Gift guide · Checked October 16, 2026
Birthstone gifts by month: the right stone and the right piece
Every month's birthstones, and whether each one is best as a ring, a pendant or earrings, based on GIA's hardness and toughness notes. Choose the piece that will still look good in ten years.
| Month | Birthstone | Mohs | Best gift piece |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Garnet | 6.5 to 7.5 | Rings, pendants and earrings |
| February | Amethyst | 7 | Rings, pendants and earrings |
| March | Aquamarine | 7.5 to 8 | Rings, pendants and earrings |
| Bloodstone | n/a | Ask the jeweler | |
| April | Diamond | 10 | Any piece, including an everyday ring |
| May | Emerald | 7.5 to 8 | Pendants and earrings, or a protected ring |
| June | Pearl | 2.5 | Pendants and earrings for occasional wear |
| Alexandrite | 8.5 | Any piece, including an everyday ring | |
| Moonstone | 6 to 6.5 | Pendants and earrings for occasional wear | |
| July | Ruby | 9 | Any piece, including an everyday ring |
| August | Peridot | 6.5 to 7 | Pendants and earrings, or a protected ring |
| Spinel | 8 | Rings, pendants and earrings | |
| Sardonyx | 6.5 to 7 | Pendants and earrings, or a protected ring | |
| September | Sapphire | 9 | Any piece, including an everyday ring |
| October | Opal | 5 to 6.5 | Pendants and earrings for occasional wear |
| Tourmaline | 7 to 7.5 | Pendants and earrings, or a protected ring | |
| November | Topaz | 8 | Pendants and earrings, or a protected ring |
| Citrine | 7 | Rings, pendants and earrings | |
| December | Turquoise | 5 to 6 | Pendants and earrings for occasional wear |
| Tanzanite | 6 to 7 | Pendants and earrings, or a protected ring | |
| Zircon | 6 to 7.5 | Pendants and earrings, or a protected ring |
Any piece, including an everyday ring
Hard and tough enough for a ring worn every day, as well as pendants, earrings and bracelets. Stones in this group: Diamond, Alexandrite, Ruby, Sapphire.
Rings, pendants and earrings
Durable for most jewelry, including rings, with a little care. Take rings off for heavy work. Stones in this group: Garnet, Amethyst, Aquamarine, Spinel, Citrine.
Pendants and earrings, or a protected ring
Can chip or scratch, so a pendant or earrings is the safer gift. For a ring, choose a protective bezel setting and occasional wear. Stones in this group: Emerald, Peridot, Sardonyx, Tourmaline, Topaz, Tanzanite, Zircon.
Pendants and earrings for occasional wear
Soft or easily damaged. Skip everyday rings and bracelets, which take the most knocks. Stones in this group: Pearl, Moonstone, Opal, Turquoise.
Months with a choice
June, August and December have three birthstones, and March, October and November have two. When the main stone is delicate or expensive, the other one can make a better everyday gift: alexandrite (8.5) is far harder than pearl (2.5), and in December, zircon (6 to 7.5) is harder than turquoise (5 to 6).
December birthstone gifts
December's three stones are turquoise, tanzanite and zircon. All three are best as pendants or earrings: turquoise is soft and porous, and tanzanite and zircon can chip. Compare them: turquoise vs tanzanite, tanzanite vs zircon, turquoise vs zircon.
Frequently asked questions
Which birthstones make the best rings?
Diamond, ruby, sapphire and alexandrite are the hardest and toughest, so they suit rings worn every day.
What is a good birthstone gift for a mom?
A pendant or bracelet with each child's birthstone. Keep delicate stones such as pearl, opal and turquoise to pendants, which take fewer knocks.
What are the December birthstones?
Turquoise, tanzanite and zircon. GIA names turquoise and tanzanite as the main December stones.
Hardness and wear notes: GIA care guides, linked on each gem page. Birthstone lists: American Gem Society: Birthstones. Checked October 16, 2026.