Do you know what your birthstone is? Many people do. Birthstones are a fun way to celebrate some-one's birthday. But, choosing the "right" birthstone may not be as easy as you might think.

There are discrepancies and disagreements as to which particular stone goes with which month. There are multiple stones associated with each month, and if that is not confusing enough, there are also stones associated with the signs of the Zodiac that relate time periods different than the calendar months.

The list of Traditional Birthstones, dates back as early as the 15th century, but in fact has evolved with western society as is moved out of the middle east and North Africa, through Greece, Rome, Europe, Scandinavia and eventually to the Americas. This alone leaves room for a lot of changes in the list of which stones are "traditional."

Ayurvedic Birthstones have been recognized in India for well over a thousand years. This system recognizes stones based on their healing properties and are used as a system of medicine.

There are Mystical Birthstones that come to us through ancient Tibet. These birthstones are generally used to help one overcome the life-obstacles put is place based on your birth month.

If that's not enough, a new Birthstone list, called the "Modern Birthstones" was compiled by a group of businesses in the USA in 1912. Thanks to the strength of marketing and commercialism, this has become the commonly accepted list in the USA. The modern stones offer more affordable and easier to find stones.

The good news is, whatever your choice, know that your gift will be accepted out of love and will be cherished. When you give someone a birthstone gift, you can make it even more special by adding some care tips and/or lore. The time and effort you put into your search is the REAL gift. The stone is just a reminder of how much you care.