The Origin of Birthstones - Guide to Understand the History and Origin
Birthstones, as magical as they are beautiful, with varied colors and dazzling facets that bewitch the eye. Their history and allure are as diverse as their ability to charm the wearer. Early cultures in India and Babylonia in 3000 BC believed the exquisite gemstones brilliant splay of light had supernatural powers, imbued with therapeutic qualities, bringing luck and energy. The buyer would seek out an astrologer before initiating a purchase. They sought their advice about the planetary forces favor and which gems would correspond. The color was thought to release the gemstones power. Since there wasn’t a classification system for the stones in those days they were designated a zodiac sign according to color.Some Indian people felt wearing a gemstone would lead to spiritual cleansing with natures forces. The nine gem Vedic system arose from this practice known as birthstone matching pertaining to the astrological signs. The nine stones chosen were based on the elements of physics and chemistry and their correlation to nature and the earth. They were diamonds, yellow and blue sapphires, rubies, emeralds, pearls, hessonites, cat’s eyes and red corals. This is still a part of today’s Eastern culture known as The Veda which is the basis for Hinduism.
The Assyrians in 1400 BC ascribed meaning to the gems, for example, the amethyst could prevent intoxication. They theorized the mineral content in precious stones held specific values. These myths and fallacies grew over the years.
These astrological concepts, eventually, were perceived in the Judo-Christian religion. The twelve gem breastplate was alluded to in Exodus 39 in the Old Testament in the Bible. The high-priest, Aaron, Moses’ brother wore the garment made from thread and metal containing twelve jewels in four rows mounted on a setting of ornamental gold representing the twelve Israeli tribes. The concensus was it was either created by God or came from the Lord’s throne. John in Revelations 21.9 mentions the Foundation Stones of New Jerusalem. Scholars made the connection, twelve tribes, apostles and zodiac signs which became tied to the Julian calendar which purported twelve months. The foundation stones were said to have been inscribed with the apostle’s names. This was initially recorded by Flavius Josephus (37-95) AD. He, also, attributed a miraculous light to the breastplate. Unfortunately, the breastplate was lost when the temple was consumed by fire. After a new temple was built in the sixth century BC two breastplates were produced. A guardian or priest was the keeper of the twelve stones and wore a different stone each month. Records were sketchy and there have been many disputes over the original stones on the breastplate due to the practice of naming stones according to regions not composition.
The church paid homage to the metaphysical aspects of these gemstones honored by both Christians and pagans. As time passed the pagans scorned such beliefs. In the late fifteenth century some scientists jeered at the theory of the stones magical prowess. Theologians considered the gemstones significance controversial.
The modern custom and association of gems by month and birth date, giving rise to the modern birthstone list, is said to have begun in Germany in the sixteenth century. Although, George Kunz, an authority on gemstones argued, it originated in the Jewish community in Poland in the eighteenth century.
The modern birthstone list is not the only one for these precious stones. The traditional birthstones herald back to the fifteenth century. It was sometimes a combination of the two based on societal beliefs and traditions. Many differing lists have been found.
Mystical birthstones in Tibet dating back over a thousand years were considered helpful in overcoming life’s difficulties. They refer to the month of birth and have a planetary alignment, the Byung-rtsis, relating the elements of iron, fire, earth, wood and water to an individual’s life.
Talismanic stones were thought to protect against evil correlating with the zodiac chart.
Ayurvedic birthstones follow the principles of Ayurvedic medicine which can be traced back to India in 1200BC. The hypothesis that proper health can be achieved through the balance of the three doshas, vata, the nervous system, pitta, the metabolism and digestive function and kapha, the carrying of nutrients through the bodily fluids, also, pertains to gemstones. They are regarded as a form of holistic medicine, bringing harmony to the physical body.
The modern birthstone list still used today was made by the American National Association of Jewelers in 1912. Over the years, many stones have fallen off the list, only three of the originals are still present the amethyst, onyx and topaz. Five months presently have more than one birthstone. In 2003, the tanzanite industry lobbied for their stone to be made the birthstone representing December to no avail, turquoise still maintains that privilege.
The following is the present accepted modern list for birthstones and their meanings:
List of Birthstones for Each Month
| January | Garnet | Faith, Loyalty | July | Ruby | Strength, Beauty | ||
| February | Amethyst | Sincerity, Wittiness | August | Peridot | Protection, Success | ||
| March | Aquamarine | Happiness, Courage | September | Sapphire | Serenity, Wisdom | ||
| April | Diamond | Eternity, Love | October | Opal | Hope, Creativity | ||
| May | Emerald | Fidelity, Fertility | November | Topaz | Friendship, Healing | ||
| June | Pearl | Purity, Nobility | December | Turquoise | Trust, Luck |
A new birthstone list which is becoming prevalent and growing in popularity is the hour stone, a gem matching the hour of your birth. Other lists include the day stones representing the day of birth and Sun Star signs, the zodiac or astrological interpretation of birthstones.
Birthstones, those gorgeous gems whether precious or semi-precious, that capture our hearts with a rich history spanning many cultures and generations. We may never truly understand the mystery and mystical vitality attributed to these gems by our forefather’s, but we will forever appreciate their stunning perfection. It is a special moment when you receive the stone denoting the month of your birth. We all have something in common with the ancient past, biblical counsels, scholars and historians, a fascination for the most novel jewelry brilliant, multi-faceted birthstones. May we not only be enamored by their desirability, structure, delicacy and flawless, glittering beauty, but, also, for their place in history which will be forever preserved as we wear them with joy and admire their value and everlasting charm.
