Ever since the first century specific gems have been associated with the signs of the zodiac and have been used in birthstone jewelry. Originally birthstone schemes were based on the individual color of the gems. The origins of the tradition are believed to be related to the Breastplate of Aaron which incorporated stones associated with the 12 tribes of Israel. Each stone was engraved with the names of the tribes and they were attached to the breastplate in four rows of three. Though the names of the gems used are known, the exact translation is controversial so the particular gemstones used are unknown. This has led to various stones being associated with the different zodiac signs.
More recently birthstones became associated with the months of the year instead of the signs of the zodiac and there’s been some variation in the month to which a stone is allocated. The most commonly used list at present is the one which was proposed in America in 1902 by the Association of Jewelers, and has some alternatives to the more expensive gemstones. There has been one addition since that time. Tanzanite was assigned to December in 2002 though it is not acknowledged by everybody.
Some other listings which correlate individual stones with the month of birth include Ayurvedic birthstones and mystical birthstones. The mystical birthstones system dates back to over 1000 years in the past and is from Tibet, the Ayurvedic listing is from ancient Indian philosophy and is thought to date to approximately 1500 BC. Nevertheless most people use the modern schemes put forward by the Association of Jewelers.
Contemporary System
- January – garnet, emerald
- February – amethyst
- March – aquamarine
- April – diamond
- May – emerald
- June – moonstone, pearl
- July – ruby
- August – peridot
- September – sapphire
- October – opal, tourmaline
- November – topaz, citrine
- December – turquoise, tanzanite, blue topaz
Consequently there are several alternatives to choose from. If you are not keen on your birthstone from the modern scheme, choose one from the traditional listing.There are gorgeous examples of gold birthstone jewelry available and they make superb birthday gifts for loved ones, that show how much thought we put into selecting a present that is just right for them. Read more at Birthstone Jewelry.
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