According to IGS, the International Gem Society, birthstones date all the way back to biblical times. It wasn’t until the first century that historian Josephus believed there to be a connection between the 12 stones in Aaron’s (brother of Moses) breastplate, as described in the book of Exodus, with the 12 months of the year. In the 5th century, historian and Christian scholar St. Jerome, correlated these stones to the 12 signs of the zodiac.
Below is a list of birthstones. The modern version (used more so today) and the traditional version.
Modern and Traditional Birthstones by Month
| Birth Month | Modern Birthstones | Traditional Birthstones |
| January | Garnet | Garnet |
| February | Amethyst | Amethyst |
| March | Aquamarine | Bloodstone |
| April | Diamond | Diamond |
| May | Emerald | Emerald |
| June | Pearl, Alexandrite | Pearl |
| July | Ruby | Ruby |
| August | Peridot, Spinel | Sardonyx |
| September | Sapphire | Sapphire |
| October | Tourmaline, Opal | Opal |
| November | Golden Topaz, Citrine | Topaz |
| December | Blue Zircon, Blue Topaz, Tanzanite | Turquoise, Lapis |
I was never really excited about my January birthstone, the Red Garnet, until I discovered one of its lesser known varieties.
Garnet is an often-underappreciated birthstone. Its variety of colors surprises people all the time. If you are like me, growing up I only knew about my birthstone’s most common color, deep red with brown undertones. It is true that this color garnet is readily available, and because of that, its price point is quite reasonable. However, I have a surprise for you. This is not Garnet’s only color. They can be found in pink, orange, black, and my favorite, green. Let me tell you about Tsavorite!
The Colorful World of Garnets
Tsavorite is the rarest of the garnets. Its rich, green color is sometimes confused with emerald. Being that Tsavorite closely resembles the emerald’s color, it is often considered as the “other green stone.” Only found in Africa, it is rarer than emerald. It holds a great level of brilliance and doesn’t require artificial enhancements. It is more durable than an emerald, holding up better with regular wear.
For several years, the use of green color in both jewelry and watches has skyrocketed. It is one on-trend color that doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon. The next time you visit Kerns, ask to see a few Tsavorite pieces. You, too, might be surprised at how beautiful this garnet is. And, if you have a friend or family member with a birthday in January, let them know that red garnet isn’t their only option. There is a green stone that is a game changer for all of us born the first month of the year.
Have questions? I can be reached by phone or email.
Josette Shah, Stylist.
(650)348-7557
josette@kernjewelers.com
Birthstones by Zodiac Sign
| Sign | Date | Gemstone |
| Aquarius | January 21 – February 19 | Garnet |
| Pisces | February 20 – March 20 | Amethyst |
| Aries | March 21 – April 20 | Bloodstone |
| Taurus | April 21 – May 20 | Sapphire |
| Gemini | May 21 – June 21 | Agate |
| Cancer | June 22 – July 22 | Emerald |
| Leo | July 23 – August 23 | Onyx |
| Virgo | August 24 – September 23 | Carnelian |
| Libra | September 24 – October 23 | Peridot |
| Scorpio | October 24 – November 22 | Beryl |
| Sagittarius | November 23–December 21 | Topaz |
| Capricorn | December 22 – January 20 | Ruby |
