A birthstone is simply the gem linked to the month you were born. Some months have one classic stone, others have a small family to choose from. Below you will find the traditional birthstone for every month, plus the crystal that Rivendell pairs with each month in our little Tree of Life necklaces — a softer, more affordable way to wear your month. ✨ Find yours, learn what it is said to carry, and pick a piece to keep or gift.
Birthstones at a glance 💎
Here is the quick version. The first column is the traditional gem you will see on most birthstone lists. The second is the crystal Rivendell uses for that month — a modern crystal-birthstone twist you can actually take home for NZ$22. If you only want the plain list, our birthstone chart lays it out in one glance.
Where do birthstones come from? 🌙
The idea is old. It is usually traced back to the breastplate of Aaron, a religious garment set with twelve stones. Over the centuries people began linking those stones to the twelve months, and the modern list most jewellers use was standardised in 1912. A few stones have been added since — tanzanite joined December, and spinel joined August — so some months now offer more than one choice. Think of the list as a lovely tradition rather than a strict rule.
Your birthstone, month by month
Each month below gives the traditional gem first, then the crystal on Rivendell's matching necklace. The prestige gems — diamond, ruby, emerald — are the classic choice. Our crystal pieces are the everyday, wearable version: real semi-precious stones caged in a silver-tone Tree of Life, not the rare gem itself.
January — Garnet, or Carnelian
The traditional January stone is deep-red garnet, long linked with warmth and steady friendship. Rivendell's January necklace uses carnelian, a glowing orange chalcedony that crystal lovers reach for when they want a little courage and momentum; our carnelian guide tells its full story. It is a hardy stone, so it wears well every day.
February — Amethyst
February is the easy one: the traditional gem and the crystal agree. Purple amethyst is the classic calm-and-clarity stone, and it is many people's first crystal for a reason. It is also the one stone here you can wear all year without a second thought. Keep it out of long, strong sun, though, as amethyst's colour can slowly fade.
March — Aquamarine, or Turquoise
Sea-blue aquamarine is the traditional March stone, tied to calm water and safe travel. Rivendell's March necklace uses a turquoise-blue stone — honestly, it is dyed howlite, a soft white mineral coloured to that lovely sky tone. It is gentle and porous, so keep it dry and away from perfume.
April — Diamond, or White Jade
April's classic is the diamond: brilliant, hard-wearing and pricey. If a diamond is not on the cards, Rivendell's April necklace uses serene white jade instead. Jade is prized for its toughness, and in tradition it is a quiet stone of fresh starts and steadiness — a calm choice for a spring birthday.
May — Emerald, or Malachite
May belongs to the emerald, that deep garden green. For an everyday piece, Rivendell reaches for malachite, a banded green stone traditionally worn as a protective, grounding companion. Malachite is soft and does not like water, so a caged chip on a chain is the perfect way to enjoy it — keep it dry and it will stay glossy.
June — Pearl or Moonstone, or Rose Quartz
June is spoiled for choice: luminous pearl, or milky moonstone with its floating glow. Rivendell's June necklace uses rose quartz, the gentle pink stone crystal lovers link with self-kindness and warm-hearted love. It is one of the softest, most giftable stones on this list.
July — Ruby, or Red Jasper
The July ruby is fiery and bold, the gem of passion. Rivendell's July necklace carries red jasper, an earthy brick-red stone traditionally used for grounding and quiet determination. Where the ruby dazzles, jasper simply keeps you steady — and it is tough enough for daily wear.
August — Peridot, or Green Aventurine
August's peridot is a cheerful lime green. Rivendell's August necklace uses green aventurine, often called the lucky stone, traditionally kept close for opportunity and a little abundance. Its soft shimmer comes from tiny mineral flecks inside the quartz.
September — Sapphire, or Lapis Lazuli
September's sapphire is royal blue and linked with wisdom and truth. Rivendell's September necklace uses lapis lazuli, the ancient deep-blue stone flecked with golden pyrite. In crystal practice it is the stone of honest words and clear thinking. Lapis is a little soft and porous, so keep it away from water. Our lapis lazuli guide tells its full story.
October — Opal or Tourmaline, or Tiger Eye
October has two dazzlers: shifting opal and rainbow tourmaline. Rivendell's October necklace takes a warmer road with tiger eye, the golden-brown stone whose silky band of light seems to follow you. It is traditionally a confidence-and-steadiness stone, and at Mohs 7 it is very hard-wearing. For more, see our tiger's eye guide.
November — Topaz or Citrine, or Honey Jade
November glows golden with topaz and citrine. Rivendell's November necklace keeps that warm tone with honey jade — a trade name for a golden ornamental stone rather than a true gem jade, but a lovely amber colour all the same. Tradition links these sunny stones with happiness and good fortune. If you love the citrine story, our citrine guide goes deeper.
December — Turquoise or Tanzanite, or Sodalite
December's stones are blue: turquoise, violet-blue tanzanite, and icy zircon. Rivendell's December necklace uses sodalite, a deep denim-blue stone traditionally linked with calm, clear thinking and creative expression. Like lapis, it is a touch soft, so keep it dry.
Traditional gem or crystal birthstone — which should you choose? 🔮
Both are lovely; they just do different jobs. A traditional gem — a real ruby or sapphire — is an heirloom-level gift with a matching price tag. A crystal birthstone is the everyday version: a genuine semi-precious stone, easy to wear, easy to gift, and gentle on the wallet at NZ$22. Many people buy the crystal necklace as a first, personal keepsake and save the fine gem for a milestone year. There is no wrong answer here — pick the one that suits the moment.
Caring for your Tree of Life necklace 🕯️
These pieces are small caged crystal chips on a silver-tone chain. Wipe the stone and metal with a soft, dry cloth. Skip the water bath: several stones here — dyed howlite, malachite, lapis and sodalite — are soft or porous, and dislike moisture, perfume or long sun. Amethyst and rose quartz can fade in strong sunlight, so a shelf or jewellery box beats a sunny sill. Store each necklace flat so the fine chain does not tangle.
Choosing and gifting your birthstone 🎁
For a gift, the birthstone necklace does the thinking for you: match the month, and you have a present that feels personal without any guesswork. They make easy graduation, birthday and "just because" gifts, and the Tree of Life design suits almost anyone. Every month is NZ$22, so a set for a family — one for each birthday — stays affordable.
Stock does move, and a few months sell out from time to time, so it is worth checking your month early. Browse the full range of birthstone and crystal pendants, or come and hold a few in the warm light at Rivendell, Shop 62 inside Westfield Manukau. Star-sign shopper? Our guide to crystals for your astrological sign is a fun next step.
Birthstone questions, answered
What is my birthstone?
It is the gem linked to your birth month: January garnet, February amethyst, March aquamarine, April diamond, May emerald, June pearl or moonstone, July ruby, August peridot, September sapphire, October opal or tourmaline, November topaz or citrine, and December turquoise or tanzanite.
Why does Rivendell use different stones on its birthstone necklaces?
The Tree of Life necklaces use a modern crystal-birthstone list, so each month gets an affordable, wearable semi-precious stone — carnelian for January, malachite for May, lapis for September and so on — rather than a costly gem like diamond or ruby. It is a crystal-lover's take on the tradition.
Can I wear a birthstone that is not my month?
Absolutely. Plenty of people choose the stone they are simply drawn to, or wear a partner's or child's month. The tradition is a starting point, not a rule.
Are the Rivendell birthstone necklaces real stone?
Yes — they are genuine semi-precious crystal chips set in a silver-tone Tree of Life. A couple are honestly labelled: March is dyed howlite standing in for turquoise, and "honey jade" is a trade name for a golden ornamental stone.
How do I care for my birthstone necklace?
Wipe it with a soft dry cloth and keep the softer stones — howlite, malachite, lapis and sodalite — away from water and perfume. Keep amethyst and rose quartz out of strong sun, and store the necklace flat so the chain stays neat.
Sources
Birthstone lists and history: Gemological Institute of America and the International Gem Society. Stone facts (hardness, mineral family and care): the International Gem Society and GIA. Product details and prices: Rivendell Shop live listings, checked August 2026. Stone meanings are shared as crystal tradition, not health claims.