Birthstone Gem Guide and Inexpensive Alternatives--April, May, & June

January, February & March 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.

April Birthstone -- Diamond

She who from April dates her years,
diamonds shall wear,
lest bitter tears
For vain repentance flow.

Description: The diamond needs little explanation. Its value is not only due to its sparkling beauty, but also for its amazing strength.

Alternative: Most birthstone jewelry for April is made from inexpensive imitation diamonds or cubic zirconia. However white topaz is a clear stone that is both inexpensive and sparkly. The main problem with white topaz is that often jewelry made from it uses large pieces, resembling 30 carat diamonds which makes them look fake. Just look for a small piece that looks more real.

May Birthstone -- Emerald

Who first beholds the light of day
In spring's sweet, flower month of May
And wears an emerald all her life
Shall be a loved and a loving wife.

Description: Emeralds are deep green stone so beautiful that they are among the most desired and beloved gemstones in history.

Alternative: As emeralds are very valuable, an inexpensive alternative is blooming hills quartz. This rich green stone has the color of the emerald and the clarity of an aquamarine.

June Birthstone -- Pearl or Moonstone

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

Description: The only gemstone on the list that isn't formed in the earth by forces of nature, the pearl is the classic beautiful stone from the sea. Treasured for its luster as well as its special coloration, a natural pearl is said to occur in only one of every 20,000 oysters while cultured pearls grow in every oyster which is seeded.

Alternatives: Although there is a wide variety of glass pearls available today, choosing a slightly lower grade of pearl for a piece of birthstone jewelry is a better choice. Glass pearls lack the multi layered luster of real pearls. Another alternative is mother of pearl which tends to be very reasonably priced.

Description: The moonstone is the gem equivalent of a white pearl, as its creamy white surface has a reflective luster.

Alternatives: Although it's a popular stone, its very inexpensive compared to most gems. There is simply no other gemstone that captures the luster and beauty of the moonstone.

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

January, February & March Birthstone Guide

July, August, September Birthstone Guide

October, November, December Birthstone Guide