Birthstone Alternatives: What to Do If You Don’t Like Your Birthstone?
Birthstones are more than just pretty stones. They have a long history and symbolism that can make them meaningful and personal. But sometimes you might not feel a connection with your birthstone, or you might prefer a different color or style. That’s okay because there are many other ways to choose a gemstone that suits you. Here are some ideas that you can try.
Option 1: Check All Birthstone Options for Your Month
Some months have more than one birthstone, so you can choose from a variety. For example, June has three different birthstones — pearls, alexandrite, and moonstone. Exploring these alternatives can provide options. So, if you aren't fond of the most traditional birthstone for your birth month, research what else may be available. You can look at this birthstone chart by the International Gem Society, which shows the modern and traditional birthstones for each month.
Option 2: Explore Birthstone Associations From Other Countries and Cultures
Another option is to explore birthstones from other countries or cultures, since those may differ from the ones you are familiar with. An example of this is April’s birthstone — the traditional one is diamond, but in the UK they include rock crystal (quartz) too.
You might find a gemstone that appeals to you more or has a deeper significance for you based on your heritage or preference.
Option 3: Choose a Gemstone Based on Your Zodiac Sign
Another approach is to choose a gemstone based on your zodiac sign rather than your birth month. Each zodiac sign has its own associated gemstones, which can offer you a unique and astrologically significant alternative to your traditional birthstones. For example, if you're a Leo, you can pick from ruby or peridot. You can check your zodiac birthstone here, or consult an astrologer or a gemologist to help you find the best gemstone for your zodiac sign.
Option 4: Choose a Gemstone That You Love or Feel a Connection With
Instead of sticking to the traditional birthstone, you can choose a gemstone that you love or feel a connection with. It can be based on your favorite color, your birthplace, your anniversary, or any other meaningful factor. For example, if you love the color blue, you can choose from sapphire, turquoise, aquamarine, or lapis lazuli. Or if you were born in Brazil, you can choose from amethyst, citrine, emerald, or topaz, since they’re mined in Brazil. You can also select the birthstone of a child or someone you love and adopt it as your own. The choice is yours, and there's no right or wrong answer.
Option 5: Choose a Gemstone Based on Its Properties or Meanings
Some people might find a gemstone that resonates with them based on its purported properties or meanings. For example, someone might be drawn to amethyst for its calming and protective properties, even if it’s not their birthstone. Or someone might choose pink opal for its association with love and compassion. You can also visit a local crystal shop or a metaphysical store and see which gemstones catch your eye or feel good in your hand.
Palace Diamond Bead Bracelet Pink Opal
Option 6: Choose a Gemstone Based on Its Color or Shape
Another option is to choose a gemstone based on its color or shape, rather than its meaning or origin. Color and shape are two of the most noticeable and attractive features of gemstones, and they can also have a psychological or aesthetic impact when you wear them. Someone might pick a round gemstone for its harmony and completeness, or a square gemstone for its stability and order.
As you can see, there are many options to choose from if you don’t like your birthstone. You can choose a different birthstone for your month, a gemstone based on your zodiac sign, a gemstone that you love or feel a connection with, or a gemstone based on its properties or meanings. The most important thing is to find a gemstone that makes you happy and reflects your personality. Remember, your birthstone is not a limitation, but a starting point. You can always explore and experiment with different gemstones and find the ones that suit you best.
Keep in touch and get first dibs on new product drops! Click here to sign up for our emails.
