Legend of Birthstones

Birthstones have been used for centuries by different cultures and for different reasons. Dating back to its origins in Israel, it is believed that Aaron wore all twelve gemstones on his breastplate to represent the different tribes. Legends from the past stated that the birthstones gave different powers of healing if worn during the matching month. Birthstones have also been linked to astrology and each sign and planet is matched with a different stone. Today, we use birthstones to honor the month when someone was born and it’s common to give that person a piece of jewelry such as a necklace or ring with the gemstone.

Birthstones are gemstones that accompany a birth month, each having a unique meaning and historical significance. The popularity of birthstones dates back to ancient times when civilizations believed that gemstones had incredible powers such as luck, health and prosperity. Traditionally, each month is associated with a single gemstone, but as you’ll find below there are a few months with multiple birthstones. The birthstones associated with birth months today are not necessarily the same ones that were used in ancient times. In those days, color was the most important feature of a gemstone so they did not distinguish between gems the way we do today.

You might have seen displays of gemstones or bracelets with different-colored stones that can bring different positive aspects into your life. These stones, passed down from one generation to the next for centuries, have been believed to contain certain beneficial properties that can help heal the mind, body, and soul. One ancient tale having to do with the beautiful gemstone, promotes its ability to help prevent you from all woes. So here’s the story of how this ancient belief about gemstones being able to provide healing properties began.[/infobox]

Birthstones follow the Gregorian Calendar

January-Garnet

Garnet, the birthstone of January, is mined in a rainbow of colors. From the fiery orange of Mandarin Garnet to the rich green of Tsavorite Garnet and to the most widely recognized color of Pyrope Garnet, it is considered a great gift to symbolize friendship and trust.

February-Amethyst

Amethyst, the birthstone of February, is a variety of Quartz that carries a spectacular purple color that ranges from a blend of deep violet and red to a lighter lilac hue. Ancient Greeks believed that the stone protected the wearer from drunkenness and enabled them to keep a balanced mindset.

March-Aquamarine

Aquamarine, the birthstone of March, has a rich color and has long been a symbol of youth, health and hope. Its mesmerizing color ranges from pale to deep blue and are reminiscent of the sea. A perfect birthstone for March, the Aquamarine creates a beautiful accent to spring and summer wardrobes.

April-Diamond

Diamonds, the birthstone of April, are commonly associated with love which make it the perfect gift for a loved one. While white diamonds are most common, fancy colored diamonds can be found in various colors including yellow, blue, pink and a variety of others as well.

May-Emerald

Emerald, the birthstone of May, carries the rich green color of Spring and radiates a beautiful vivid tone. They are considered to be a symbol of rebirth and love. Emeralds are the rarest gemstones and are typically mined in Colombia, Brazil, Afghanistan and Zambia.

June-Pearl

June birthdays claim two birthstones; pearl and Alexandrite. Pearls have been wildly popular in jewelry for centuries because of their natural beauty. Alexandrite gemstones are extremely rare and desirable since they change color based on the lighting.

July-Ruby

Rubies, the birthstone of July, are considered the king of gems and represent love, health and wisdom. It was believed wearing a fine red Ruby bestowed good fortune on its owner. A Ruby is the most valuable gemstone and its value increases based on its color and quality.

August-Peridot

August is the latest month to claim two birthstones; Peridot and Spinel. Peridot, with it’s signature lime green color, is believed to instill power and influence in the wearer. Spinel is available in a brilliant range of colors and is believed to protect the owner from harm and soothe away sadness.

September-Sapphire

Sapphire, the birthstone of September, is most desired in its pure, rich blue color but is present in almost every color including pink, yellow and green. In the Middle Ages the gem was believed to protect those close to you from harm and also represented loyalty and trust.

October-Opal

October also has two birthstones; Tourmaline and Opal. Tourmaline is a favorite gemstone for many because it’s available in a rainbow of beautiful colors. Opal gemstones are truly unique because each individual gem is adorned with a one-of-a-kind color combination.

November-Citrine

November birthdays are associated with two gems; Citrine and Topaz. The warm color of Citrine is said to be a gift from the sun and it’s believed to be a healing gemstone. Topaz is most desired in its rich orange Imperial Topaz color but it is found in a variety of rich colors like blue, pink and yellow.

December-Blue Topaz & Zircon

December birthdays have claim to three gemstones; Zircon, Tanzanite and Turquoise. Each of these gemstones carries a unique blue tone making it a perfect birthstone for Minnesota’s frigid December winters. Zircon can be found in a variety of colors, but blue is the overwhelming favorite.

Specific Qualities of Your Birthstone

When you have style and grace, you pay attention to the details – you know the details say a lot about you. But what about your birthstone? You didn’t choose your birth month so what exactly does your birthstone say about you? Every birthstone has special meaning. Rocking your birthstone in a ring, earrings or necklace might garner a question or two about its significance. Do you know the meaning behind your month’s birthstone?

Faith and Loyalty

Garnet is a rich red gemstone, full of warmth and beauty. Wearing garnet symbolizes loyalty and generosity. Garnet is a creative soul that builds lasting relationships, is easy to talk to and always tries to stay positive. Garnet for January is for everlasting friendship and trust. The Amethyst for February represents several different qualities including peace, temperance, serenity and even royalty.

Sincerity and Wittiness

The amethyst stone comes in beautiful shades of purple, lilac and mauve. Amethyst symbolizes peacefulness. People with February birthdays who personify their birthstone are among the most sincere people that you could ever meet. It is associated with good health, youth, love and hope.

Selfless and Loving

Girls who wear diamond birthstones can be sweet and affectionate. They believe in love and commitment and are as devoted to their friends as they are their family. Diamond-wearing girls have a great sense of selflessness and there is nothing that she wouldn’t do for you.

Birthstone Jewelry

Birthstone jewelry is very popular today and dates back to ancient history. Throughout the ages people have had the strong desire to adorn themselves with items not only of beauty, but also meaning and birthstone jewelry is just one example. These meanings can manifest themselves in any number of ways including personal meaning, belief that birthstones posses medicinal effects or several others. Since ancient times, people from across the world have valued beautiful stones and minerals, incorporating them into their everyday lives. Civilizations including the Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, Persians, Incas and Aztecs strongly believed that these gemstones possess many attributes, curative powers and even the power to convey the soul to peace in the afterlife. While the value of gemstones is consistent across ancient history, the story of their integration as birthstones is less clear.

Although there is no definitive source for the assignment of gemstones as individual birthstones by the world’s peoples, there are a number of legends and several lists that document differing groups of birthstones.

Mythical Birthstones are said to come from the ancient Tibetan culture and date back thousands of years.

Biblical Birthstones were mentioned in the Bible’s Old Testament suggesting that the twelve birthstones can be traced to the twelve tribes of Israel.

Zodiac Birthstones have evolved over thousands of years as astrologers have assigned gems of certain colors to the twelve signs of the zodiac to help people influence the planets in their favor.

Ancient Record

History & Timestamp

Since ancient times, people have continued to develop and wear many forms of birthstone jewelry. While there are many styles that have been popular over the years. Despite the lack of clarity among the handful of different lists, it’s clear that many people believe that some gemstones have special meaning and perhaps power. For the buyer of birthstone jewelry, it’s certainly helpful to identify those qualities that he or she finds meaningful before making their purchase.

Whether you believe that birthstones possess meaning, beneficial qualities or not, birthstone jewelry is as ancient as the stones it uses. Like the history of birthstones, the origination of birthstone jewelry is vague, however one of the first descriptions of birthstone jewelry was seen in the Bible. The Breastplate of Aaron was said to be a religious garment worn by Aaron during religious ceremonies.

Modern Birthstone Jewelry

First of all, the color and brilliance of the gemstone creates an eye catching appearance that many desire. For those that believe that birthstones possess medicinal properties, it’s said that wearing the stone close to the center of the body maximizes its positive effects. Finally, a necklace is a favorite clothing accent and can often be combined with other pieces of birthstone jewelry to create an attractive appearance.

Rings are a popular form of birthstone jewelry because they are available in a wide range of styles, colors and finishes. Whether using gold, silver, platinum or some other metal, jewelers can get more creative with rings versus some other forms of birthstone jewelry, since the amounts of precious metal are small and less expensive as a result. So, an interesting and truly unique birthstone ring may be less expensive that any jewelry.

Bracelets continue to be a favorite form of birthstone jewelry, especially charm bracelets. Many enjoy giving the gift of a birthstone charm bracelet with the goal of giving the recipient additional gemstone charms during future occasions. Although each of these items is popular by itself, matching birthstone jewelry sets are also extremely popular. Often two of the above components, the recipient can use the different pieces many ways.