Modern vs Traditional Birthstones: Why Some Months Have Three
Search your birth month and one site shows a single stone while the next shows two or three. Nobody got it wrong. Birthstone lists grew out of older customs, were standardized by US jewelers in 1912, and have been extended several times since. At Keeta Luxury, we are a three-generation gemstone family working from Jaipur, so many of these stones pass through our hands. This guide explains the difference between modern and traditional birthstones, why some months have extra options, and how to choose one.
What Is the Difference Between Modern and Traditional Birthstones?
Traditional birthstones come from older customs that varied by country and era. Modern birthstones follow the list US jewelers standardized in 1912 and later expanded. Both are valid, and many months now offer more than one stone.
Traditional birthstones
The idea is often traced to the breastplate of Aaron described in Exodus 28, which held twelve stones. Over the centuries, people in Europe linked stones to months in different ways, so there was never one traditional list, only several regional ones.
Modern birthstones
In 1912, the National Association of Jewelers, now Jewelers of America, published the first official US list so that shops sold the same stone for each month. That list is the base of what most people call the modern list.
A note on the labels
Sources do not agree on these terms. Some call the 1912 list traditional and everything added afterward modern. In this guide, traditional means the older customs and modern means the 1912 list plus its updates. If a chart looks different from this one, the labeling is usually the reason.
Why Do Some Months Have More Than One Birthstone?
Because the list was extended instead of rewritten. According to National Jeweler, these are the main changes:
- 1912: the first official US birthstone list is published.
- 1952: alexandrite (June), citrine (November), tourmaline (October) and zircon (December) are added.
- 2002: tanzanite is added for December.
- 2016: spinel is added for August, announced by the American Gem Trade Association and Jewelers of America.
National Jeweler describes these updates as a response to changing tastes and market demand. In practice, each addition gave shoppers more color and price choices. Citrine, for example, gave November a warm golden option next to topaz.
Birthstones by Month: Current List and Later Additions
This table follows the current list published by GIA and marks the stones added after 1912.
| Month | Stones on the current list | Added later | Our collection |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Garnet | None | Garnet |
| February | Amethyst | None | Amethyst |
| March | Aquamarine, bloodstone | None | Aquamarine |
| April | Diamond | None | Not in our range |
| May | Emerald | None | Not in our range |
| June | Pearl, moonstone, alexandrite | Alexandrite (1952) | Moonstone |
| July | Ruby | None | Not in our range |
| August | Peridot, spinel | Spinel (2016) | Peridot |
| September | Sapphire | None | Not in our range |
| October | Opal, tourmaline | Tourmaline (1952) | Opal |
| November | Topaz, citrine | Citrine (1952) | Blue topaz, citrine |
| December | Turquoise, tanzanite, zircon | Zircon (1952), tanzanite (2002) | Turquoise |
Why June and December Have Three Stones
June: pearl, moonstone and alexandrite
Alexandrite joined in 1952, which gave June a third option. Moonstone is the one most people can wear every day. Our June birthstone moonstone guide covers its history and care.
December: turquoise, tanzanite and zircon
Turquoise is the long-standing December stone. Zircon was added in 1952 and tanzanite in 2002, so the month now offers a blue-green, a blue-violet and a colorless to colored option.
Which Birthstone Should You Wear?
- Start with what you like. Follow the list you grew up with, or pick the stone whose color you enjoy most. No option on the list is more correct than another.
- Think about how you will wear it. Softer stones such as opal and turquoise are generally gentler in earrings and pendants than in a ring worn every day. Garnet and peridot are common choices for rings.
- Look at your budget. Extra options often widen the price range, so the second stone for your month may suit you better than the first.
Who might skip this: if birthstones do not mean much to you, choose by color and style instead. Birthstone meanings are cultural and symbolic. This guide is informational and cultural, not medical advice.
One more distinction: a birthstone follows your birth month, while a zodiac stone follows your sign. If you want that angle, our zodiac birthstone rings are sorted by sign.
Where to Start With Birthstone Jewelry
If your stone is garnet, our rings run from $41 to $50, bracelets start at $21, and earrings are $25 to $35. Everything is handmade in Jaipur, and shipping is free to the US, UK and Germany with no tariffs or duties. You can browse by stone on our shop by gemstone page, or start with gemstone rings for women.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between modern and traditional birthstones?
Traditional birthstones come from older, regional customs. Modern birthstones follow the list US jewelers set in 1912, with later additions in 1952, 2002 and 2016.
Which months have more than one birthstone?
March, June, August, October, November and December. June has three (pearl, moonstone, alexandrite) and December has three (turquoise, tanzanite, zircon).
Can I wear any of the stones for my birth month?
Yes. Every stone on the list is a recognized option, so choose by color, budget and how you plan to wear it.
When was the birthstone list last updated?
In 2016, when spinel was added as an August birthstone alongside peridot.
Is a birthstone the same as a zodiac stone?
No. A birthstone is tied to your birth month, and a zodiac stone is tied to your sign. They can overlap, but they are separate traditions.
