One of the most popular ways to personalize jewelry is by adding the wearer’s birthstone. Whether in a piece without other gems or paired with many other stones, as in a mother’s ring, birthstone jewelry adds a pleasing touch of color for the perfect accessory to anyone’s wardrobe. Each of the 12 months has a traditional birthstone that represents people born during that month.

January’s traditional birthstone is the garnet, a deep red stone that represents trust and friendship. Garnets are available in other colors, such as green, orange and yellow. However, the dark red gem is the most familiar type of garnet and the one most often associated with January babies. People born in February have the amethyst as their birthstone. Amethysts are deep purple in color and are said to protect against drunkenness, evil forces and crop-destroying pests.

The aquamarine symbolizes those born in March. A light blue gem that promises the wearer a happy marriage, aquamarine would be an excellent choice for the “something blue” of a bride born in March. April is represented by the most valuable birthstone of all, the diamond. Although the clear diamond is the most traditional choice, the gem also comes in a variety of colors. The diamond also symbolizes a couple’s 60th wedding anniversary.

Those born in May fall under the birthstone of emerald. A symbol of rebirth, the emerald is related to the March birthstone aquamarine, but is deep green in color. June babies can choose from two traditional birthstones-the pearl or alexandrite. Those who want a piece of jewelry with multiple birthstones may prefer the color-changing alexandrite, a good-luck talisman, to the much different appearance of the organic pearl.

The birthstone for July is the ruby, a gem of a lighter red than the garnet. Rubies are said to bring health and prosperity to the wearer. People born in August are represented by the peridot. A lighter green than an emerald, the peridot is associated with healing.