Comments on: July’s featured birthstone: Turquoise

By: Dave

Dave — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 14:33:49 +0000

Bruce Knuth’s book has turquoise as the alternative “Foundation Stone” birthstone for July. It’s definitely true that a gemstone sometimes shows up in various months of the year, depending on whose birthstone list you’re following. Knuth points out (page 10),

“After various lists had been devised by [various jewelers' associations], a list was devised by the Jewelry Industry Council in 1952. This list was eventually adopted by [those groups].”

I’m sure another factor is how old a birthstone list is. The stones known in Biblical times were a different bunch from what modern jewelers often work with!

By: oldguy

oldguy — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 01:29:15 +0000

What list are you looking at for Turquoise being a brithstone for September?

Most lists say turquoise, blue zircon and tanzanite are December birthstones while alexandrite, moonstone and pearl are for June birthdays.

Of course, the lists of stones for each month changes over time as the jewelers promoting such lists want to promote different stone. Google or wikipedia seach for “birthstone” will give you more common lists. Check it out!

By: Dawno

Dawno — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 22:14:53 +0000

I had no idea that turquoise was also my birthstone (July 23rd). I have quite a bit of it, maybe I had a subconscious draw to it all along!

By: joia

joia — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 22:07:44 +0000

I’ve recently discovered Yellow Turquoise and have been really enjoying getting creative with it!

Nice to have alternatives to just rubies for July birthstones!