birthstone

[ burth-stohn ]

noun

1. a precious or semiprecious stone traditionally associated with a particular month or sign of the zodiac and believed to attract good fortune.

birthstone

/ ˈbɜːθˌstəʊn /

noun

1. a precious or semiprecious stone associated with a month or sign of the zodiac and thought to bring luck if worn by a person born in that month or under that sign

Word History and Origins

Origin of birthstone¹

First recorded in 1905–10; birth + stone

Example Sentences

Billie Brookton, who "adored" jewels, and whose birthstone conveniently was the diamond, had been "dying for it."

From Project Gutenberg

Garnet has long been the birthstone of the month of January.

From Project Gutenberg

Florence half sighed as she added, “That bracelet with my birthstone and the tiny diamonds was so attractive.”

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• bauble
• bead
• bling
• gem
• gemstone
• ornament
• stone
• trinket

More About Birthstone

What does birthstone mean?

A birthstone is a precious or semiprecious stone associated with a particular month. Some people wear jewelry with the stone that corresponds with the month they were born.

Here is a list of the birthstones that have traditionally been associated with each month, along with some of their modern alternatives.

• January: garnet
• February: amethyst
• March: bloodstone (or aquamarine)
• April: diamond
• May: emerald
• June: pearl (or alexandrite or moonstone)
• July: ruby
• August: sardonyx (or peridot or spinel)
• September: sapphire
• October: opal (or tourmaline)
• November: topaz (or citrine)
• December: turquoise or lapis (or blue zircon or blue topaz or tanzanite)

Modern alternatives continue to be added. A birthstone can also be linked to a person’s zodiac sign.

Example: I have a ring with my birthstone that’s my favorite piece of jewelry.

Where does birthstone come from?

The first records of the word birthstone come from the early 1900s.

Precious and semiprecious stones have been associated with each month for a very long time, and the tradition of wearing a particular gem during a particular month dates back at least hundreds of years. Use of the word birthstone became popularized after the National Association of Jewelers (of the U.S.) met in 1912 to standardize the list of birthstones corresponding with each month. Additions to the list were made in 1952, 2002, and 2016. People born in months with multiple birthstones typically just choose the one they like best.

Did you know ... ?

What are some words that share a root or word element with birthstone? 

 

• birth
• stone
• gemstone

What are some words that often get used in discussing birthstone?

• month
• gem
• precious
• semiprecious
• jewelry
• pendant
• zodiac
• lucky

How is birthstone used in real life?

Many people wear jewelry with their birthstone, especially rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. Such jewelry is often given as a gift.

I got my mom a dainty simple diamond earring and necklace set for Christmas because my birthstone is diamond & she had lost her diamond necklace last year. She wears it every day. Every time I see her. Every time she Snapchat’s me. It makes me so happy 😆

— Merciless Indian Savage 🖤 (@_lumbeenative_) February 16, 2021

I was out getting a gift for someone at the jeweler and while there, I also had my fingers sized. My ring sizes are in my surname (KM), my birthstone is emerald. Just sharing in case anyone may need this information.

— Barry White. (@ivykemp) February 17, 2021

Diamonds just don't match my fire. It's like, my birthstone is diamond but I would rather any other cheaper stone just because I think diamond is expensive and bland. It doesn't suit me✨

— Gnomes✨ (@ViihRegia_18) February 19, 2021

 

 

Try using birthstone!

Is birthstone used correctly in the following sentence?

I was born in August, so I consider peridot my birthstone.