Birthstone Gem Guide and Inexpensive Alternatives--July, August & September

January, February & March Birthstone Guide

April, May, June 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.

July Birthstone -- Ruby

The gleaming ruby should adorn,
All those who in July are born,
For thus they'll be exempt and free,
From lover's doubts and anxiety.

Description: The richest and most valuable of the red gemstones, the fiery ruby was well chosen to represent the heat of July.

Alternatives: The ruby is considered by some to be rarer and more valuable than even the diamond. One of the best inexpensive alternative is a ruby red CZ. Another alternative is cherry quartz, however you have to be sure to get the right shade to resemble ruby.

The best alternative is a red spinel which is indistinguishable from a ruby to the naked eye. They are so difficult to tell apart that the centerpiece of one of the crown jewels of England was believed to be a ruby until tests proved it was actually a red spinel. (source)

August Birthstone -- Peridot

Wear a peridot or for thee,
No conjugal fidelity,
The August born without this stone,
`Tis said, must live unloved; alone.

Peridot:
Description: Peridot is a yellow green or olive green stone. It has a subtle, underappreciated beauty and old fashioned charm.

Alternative: Some shades of apple orchard quartz can resemble the more olive versions of the peridot. This is not a widely imitated stone.

Sardonyx:
Description: The traditional stone of August is the Sardonyx, a form of onyx in which the bands are red or orange.

Alternative: Choose a grade of Sardonyx in your price range, as this unusual banded stone can be somewhat expensive. There is no realistic alternative.

September Birthstone -- Sapphire

A maiden born when autumn leaves
Are rustling in September's breeze,
A sapphire on her brow should bind;
To bring her joy and peace of mind.

Description: A deep dark blue stone, the Sapphire is treasured as the most valuable and popular of the blue stones.

Alternatives: Deep blue spinel, sometimes incorrectly called "Sapphire spinel" is a beautiful and convincing substitute. Certain dark blue topaz and quartz can also be quite realistic.

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

January, February & March Birthstone Guide

April, May, June Birthstone Guide

October, November, December Birthstone Guide

Red Spinel information http://www.minerals.net/gemstone/gemstone/spinel/spinel.htm