LEARN ABOUT BIRTHSTONES

Gemstones have long been sought after for their beauty and reputation that they represent certain values and possess mystical powers.

Certain gemstones have become associated with calendar months and are now referred to as birthstones. January is garnet, February is amethyst, March is aquamarine, April is diamond, May is emerald, June is pearl, moonstone, or alexandrite, July is ruby, August is peridot or sardonyx, September is sapphire, October is opal or pink tourmaline, November is topaz or yellow citrine, December is tourquoise or blue zircon.

The birthstone lists have changed through time and through different cultures. The first list is thought to be listed in the Bible in the Book of Exodus 28:15-30. The stones in this list were initially considered to be representative of the twelve tribes of Israel. Later, through the writings of a Jewish Historian Josephus in the first century, the Breastplate Stones of Aaron were proclaimed to represent the children of Israel as Natal Stones and connected to the twelve months of the year and the twelve zodiac symbols.

Later emphasis was placed on the twelve Foundation Stones listed in the Book of Revelation 21:19. It is thought that this list probably was to be representative of the stones of the High Priest Breastplate of Aaron, but that through errors in memory, transcription, or translation, or in replacement of stones that fell out of the Breastplate as it was handed down with stones native to the areas the Breastplate traveled through, the stones listed changed.

Wearing birthstones as jewelry pieces became popular in Poland in the 18th century. During this time, the beliefs that the birthstones had special virtues, mystical powers, and therapeutic values that protected their wearer became fully realized.

A Modern Birthstone List was approved by the National Association of Jewelers in 1912. This list is hardly the final word however as synthetic gemstones are sometimes today used as substitute birthstones for some of the rarer and more expensive stones.

Please see the comparative Birthstone Lists to see how they have changed through historical times.