Read about the history and traditions of birthstones, or scroll down to see which birthstone is associated with each month.
12 Stones for the 12 Tribes of Israel
The concept of birthstones is possibly the oldest tradition in the field of jewelry. Most gem scholars agree that the tradition of birthstones arose from the Breastplate of Aaron, a ceremonial religious garment that was set with 12 gemstones to represent the 12 tribes of Israel. According to the Bible, God promised Abraham a separate homeland for Israelites, called the land of Canaan. The promise was delivered during the time of Moses, who led the 12 tribes of Israel from Egypt towards the promised land of Canaan. When their kingdom was established, the Israelites were given a high priest to guide them spiritually. The high priest had a breastplate with twelve jewels that were engraved with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel.
Exodus 39:8-14
8 They fashioned the breastpiece—the work of a skilled craftsman. They made it like of gold, and of blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and of finely twisted linen. 9 It was square—a span long and a span wide—and folded double. 10 Then they mounted four rows of precious stones on it. In the first row there was a ruby, a topaz and a beryl; 11 in the second row a turquoise, a sapphire and an emerald; 12 in the third row a jacinth, an agate and an amethyst; 13 in the fourth row a chrysolite, an onyx and a jasper. They were mounted in gold filigree settings. 14 There were twelve stones, one for each of the names of the sons of Israel, each engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes. |
12 Stones for the 12 Signs of the Zodiac
Over time, each of the 12 jewels became correlated with the 12 signs of the Zodiac. Astrology said the appropriate crystal or gemstone for an individual was determined by the position of planets at the moment of birth. Ruling planets were then linked with corresponding gems, giving rise to the Zodiac system. As far back as 3000 BC, ancient India and Babylon civilizations invested gemstones with magical properties and mystical powers. Color was thought to unleash the power attributed to the stone and quite often before a person bought a jewel, they consulted an astrologer first. Once the Julian calendar system was introduced, the birthstone list for the zodiac months was transposed to the corresponding calendar months. In 1912, the American National Jewelers Association released a complete list of birthstones for calendar months, a list that has now become rather universally accepted.
Some folklore says that birthstones are tied to the wisdom of ancient Atlantis, where history and myth tell of an advanced race of humans. Others believe that birthstones were found by the original pagan religions, where it was believed that all stones had certain vibrations that reacted with the natural vibrations of people born during each particular month. In modern times, many religions continue to use crystals or gemstones for protecting, healing, contemplating or guiding.
However the lore of birthstones resonated, the gems were believed to possess power or bring luck when worn or owned. Thus, the tradition of giving and wearing birthstones began and remains strong today.
January Birthstone: Garnet
Those born in January are said to be strong, faithful people.
They are quick to offer guidance, are true to their word and
are loyal friends.
February Birthstone: Amethyst
With their shimmering purple color, amethysts symbolize
royalty, wealth, strength and confidence, as well as wisdom,
sincerity and peace.
March Birthstone: Aquamarine
For the ever-youthful spirit, the beautiful aquamarine is an
emblem of health, hope, courage and a tranquil peace of
mind about the future.
April Birthstone: Diamond
Perfection, innocence and everlasting love—there is no
better symbol for these qualities than a radiant diamond.
May Birthstone: Emerald
People born in May wear emeralds as signs of hope, inner
peace, success, desire for personal growth, fertility and
rebirth.
June Birthstone: Pearl
The roundness and natural color of the pearl are symbols of
balance, purity, health, innocence and protection.
July Birthstone: Ruby
Prized for their rarity and deep red color, rubies are worn by
people born in July to symbolize beauty, passion, love, good
fortune, nobility and happiness.
August Birthstone: Peridot
The peridot is an emblem of warmth, friendship, protection
and dignity, and those born in August who wear it are said to
be happy, charitable individuals.
September Birthstone: Sapphire
Sapphires represent wisdom, sincerity, calmness and
consistency. People born in this month are said to be faithful
and strive for truth and goodness in their lives.
October Birthstone: Opal
Called the “Cupid stone” in ancient times, opal has long
symbolized love, hope and inspiration for those born in
October.
November Birthstone: Citrine or Yellow Topaz
The stones of November are emblems of truth, happiness,
integrity, wisdom and friendship.
December Birthstone: Blue Topaz or Turquoise
Those born in December wear blue topaz or turquoise to
symbolize strength, intelligence, fidelity, success and good
fortune.
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