I wanted to share one of my family’s most cherished traditions: the gifting of a birthstone ring on your 10th birthday.
This family tradition goes back four generations. It began in 1945 when my great-grandmother, Kathryn “Granny” Gibble, and my great-uncle Nelson gave my great-aunt Susie a birthstone ring for her tenth birthday.
The" original" birthstone ring gifted to my Aunt Susie from her mother and brother.
“They decided to give me a ring with my birthstone for my tenth birthday. At the time it was a sardonyx, which later gave way to the current one, peridot. Quite by chance, this event also prompted me to stop biting my fingernails. Granny, ever the one with a perfectionist eye, remarked that the "birthday ring" deserved presentable hands.” - Aunt Susie
Granny continued the tradition by giving birthstone rings to her granddaughters on their 10th birthdays.
My mother's birthstone ring from Granny.
My grandmother, Dorothy “Mom-Mom” Gibble, loved the idea and carried it on with her multiple granddaughters.
My birthstone ring gifted to me from my Mom-Mom on my tenth birthday.
Now the tradition has come full circle as I’ve had the honor of creating many beautiful birthstone rings for my aunts to gift to their granddaughters.
Garnets, Emeralds, Rubies and Citrines, OH MY!
For generations, birthstones have carried meaning: symbols of protection, love, and connection. Just like my family’s tradition of gifting birthstone rings, these gems have long marked special moments in people’s lives.
Whether you’re drawn to your own birthstone or one that simply speaks to you, these gems carry stories. For my family, that story started with a single ring and continues each time a new generation receives theirs.
Below is a quick guide to each month’s birthstones. You’ll see both the traditional and modern (in the infographic) stones, since the official list has evolved over time.
January- Garnet
Traditional and Modern: Garnet
Garnet symbolizes protection and friendship. It’s often seen as a traveler’s stone, bringing safe journeys and strong connections.
February- Amethyst
Traditional and Modern: Amethyst
A stone of calm and clarity. Amethyst is said to bring peace of mind and balance, making it a favorite for dreamers and thinkers alike.
March- Bloodstone & Aquamarine
Traditional: Bloodstone
Modern: Aquamarine
Bloodstone represents courage and vitality, while aquamarine’s soft blue hues bring calm and clarity, a gentle reflection of the sea.
April- Diamond
Traditional and Modern: Diamond
Known for strength and brilliance, the diamond symbolizes eternal love and clarity of purpose.
May- Emerald
Traditional and Modern: Emerald
Emeralds have long been associated with renewal and growth. Their lush green color represents new beginnings and patience.
June- Pearl, Moonstone & Alexandrite
Traditional: Pearl
Modern: Pearl, Moonstone, Alexandrite
June babies are lucky, they get three options! Pearls represent purity, moonstone embodies intuition, and alexandrite changes color, symbolizing transformation.
July- Ruby
Traditional and Modern: Ruby
A symbol of passion and vitality. Rubies are known as the “king of gemstones” for their deep red color and energy.
August- Sardonyx, Peridot & Spinel
Traditional: Sardonyx
Modern: Peridot, Spinel
Sardonyx was the earliest August stone, tied to courage and protection. Peridot, with its bright green sparkle, represents renewal, while spinel adds a pop of color and creativity.
September- Sapphire
Traditional and Modern: Sapphire
Sapphires stand for truth, loyalty, and wisdom- a gemstone with a long royal history and timeless beauty.
October- Opal & Tourmaline
Traditional: Opal
Modern: Opal, Tourmaline
Both stones celebrate creativity and expression. Opal’s shifting colors inspire imagination, while tourmaline comes in a rainbow of hues for every personality.
November- Topaz & Citrine
Traditional: Topaz
Modern: Topaz, Citrine
Topaz is tied to strength and success, while citrine’s golden tones symbolize warmth, joy, and abundance.
December- Turquoise, Zircon, Tanzanite & Blue Topaz
Traditional: Turquoise
Modern: Turquoise, Zircon, Tanzanite, Blue Topaz
December’s stones all sparkle in cool blues and purples, said to bring peace, protection, and good fortune through the winter months.
Birthstones carry so many personal stories, and I’d be honored to craft one that’s uniquely yours. Reach out here to begin a custom birthstone ring of your own.
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