The Definitive Birthstone Guide
Jul 23, 2025
A Guide to Birthstone Meaning and Style
A birthstone is more than just a colored gemstone—it’s a symbolic personal signature, rich with meaning.
Select a month to discover more about each birthstone
January
Garnet
February
Amethyst
March
Aquamarine
April
Diamond
May
Emerald
June
Pearl
July
Ruby
August
Peridot
September
Sapphire
October
Tourmaline, Opal
November
Citrine, Blue Topaz
December
Turquoise, Tanzanite
Every gemstone carries storied symbolism, from special protections to good fortune, making birthstone jewelry a sentimental way to honor individuality and celebrate those you love. Selecting birthstones by zodiac draws on centuries of tradition while creating new markers in time to commemorate significant birthdays or personal milestones.
From vibrantly hued gemstones that frame our classic Cable bracelets to zodiac charms and amulets with intricately carved details that look to the stars, every piece of birthstone jewelry designed by David Yurman is expertly crafted to symbolize individuality.
Read on to discover our birthstones guide—from charting the right gemstone for each birth month to exploring the symbolism behind different birthstone meanings, with tips on how to style David Yurman’s designs into your collection.
History and Tradition of Birthstones
Birthstone names have roots in ancient rituals across cultures. Gemstones were traditionally worn as adornments and as a form of armor, and over time, these gems were linked to the zodiac and calendar months.
Gemstones like amethyst, garnet, and turquoise were thought to protect, calm, or guide the wearer—beliefs that continue to shape the way we wear birthstones today.
Symbolism and Jewelry Styles
At David Yurman, design and meaning go hand in hand. David Yurman’s gemstone jewelry is thoughtfully paired with sculptural forms and signature details—like the cushion-shaped gemstones of the Châtelaine® Collection or the expressive silhouettes of our diamond amulets—to create pieces that feel timeless and personal.
Whether it’s the simplicity of a solitaire or a layered charm necklace, the setting becomes part of the story. A ruby may symbolize love, but as an accent on a Cable bracelet, it also reflects style and artistry, bringing a vibrant pop of color to a jewelry collection. Each design is a representation of the craftsmanship and care that David Yurman’s master artisans bring to each individual piece.
Birthstone Jewelry by Month
January - Garnet
January
Garnet
Color & Symbolism: With its rich crimson tone, garnet symbolizes protection and passion. It’s long been considered a stone of grounding—perfect for marking a new beginning, whether it’s set in a sculptural ring or a simple pendant.
February - Amethyst
February
Amethyst
Color & Symbolism: Amethyst’s deep violet hue represents calm and clarity. Once worn by royalty, it’s a stone often associated with inner strength and creative thinking.
March - Aquamarine
March
Aquamarine
Color & Symbolism: Aquamarine’s pale blue hue represents tranquility and renewal. Its name literally means “water of the sea”—a gem for those drawn to quiet power and renewal.
April - Diamond
April
Diamond
Color & Symbolism: Timeless and brilliant, the diamond is a symbol of everlasting love and resilience. It’s a natural choice for heirloom-worthy solitaire rings or stud earrings.
May - Emerald
May
Emerald
Color & Symbolism: Lush green emeralds signify growth, vitality, and rebirth. Beloved since antiquity, emeralds bring a vibrant presence to any jewelry collection.
June - Pearl
June
Pearl
Color & Symbolism: June’s birthstone is the classic cultured pearl, symbolizing purity and wisdom.
July - Ruby
July
Ruby
Color & Symbolism: Fiery and bold, the ruby embodies love, courage, and passion. Its deep red glow brings dramatic elegance to birthstone rings or expressive amulets.
August - Peridot
August
Peridot
Color & Symbolism: This fresh green stone is linked to strength and renewal. Once believed to ward off bad dreams, peridot’s glow is especially vibrant when contrasted with warm-toned gold.
September - Sapphire
September
Sapphire
Color & Symbolism: Blue sapphire symbolizes wisdom, loyalty, and clarity. Associated with truth and inner strength, it’s a refined and meaningful gift.
October - Tourmaline & Opal
October
Tourmaline & Opal
Color & Symbolism: Opal captivates with its shimmering, iridescent play of color and light, while tourmaline is known for its wide range of hues. Both are symbols of imagination and creative expression.
November - Citrine & Blue Topaz
November
Citrine & Blue Topaz
Color & Symbolism: Golden citrine symbolizes abundance and joy, while blue topaz represents inner clarity and inspiration. Either is a luminous pick for early winter—a subtle way to bring light into the season.
December - Turquoise & Tanzanite
December
Turquoise & Tanzanite
Color & Symbolism: December offers multiple shades of blue: turquoise for protection and tanzanite for insight. Each one celebrates hope and new beginnings.
Perfect Pairing: Zodiac Amulets
For a deeply personal touch, pair birthstone jewelry with our Zodiac Collection—a meaningful way to express your unique identity through the symbols that speak to you.
Though birthstones are typically chosen by month, they can also be chosen by astrological sign—two parallel traditions, each with its own kind of symbolism.
The monthly stones reflect longstanding custom; the zodiac sign gemstones draw from astrology’s deeper alignment with personality and intuition, offering a cosmic connection that aligns each precious stone with the traits of each sign.
Choosing the Right Birthstone Gift
Birthstone jewelry makes a thoughtful gift that honors tradition and individuality. If you’re looking for birthstone jewelry ideas to commemorate a birthday or a significant life milestone, David Yurman’s finely crafted pieces offer sculptural beauty and symbolic depth.
Discover gifting ideas to commemorate life’s special moments.
Diamond Pendant
A diamond pendant may mark a new chapter
Amethyst Ring
An amethyst ring may reflect calm strength
Charm Necklace
A symbolic charm captures passions and beliefs
Whether an everyday staple or a refined piece of heirloom jewelry, a birthstone gift carries emotional weight—meant to be worn, remembered, and passed on.
Styling Your Birthstone Jewelry
Styling birthstone jewelry with other pieces from your collection adds a personal touch to your look. For a look that’s unmistakably David Yurman, opt for gemstone jewelry showcasing iconic Cable motifs that reflect our heritage and artistry.
Everyday Polish
Timeless and luminous, pearls bring effortless polish to any look or occasion
Sculptural Statements
Oversize gems bring vibrant color and sculptural, statement-making presence
Textured Contrast
Stacking mixed-metal rings or necklaces with contrasting gems adds texture and dimension
Perfect Pairings
Pair gems with metals that enhance their hue: for example, pink gemstones with 18K rose gold
Build Your Collection
Whether choosing birthstones by month, astrological sign, or simply instinct and personal style, a birthstone is more than a mark of time—it’s a reflection of identity, memory, and intention.
David Yurman’s birthstone jewelry brings these symbols to life through refined craftsmanship and sculptural design, offering pieces that feel as personal as they are timeless. Whichever you gravitate towards, every piece of gemstone and birthstone jewelry offers a unique opportunity to tell your story.
