Birthstone and Birth Flower Finder

History of Birthstones The concept of birthstones traces back to the Breastplate of Aaron described in the Book of Exodus, which contained 12 gemstones representing the 12 tribes of Israel. The modern practice of wearing a gemstone for your birth month became popular in 18th-century Poland. The official modern birthstone list was established in 1912 by the American National Association of Jewelers (now Jewelers of America) in the United States.

Traditional vs Modern Birthstones The traditional list reflects historical gem associations. The modern list was standardized in 1912 and updated in 1952 (adding alexandrite, citrine, tourmaline, and zircon) and again in 2002 (adding tanzanite for December). Some months have multiple options.

Birth Flowers The tradition of birth flowers dates back to the Victorian era in England, when flowers were used to convey messages and emotions (the “language of flowers” or floriography). Each month has one or two designated flowers, each carrying specific symbolism.

Gemstone Properties Birthstone hardness varies widely. Diamond (April) is the hardest at 10 on the Mohs scale. Pearl (June) is one of the softest at 2.5 to 4.5. That matters more than people expect when buying jewellery. Harder stones suit rings, which take knocks against door handles and desks all day. Softer ones belong in earrings and pendants, which mostly hang there.

The Mohs scale is also badly misleading about toughness, and this is where June and October birthdays get caught out. Hardness measures resistance to scratching, not to breaking. Pearl at 2.5 will scuff against almost anything, including a fingernail, and dulls from perfume and hairspray. Opal at 5.5 to 6.5 sounds respectable but holds water in its structure and can craze into a web of fine cracks if it dries out or gets a sharp temperature change. Neither belongs in a ring you wear while washing up.

If your month has two stones, pick on practicality rather than tradition. December offers tanzanite, zircon and turquoise, and only zircon is hard enough for daily ring wear. June offers pearl and alexandrite, and alexandrite is both far tougher and far more expensive. October’s opal and tourmaline split the same way. Nothing in the list is more official than anything else; the 1912 list was a trade decision by American jewellers, not an ancient one.