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HISTORY OF BIRTHSTONES

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4 Minute Read

HomeLearning CenterGemologyThe Lighter Side of GemologyHistory of Birthstones

IGS may receive customer referral fees from the companies listed in this page.

Why?
By Amanda Butcher
Birthstones have become an international jewelry trend, but have you ever
wondered where this tradition began? Here is your rundown on the centuries-long,
worldwide history of birthstones.


WHAT IS A BIRTHSTONE?

Birthstones have become very popular for gift-givers and gem-lovers for their
dazzling array of colors and the personal sentiment they can represent. In the
modern tradition, there are one to three gemstones representing every birth
month of the year, each with its own history and legends behind it. Birthstones
can usually be found adorning rings, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings,
allowing the wearer to celebrate their special day on any occasion.


BIBLICAL ORIGINS

The origins of this tradition can be traced all the way back to biblical times
and the Book of Exodus. It describes the breastplate worn by Aaron, the first
high priest of the Israelites, which was to be worn by all future high priests.
The breastplate was adorned with 12 different stones, each representing one of
the 12 tribes of Israel. These stones were said to have possessed great powers
and had the ability to tell people their fate. According to first-century
translations, the first row contained carnelian, chrysolite, and beryl.  The
second row contained jacinth, agate, and amethyst, and the third row contained
topaz, onyx, and jasper. The naming of minerals at the time were dependent on
color rather than chemical composition, so it is difficult to determine which
gems were actually used. For example, chrysolite was used to describe gems with
flecks of gold, which could have included topaz or peridot.

Peridot is now a birthstone for August, a tradition that can be traced back to
Aaron's breastplate © James Allen


It wasn't until the first century, around 500 years after Aaron's breastplate
was described in the Book of Exodus, where the historian Joseph believed there
to be a connection between the 12 stones in Aaron's breastplate, the 12 months
of the year, and the 12 zodiac signs. Historian St. Jerome, referencing Joseph,
began to encourage the use of these stones by Christians in the 5th century.
This established a tradition that would last for centuries, in which people
would collect all of the 12 stones to wear at one time in extravagant belts,
bracelets, and other ornaments. By the 8th and 9th centuries, this trend evolved
to where people would own a collection of all of the jewels but only wear a
single stone during a given month, where it was believed to have heightened
powers. This most likely came from eastern traditions believing that birthstones
can provide the wearer with protection and powers, as trade between the east and
west began to surge during this time period. The modern tradition of wearing one
stone for their month of birth did not begin until the 16th century and
originated in either Germany or Poland.  This was the start of the birthstone
trend we are familiar with today.


HINDU ROOTS

The tradition of stones representing your birth month with mystical powers can
also be found in Hindu traditions, most likely influencing customs in the west
as well. The Ratna Pariksha, a 5th-century Hindu text, chronicles the
relationships between gemstones and deities, celestial bodies, and days of the
week. Hindu practices associate nine gemstones with the different celestial
forces, called navaratna in Sanskrit. Jewelry in this style always centers
bright red ruby or spinel, surrounding it with the rest of the gems on either
side. These pieces are believed to grant the wearer a cosmic harmony, as well as
stand as a symbol of status and wealth. Certain individual stones are then
recommended by Vedic astrologers based on astrological birth charts to harness
the power of certain planets or ward off the harm of others.

Ruby, the birthstone of July, relates to the planet sun according to Hindu
astrology. © James Allen



MODERN TRADITIONS

Even though birthstones had already become an international trend rooted in
centuries-long practice, there was still no consensus on the list of
birthstones. That wasn't until the year 1912, where the National Association of
Jewelers met in order to officially standardize the list of American birthstones
and each month that they represented. This list combined various customs that
had evolved over time while ensuring the stones they chose would be practical
for American jewelers to sell and promote in large quantities. It was then
modified in 1952 by the Jewelry Industry Council of America, adding alexandrite
to June, citrine to November, pink tourmaline to October, and zircon to
December. Although the list has nearly remained the same since then, in 2002 the
gem Tanzanite was added to December's stones, and just as recently as 2016
spinel was added to the month of August.

Tanzanite, the newest December stone, is known for its rich violet-blue color
and rarity- found in only one mine in Tanzania © Blue Nile


WHAT IS MY BIRTHSTONE?

The modern birthstone list is the list established by the National Association
of Jewelers, but the traditional birthstone list also includes birthstones that
have been historically associated with each month. Most people choose between
the two lists depending on their taste and the look they are going for with
their piece. There are also lists of alternative birthstones based on
astrological signs, guardian angels, seasons, and even birth hours, providing
you with a large range of options to find the perfect gem to represent you.


Although opal is not on the traditional list, it is still a popular traditional
October birthstone because of its glistening rainbow of colors. © Blue Nile


MODERN BIRTHSTONE LIST:

January — Garnet
February — Amethyst
March — Aquamarine
April — Diamond
May — Emerald
June — Alexandrite
July — Ruby
August — Peridot or Spinel
September — Sapphire
October — Tourmaline
November — Golden Topaz or Citrine
December — Blue Zircon, Blue Topaz, or Tanzanite




TRADITIONAL BIRTHSTONE LIST:

January — Garnet
February — Amethyst
March — Bloodstone
April — Diamond
May — Emerald
June — Pearl
July — Ruby
August — Sardonyx
September — Sapphire
October — Opal
November — Topaz
December — Turquoise or Lapis


WEARING BIRTHSTONES

The rich history and fun, glistening colors of birthstones have made them
incredibly popular to wear in rings, bracelets, pendants, and earrings. They
make for an excellent, personalized gift for a loved one to show how much you
care. Birthstones can make for especially beautiful gifts for mothers or family
members, where birthstones can be combined to create a colorful, custom piece to
represent your family.

You can shop for birthstone jewelry in all shapes and sizes at James Allen and
Blue Nile.  Their extensive collections of jewelry for each month will make sure
your piece is as special as you are.

This Blue Nile ring combines amethyst, the February birthstone, and blue topaz,
the birthstone for December. © Blue Nile


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


AMANDA BUTCHER

Amanda is a student of geological sciences and environmental studies at Tufts
University. She grew up hiking and mountain biking in the Bay Area and continues
to explore nature and learn about the beautiful gems and minerals it forms in
her free time.

View All Articles

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 * What is a Birthstone?
 *  Biblical Origins
 * Hindu Roots
 * Modern Traditions
 * What is My Birthstone?
   * Modern Birthstone List:
   * Traditional Birthstone List:
 * Wearing Birthstones


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