The assignment of specific gemstones according to the month of birth or the sign of the zodiac goes back to ancient times with the lists including many stones that are not popular today.

The National Association of Goldsmiths have now adopted a standard list of birthstones that supersedes several older lists. Of course, no one needs to observe the lists. Personal preference might lead a person to choose a stone different from one recommended. If the price is too high then an imitation or synthetic stone may be purchased

Some of the beliefs and attributes in the lore of gemstones may seem foolish to young people. Even so, the particular beauty of each birthstone is in itself a source of joy and satisfaction.

Each month has a precious or semiprecious stone assigned to it and a birthstone superstition grew up that conformed in general to the characteristics of an individual born under the specific zodiac sign.

January	Garnet		Constancy and fidelity
February	Amethyst		Preventative against violent passions
March	Bloodstone/ Aquamarine		Steadfast affection, courage and wisdom
April	Diamond		Purity, repentance and innocence
May	Emerald		Discovers false friends and endures true love
June	Pearl		Wealth
July	Ruby		Ensures forgetfulness or cure of any ills arising from love or friendship
August	Sardonyx/ Peridot		Married happiness
September	Sapphire		Frees from enchantment; denotes repentance
October	Opal		Misfortune and hope
November	Topaz		Fidelity and friendship
December	Turquoise		Great success and happiness; prosperity in love

There are a few variations in a verse from mystic lore of birthstones:

Let January's maiden be
All Garnet gemmed with Constancy

In fitful February it's a verity
The Amethyst denotes Sincerity

But oh, what shall a March maid do?
Wear a Bloodstone and be Firm and True

The April girl has a brave defence
The Diamond guards her Innocence

Sweet child of May you'll taste the caress
of Emerald's promised Happiness

Pearls for the girls of June the precious wealth,
And crown it all they bring her Health

The Ruby stole a spark from heaven above,
To bring the July maiden fervent Love

The August maiden with sweet simplicity
Wears Sardonyx, gem of Felicity

Out of the depths shall Sapphires come
Bringing September's child Wisdom

October's child in darkness oft may grope,
The iridescent Opal bids it Hope

Born in November happy is she,
Whom the Topaz teaches Fidelity

December's child shall live to bless
The Turquoise that ensures Success

There are many beliefs attributed to gemstones. Generations believed that they held magic powers.
Read out Guide to Folklore to find out more.