its flashing play-of-color. Keep away from heat and harsh chemicals.

• PearlHardness: 2.5–4.5

  Organic and soft. Put pearls on last and take them off first, and wipe with a soft cloth after wearing.

• Clean gently

  Soak in warm water with a drop of mild dish soap, then brush softly with a soft toothbrush, rinse and pat dry. Diamonds, sapphires and rubies handle this well.

• Know the delicate stones

  Emerald, opal, pearl and tanzanite should never go in an ultrasonic or steam cleaner. Wipe them with a soft, damp cloth and keep them away from heat and chemicals.

• Store and check

  Store pieces separately so harder stones don’t scratch softer ones. Take jewelry off for cleaning, the gym and swimming, and bring it in so our bench jewelers can check prongs and settings.