Birthstone Gem Guide and Inexpensive Alternatives--January, February & March

April, May, June Birthstone Guide

July, August, September Birthstone Guide

October, November, December Birthstone Guide

The modern list of birthstones was officially adopted by American National Association of Jewelers in 1912 to solidify traditions of hundreds of years. It has only been updated once, in 2002 include amazing purple Tanzanite as an alternative stone for December.

Many woman grew up treasuring their unique birthstone, especially those with stones that would have appealed to them regardless. Those born with diamonds, emeralds, pearls, rubies or sapphires as their birthstones may have a special place in their heart for their unchosen symbol while others with more unusual stones such as amethyst or opal may feel a kinship to the special and unique properties of the stone.

The verses with each month were published by Tiffany and Co in 1870, before the standardization in 1912. Author is unknown.

January Birthstone -- Garnet

By her who in January was born
No gem save garnets shall be worn
They will ensure her constancy
True friendship and fidelity.

Description: Garnet is a rich red stone, normally darker than a ruby.

Alternative: Used in jewelry since ancient times, this deep stone is more abundant than other gemstones, making it an inexpensive treasure. However red quartz can be found for slightly less.

February Birthstone -- Amethyst

The February born shall find
Sincerity and peace of mind,
Freedom from passion and from care,
If they, the amethyst will wear.

Description: Amethyst is a type of quartz with an amazing hue that varies from light lilac to deepest purple with
some white striations.

The word amethyst literally means "not drunk" as the ancients believed that the stone was powerful enough to keep someone from becoming drunk by simply wearing it when they indulged.

Alternatives: Iolite is a violet blue stone of considerable popularity sometimes known as a "water sapphire." Fluorite tends to have more white striations however some can be found that are close in appearence to amethyst

March Birthstone -- Aquamarine (modern) and Bloodstone (traditional)

By her who in March was born
No gem save bloodstone shall be worn
They will ensure her constancy
True friendship and fidelity.

Description: The modern birthstone for March is the Aquamarine is a light blue yet transparent stone that resembles looking through warm, tropical waters. Lighter than a typical sapphire, its among the loveliest of the blue stones.

Alternative: Ocean wave quartz is an inexpensive stone that resembles the watery beauty of the aquamarine.

Description: The traditional stone of March is the bloodstone. This green jasper is dotted with red spots of iron oxide for a bloody effect. Also known as the martyrs stone.

Alternative: There is no less expensive alternative to bloodstone.

If these aren't the months you're looking for, see:

April, May, June Birthstone Guide

July, August, September Birthstone Guide

October, November, December Birthstone Guide

Blood stone information from: http://www.gemstone.org/gem-by-gem/english/bloodstone.html