Will Wearing the “Wrong Birthstone” Bring Bad Luck?

Although the custom of associating gemstones with a person’s birth month has ancient roots, birthstone lists are relatively recent creations. The list of so-called “traditional” birthstones dates to the 16th-18th centuries. In the United States, the list of so-called “modern” birthstones dates to 1912.

Somewhere along the way, the belief that wearing the wrong birthstone would bring bad luck also emerged. In particular, pearl (June) and opal (October) have acquired reputations for bringing misfortune if worn by those who weren’t born in these months.

Please keep in mind that birthstone customs have changed over the course of history. Recently, jewelers have even added spinel, citrine, and tanzanite as modern alternative birthstones (for August, November, and December, respectively). Birthstone lists also differ by country and culture. You can even find birthstones based on a variety of factors, from astrological signs to birth hours and days of the week.

If you’re interested in wearing gemstones with health benefits, don’t worry about whether or not a particular gem is your proper birthstone. After all, birthstone lists are hardly set in stone.

Always wear what you feel comfortable wearing.