Tradition is associates a gem with each sign of the zodiac based on a color system. In time, birthstones became associated with calendar months rather than the zodiac. People also, began to select birthstones in colors other than the originals.

Months and Birthstones

January - Garnet
Garnet is the accepted birthstone for the month of January. It is also the anniversary gemstone for the second year of marriage. Garnets come in every color except for blue but, are known for its dark red color.

February - Amethyst
Amethyst is the recognized birthstone of February and the accepted anniversary gemstone of the sixth month of marriage. It is a deep medium purple with rose-colored flashes that gave amethyst its beauty and fire. Amethyst is durable, can be worn every day, and is available in all sizes and shapes.

March - Aquamarine
The birthstone of March and 19th year of marriage. The ideal color of Aquamarine is a refreshing pastel sea blue. If you are looking for a big, durable gemstone, aqua is readily available in larger sizes and is truly dramatic when cut in rectangular or oval shapes.

April - Diamond
Diamond is the birthstone of April. The most popular of gemstone for engagement rings, diamond is accepted for the 10th and 60th years of marriage. Diamond the most durable of all gemstones. Diamonds are known for being colorless stones, but they are occasionally found with strong and bright colors.

May - Emerald
The birthstone of May and accepted anniversary gemstone for the 20th and 35th years of marriage. Emerald is one of the most highly prized of all gems. The name comes from the Greek "smaragdos" which means green stone.

June - Pearl
Pearl is the recognized birthstone of June and the accepted anniversary gemstone for the 3rd and 30th years of marriage. A pearl is the product of an oyster's defense mechanism. When a foreign irritant is introduced either by man or naturally, the oyster immediately surrounds it with layers of substance called nacre. This forms the exquisite gemstone known as pearl.

July - Ruby
The birthstone for the month of July. It is also the accepted anniversary gemstone for the 15th and 40th year. Ruby is known as the "Lord of the Gems" because of its rarity and beauty. Derived from the Latin word "ruber" which simply means red.

August - Peridot
Peridot is the accepted birthstone for August. It is also the accepted anniversary gemstone for the 16th year of marriage. Peridot should be a lively lime green without a brownish or olive cast. Peridot is the child of volcanic action.

September - Sapphire
Sapphire is the September birthstone as well as the accepted anniversary gem for the 5th and 45th years of marriage. Sapphire comes in all colors except red (the red variety is known as ruby), but is especially popular in deep blue. Marriage partners put great faith in the stone.

October - Opal
Opal the birthstone of October as well as the accepted anniversary gemstone for the 14th year of marriage. White opal has a white or light body color with flashes of many colors. Black opal has a black, dark blue, dark green or grey body color with vivid flashes of such colors as red, pink and bright green. Opal also symbolizes hope.

November - Topaz
Topaz is the birthstone of November. Blue topaz is the accepted anniversary gemstone for the 4th year; Imerperial topaz for the 23rd year of marriage. Topaz occurs colorless as well as a variety of mixed colors like orange-yellow and honey-brown. The name topaz is derived from the Greek word meaning "to shine" and also implies "fire". The Greek felt it gave them strength.

December - Turquoise
Turquoise is the accepted birthstone for December and is the accepted anniversary gemstone for the 11th year of marriage. Colors of turquoise range from sky blue to blue green and apple green. The name means "Turkish stone". The Southwest Indians believed the gemstone could bring spoils to the warrior, animals to the hunter, and happiness and good fortune to all.