Gemstones
Birthstone Alternatives: Why Some Months Have More Than One Option
Several months have more than one recognised birthstone because different jewelry trade bodies and cultural traditions have added alternatives over time.
Why lists differ
The modern US birthstone list was standardized in 1912 by the National Association of Jewelers (predecessor to Jewelers of America) and has been amended since, including the addition of tanzanite for December in 2002, alongside older traditions like Mystical and Ayurvedic birthstone lists.
Common alternatives
Examples include October's opal and tourmaline, March's aquamarine and bloodstone, and December's turquoise, tanzanite and zircon — giving buyers flexibility based on budget and durability needs.
Choosing between alternatives
When a month has multiple options, practical factors like hardness, treatment status and budget can guide the choice as much as personal preference for colour.
Buyer checklist
- ✓ Check which list (modern or traditional) a recommendation is based on
- ✓ Compare hardness between alternatives if choosing a ring stone
- ✓ Ask about treatment status for the specific stone chosen
Verification tools & references
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