We all know our birthdays, and the traditional birthstone commonly associated with them. But did you know that there are beautiful stones you can explore as an alternative? Why, you may ask? Primarily for the variety. Being unique can be a great opportunity to try something new, stand out, and an opportunity to look great.
Alternative birthstones are just that: beautiful alternatives that often cost less, but have a unique appeal of their own.
Options in the charts below create a connection between the individual and their birthstone. For example, Aries is associated with diamond, bloodstone, jasper, aquamarine, and amethyst. These stones are not only unique, they’re excellent for your everyday jewelry. Similarly, Taurus, linked to sapphire, emerald, rose quartz, lapis lazuli, and rhodonite, benefits from the beautiful alternative birthstones of its own.
These alternative stones offer a unique twist on the traditional birthstone and allow individuals to personalize their jewelry in really attractive—and affordable ways.
The list of birthstone jewelry shown below shows one-of-a-kind alternative birthstones by month and not mass-manufactured stones in customary settings. These special birthday jewelry gift designs incorporate a variety of colors, with handcrafted necklaces and bracelets representing a celebration of birthdays from January to December.
The February birthstone is associated with enduring relationships, courage, and is a symbol of protection, self-control, and the power to overcome adversity.
The August birthstone is a symbol of strength, and is often referred to as an evening emerald for its light green color. It is often considered for its influence in attracting only good energy.
The celebration of birthday jewelry here is a showcase of alternative birthstone options, based on the corresponding color of each month’s birthstone. To get information on how the colors relate to each date, take a look at our birthstone guide, or the Gemstone Slider of birthday jewelry alternatives below.
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Alternative Birthstones For Each Month
January Birthstone Alternatives
The word “garnet” comes from the 14th Century Middle English word “gernet” meaning dark red. The word is derived from Latin “granatum” which means seed, and is called so because of the gemstone’s resemblance to the beautifully red seeds of the pomegranate.
The garnet also symbolized deep and lasting friendships.
In the Middle Ages, it was considered a symbol of royalty and used to decorate English regalia. In the Old World, amethyst was considered one of the Cardinal gems and one of the five gemstones considered precious above all others.
Traditionally Amethyst is also given to celebrate the 4th and 17th years of marriage.
The Sumerians, Egyptians, and Hebrews all admired aquamarine, and many warriors would wear it into battle to bring about victory. Many ancient medicines used powder from aquamarine.
Prized for its emotional connection to feelings of happiness, youthfulness, wisdom, and stability.
The the diamond first became a popular gemstone in India, when the Moghuls and Imperial Colony easily mined diamonds from deposits along three major rivers.
Most widely known as the stone to give as part of an engagement ring.
Records suggest that rubies were traded along China’s North Silk Road as early as 200 B.C. Chinese noblemen adorned their armor with rubies because they believed the gem would grant protection.
Beloved for their strikingly rich red color, symbolic of passion, romance, and excitement.
Ancient Egyptians called peridot the “gem of the sun,” believing it protected its wearer from terrors of the night. Egyptian priests believed that it harnessed the power of nature.
Peridot has been considered an “evening emerald” due to its shimmer even under nighttime candlelight.
While plenty of tourmaline is mined around the world, it’s rare to find fine gem-quality tourmaline in bright colors. This range of material means that the price of tourmaline can vary almost as much as the color.
Tourmaline can become electrically charged when rubbed or warmed by heat.
During the Renaissance in Europe, people believed that topaz could break spells and quell anger. Hindus deemed topaz sacred, believing that a pendant could bring wisdom and longevity to one’s life.
Topaz is the traditional gem for the 4th and 19th marriage anniversaries.