BIRTHSTONE LIST

Compliments of
The International Gem Society

MONTH	MODERN	ANCIENT
January	Garnet	Garnet
February	Amethyst	Amethyst
March	Aquamarine	Bloodstone
April	Diamond	Diamond
May	Emerald	Emerald
June	Alexandrite	Pearl
July	Ruby	Ruby
August	Peridot	Sardonyx
September	Sapphire	Sapphire
October	Rose Zircon	Tourmaline or Opal
November	Golden Topaz	Topaz
December	Blue Zircon	Turquoise or Lapis

Early in this century jewelers got together and created a new list of birthstones. In the modern list you will find only transparent gems. This makes it much easier to create a mothers ring. Imagine if you needed a pearl, a cabochon of turquoise, a diamond and an emerald. This would be an awkward thing to make look nice.

Another interesting point is the addition of alexandrite. This is an incredibly rare gem and not readily available.

The ancient list is still used considerably. Many people mix the two as they feel best. This is acceptable, the modern list has not replaced the ancient one, but supplemented it.