January
Gecko Jewellers · The gemstone guide
Birthstones by Month & Zodiac Gemstone Guide
A birthday, a shared anniversary or a favourite colour can be the beginning of a very personal jewellery choice. Explore birthstones by month, traditional zodiac gemstones and anniversary gift ideas with Gecko Jewellers in Midrand, Johannesburg.
Birthstones by month
Birthstones connect each month with one or more gemstones. Use this modern guide to find a birthday gift, choose a stone for a personal piece of jewellery or discover a gemstone you might not have considered. Some months offer several options, giving you room to choose by colour, style and budget.
Love the stone? See it in jewellery. Follow the links below each month to explore a related design or collection. If you have a particular stone in mind, our team can help you check availability.
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Illustrative gemstone images; colours and appearance vary. Where several stones are shown, names follow their order from left to right. These illustrations do not represent specific items in stock.
View the complete birthstone table
| Month | Birthstones |
|---|---|
| January | Garnet |
| February | Amethyst |
| March | Aquamarine, Bloodstone |
| April | Diamond |
| May | Emerald |
| June | Pearl, Moonstone, Alexandrite |
| July | Ruby |
| August | Peridot, Spinel, Sardonyx |
| September | Sapphire |
| October | Opal, Tourmaline |
| November | Topaz, Citrine |
| December | Tanzanite, Turquoise, Zircon |
From gemstone to jewellery
See your birthstone brought to life
A gemstone’s colour is only the beginning. Discover how it looks in a finished ring, necklace or bracelet, and find inspiration for a birthday gift or a piece to make your own.
A garnet ring to wear and treasure
Explore the five-stone garnet ring and see how rich red gemstones look in a silver setting.
See the garnet ring →Opal, set to catch the light
Take a closer look at a round opal ring in platinum-plated 925 sterling silver.
See the opal ring →A distinctive tanzanite solitaire
See a rectangular tanzanite set in a geometric solitaire ring with a polished silver band and platinum-plated finish.
See the tanzanite ring →Open each product page to see photographs, current pricing, sizing and availability. Featured pieces may sell out as the collection changes.
Explore all gemstone jewelleryTraditional zodiac gemstones
Zodiac gemstone traditions link stones with astrological signs rather than calendar months. The chart below follows the traditional associations in our reference guide; other traditions use different stones and date boundaries. These are cultural associations, not scientific descriptions of personality or promises of health, luck or success. Dates are approximate, particularly near the change between signs.
| Zodiac sign | Approximate dates | Traditional gemstone |
|---|---|---|
| Aquarius | 20 Jan–18 Feb | Garnet |
| Pisces | 19 Feb–20 Mar | Amethyst |
| Aries | 21 Mar–19 Apr | Bloodstone |
| Taurus | 20 Apr–20 May | Sapphire |
| Gemini | 21 May–21 Jun | Agate |
| Cancer | 22 Jun–22 Jul | Emerald |
| Leo | 23 Jul–22 Aug | Onyx |
| Virgo | 23 Aug–22 Sep | Carnelian |
| Libra | 23 Sep–23 Oct | Peridot |
| Scorpio | 24 Oct–21 Nov | Beryl |
| Sagittarius | 22 Nov–21 Dec | Topaz |
| Capricorn | 22 Dec–19 Jan | Ruby |
The older name “chrysolite” is shown here as peridot. Beryl is a mineral family, rather than a single gemstone colour.
Wedding anniversary jewellery guide
Mark another year together with a gift that reflects your shared story. This jewellery anniversary guide follows the Jewelers of America list and includes gemstones, precious metals and watches. It differs from household gift traditions such as paper or wood, and other anniversary lists may vary.
| Year | Jewellery gift |
|---|---|
| 1 | Gold |
| 2 | Garnet |
| 3 | Pearl |
| 4 | Blue topaz |
| 5 | Sapphire |
| 6 | Amethyst |
| 7 | Onyx |
| 8 | Tourmaline |
| 9 | Lapis lazuli |
| 10 | Diamond |
| 11 | Turquoise |
| 12 | Jade |
| 13 | Citrine |
| 14 | Opal |
| 15 | Ruby |
| 16 | Peridot |
| 17 | Watches |
| 18 | Cat’s-eye |
| 19 | Aquamarine |
| 20 | Emerald |
| 21 | Iolite |
| 22 | Spinel |
| 23 | Imperial topaz |
| 24 | Tanzanite |
| 25 | Silver |
| 30 | Pearl |
| 35 | Emerald |
| 40 | Ruby |
| 45 | Sapphire |
| 50 | Gold |
| 55 | Alexandrite |
| 60 | Diamond |
Gemstones for the days of the week
For a lighter way to explore gemstone traditions, this weekday guide pairs each day with a stone. The associations come from our reference book and are offered as inspiration for a collection or a jewellery choice, rather than a universal system.
| Day | Traditional gemstone |
|---|---|
| Sunday | Sunstone |
| Monday | Moonstone |
| Tuesday | Star sapphire |
| Wednesday | Star ruby |
| Thursday | Cat’s-eye |
| Friday | Alexandrite |
| Saturday | Labradorite |
“Cat’s-eye” describes an optical effect. When buying a stone, ask for its full gemstone identity.
Choosing a gift with personal meaning
Choose a monthly birthstone for a birthday, an anniversary stone to mark a milestone, or simply a colour they love. For a gift that will be worn often, ask about suitable settings and care as well as appearance.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a birthstone and a zodiac gemstone?
A monthly birthstone is linked to your calendar month of birth. A zodiac gemstone is linked to an astrological sign, whose dates usually span parts of two months. The two lists do not need to match.
Why do some months have more than one birthstone?
Birthstone lists have developed over time, and different traditions recognise different choices. Several months in the modern guide have two or three stones. You can choose the one that best suits the person receiving it.
Can I wear a gemstone that is not my birthstone?
Absolutely. A birthstone can add a personal connection, but your favourite colour, jewellery style and the occasion are equally good reasons to choose a gemstone.
Are traditional gemstone meanings scientific facts?
No. Zodiac and weekday associations belong to cultural traditions and folklore. A gemstone can hold personal significance without making claims about healing, protection or future events.
How do I choose a birthstone jewellery gift?
Start with the month, then consider the recipient’s preferred colours, metal finish and jewellery style. Ask about the stone’s identity, any treatments and suitable care before choosing a piece.
Where can I explore birthstone jewellery in Johannesburg?
Browse Gecko Jewellers online or visit our showroom at 52 Mercury Drive, Crowthorne AH, Midrand. Ask our team about available gemstone jewellery and loose stones for your occasion.
Discover gemstone jewellery at Gecko Jewellers
Find a gemstone that feels personal. Explore the Gecko Jewellers online shop, or visit our Midrand showroom to compare colours and discover a piece for a birthday, anniversary or your own collection. Ask our team about current availability and help choosing a suitable stone.
52 Mercury Drive, Crowthorne AH, Midrand, 1682