Birthstones
Origins and Traditions of Birthstones
Interest in precious and semi-precious stones dates back to ancient times, simply because they retain their brilliance and strength over time. Considered virtuous items, they were used as lucky and magical objects. Of course, the stones are distinguished from each other by their unique history. It is in the depths of the earth that these stones were gradually formed at very high temperatures. They appear on the earth’s surface as a result of movements of the Earth’s crust. It is not uncommon for them to also come from meteorites.
The 12 Stones, Crystals and Minerals of Birth
January Stone :
Garnet
- Month : January
- Symbols : Energy, Loyalty, Truth
- Traditions: Garnet was used as a protective stone against harmful energies.
- Description : January’s Birthstone, garnet brings courage, joy and life force. A confidence stone, garnet is associated with the power of willpower, success and renewed self-confidence.
- January Stone : Garnet
- Read more about January’s stone: Garnet
February Stone :
Amethyst
- Month : February
- Symbols : Clairvoyance, Wholeness, Honesty
- Traditions : Amethyst was used to calm anxieties and protect against nightmares.
- Description : February’s birthstone, amethyst offers all the virtues associated with Crown Chakra. It stimulates creativity while bringing clarity and imagination. Amethyst also plays a very important role in concentration.
- February Stone : Amethyst
- Find out more about February’s stone : Amethyst
March Stone :
Aquamarine
- Month : March
- Symbols : Calm, Serenity
- Traditions : Aquamarine protected sailors from the wrath of Poseidon during their ocean voyages.
- Description : March’s Birthstone, aquamarine is perfect at promoting communication with others and more generally, for calming. In addition, it is recommended for bringing love whilst fostering expressiveness.
- March Stone : Aquamarine
- Find out more about March’s Stone : Aquamarine
April Stone :
Diamond
- Month : April
- Symbols :Courage, Strength
- Traditions :Diamond was worn by Indian warriors to protect themselves from danger.
- Description : April’s birthstone, diamond is the perfect mineral for the 7th chakra and offers attachment to cosmic forces. Its symbolism allows you to discover the subtle energies that pass through the universe.
- April Stone : Diamond
- Find out more about April’s stone : Diamond
May Stone :
Emerald
- Month : May
- Symbols : Protection
- Traditions : Emerald was used by sailors and travellers to protect themselves from danger.
- Description : May’s Birthstone, emerald contributes to healthy relations, whether familial or marital. This stone brings honesty, inner calm and understanding.
- May Stone : Emerald
- Find out more about March’s Stone : Emerald
June Stone :
Moonstone
- Month : June
- Symbols : Femininity, Marriage
- Traditions : Moonstone was used in ancient Greece as a medicine and for marriages.
- Description : June’s Birthstone, moonstone brings great happiness, primarily linked to love for one’s family or child. This stone works on the astral and mental bodies whilst regulating emotions.
- June Stone : Moonstone
- Find out more about June’s stone : Moonstone
July Stone :
Ruby
- Month : July
- Symbols : Divine love, courage, loyalty
- Traditions :Ruby embodied inner fire for Indians and helped to dispel anger.
- Description : July’s Birthstone, ruby offers invigorating and disinfectant properties to the wearer. A stone of courage and loyalty, ruby is a stone of life that is closely associated with the Root Chakra and the Heart Chakra.
- July Stone : Ruby
- Find out more about July’s stone : Ruby
August Stone :
Peridot
- Month : August
- Symbols : Joy, inner peace
- Traditions :Peridot brings balance, joy and inner calming.
- Description : August’s Birthstone, peridot offers self-confidence whilst strengthening the mind. Bringing inner peace, this stone helps to remove guilt and contains a great amount of spiritual power.
- August Stone : Peridot
- Find out more about August’s stone : Peridot
September Stone :
Sapphire
- Month : September
- Symbols : Loyalty, truth
- Traditions : Sapphire protects from negative energy and evil spirits.
- Description : September’s Birthstone, sapphire promotes spiritual elevation but also contemplation. It calms fears whilst promoting vitality. Sapphire offers concentration and creativity.
- September Stone : Sapphire
- Find out more about September’s stone : Sapphire
October Stone :
Tourmaline
- Month : October
- Symbols : Immortality
- Traditions : Tourmaline develops concentration, self-confidence and soothes.
- Description : October’s Birthstone, tourmaline is a great emotional comfort. It helps to repair all pains of the heart, especially those that date back to childhood. Tourmaline dissipates destructive patterns.
- October Stone : Pink Tourmaline
- Find out more about October’s stone : pink Tourmaline
November Stone :
Citrine
- Month : November
- Symbols : Joy
- Traditions :Citrine is used to protect from harmful thoughts and snake venom.
- Description : November’s Birthstone, citrine brings you success, joy and abundance. A stone of energy balance, citrine promotes concentration and helps to purify and eliminate negative energies.
- November Stone : Citrine
- Find out more about November’s Stone :Citrine
December Stone :
Topaz
- Month : December
- Symbols : Loyalty, Joy
- Traditions : Topaz brings courage whilst warding off curses.
- Description : December’s Birthstone, topaz comes in different colours: blue, pink, yellow, green, red, purple but also colourless. It is known for its throat virtues and helps the wearer to communicate.
- December Stone : Topaz
- Find out more about December’s stone : Topaz
BIRTHSTONES
The majority of stones contain monocrystals. Coral, bone and even pearls can be used to obtain gemstones. There are three stone categories: gemstones, semiprecious stones and ornamental stones. Each of these stones bear a distinct feature. All stones with an opaque and clear appearance are considered ornamental stones. As for semiprecious and precious stones, they have a more transparent appearance. The difference between the two is in terms of durability and beauty.
The concept that each month of the year corresponds to a type of stone was certainly inspired by Aaron in the Bible. His breastplate contained 12 stones that corresponded to the 12 months of the year. This tradition was finally established in 1560 in Germany, when a stone was associated with the birth of a child. It was transformed and worn in the form of a pendant or ring. However, it is only recently that Birthstones have begun to be worn again even though this tradition has existed since the time of Aaron’s breastplate. It is a religious accompaniment reserved for Jewish priests during ceremonies. The 12 stones that were visible on the garment actually represented the 12 tribes of Israel, and the 12 signs of the zodiac, as well as the 12 months of the year.
It is not easy to identify stones of the same colour, which explains the fact that gemstones have still not been categorised according to their mineral type. Moreover, identical coloured stones were grouped under the same name, making it difficult to identify the stones that Aaron was wearing. Today, several lists of birthstones are available depending on the time and place where they were compiled.
Man’s interest in precious and semi-precious stones does not date from this period. It is a fact that goes back many years. Ancient peoples had always believed that gemstones were endowed with power and magic. In the past, each stone was attributed different powers and abilities. In medieval times, there were even stories written on birthstones. These written texts were referred to as ’lapidaries’. The writings were scientific for some and symbolic for others. However, all the writings highlighted the virtues and magical powers of the stones.
For the majority of Christian lapidaries, the 12 stones on Aaron’s breastplate simply corresponded to the 12 tribes of Israel and the 12 zodiac signs. It is precisely around this mythical breastplate that the Western tradition of birthstones was created. In the Middle Ages, little was known about gemstones. In addition, the identification of stones was based on colours. It was in 1912 that the American National Association of Jewellers established regulations following the discovery of new precious and semi-precious stones.
As the years passed, less and less importance was given to the meaning of gemstones. However, wearing a birthstone has always been symbolic. Regardless of the value of the stone associated with a month of the year, all birthstones have a history that gives each one a unique value.
The concept that each month of the year corresponds to a type of stone was certainly inspired by Aaron in the Bible. His breastplate contained 12 stones that corresponded to the 12 months of the year. This tradition was finally established in 1560 in Germany, when a stone was associated with the birth of a child. It was transformed and worn in the form of a pendant or ring. However, it is only recently that Birthstones have begun to be worn again even though this tradition has existed since the time of Aaron’s breastplate. It is a religious accompaniment reserved for Jewish priests during ceremonies. The 12 stones that were visible on the garment actually represented the 12 tribes of Israel, and the 12 signs of the zodiac, as well as the 12 months of the year.
It is not easy to identify stones of the same colour, which explains the fact that gemstones have still not been categorised according to their mineral type. Moreover, identical coloured stones were grouped under the same name, making it difficult to identify the stones that Aaron was wearing. Today, several lists of birthstones are available depending on the time and place where they were compiled.
First Official List of Birthstones Established in 1912
In 1912, the American National Jewelry Association (‘Jewellers of America’) established the first gemstone list. Later, a list was compiled in 1952 by the Council of the Jewellery Industry, and was updated in 2002 by the American Gemstone Trade Association. This list can be viewed below. Birthstones are assigned to children depending on the date of birth. It should also be noted that in the past, each stone corresponded to one month of the year. According to some beliefs, the power of birthstones increases as the days pass during the month in which they were assigned. It then becomes easier for lovers to acquire all types of gemstones, which will support them all year round.Man’s interest in precious and semi-precious stones does not date from this period. It is a fact that goes back many years. Ancient peoples had always believed that gemstones were endowed with power and magic. In the past, each stone was attributed different powers and abilities. In medieval times, there were even stories written on birthstones. These written texts were referred to as ’lapidaries’. The writings were scientific for some and symbolic for others. However, all the writings highlighted the virtues and magical powers of the stones.
For the majority of Christian lapidaries, the 12 stones on Aaron’s breastplate simply corresponded to the 12 tribes of Israel and the 12 zodiac signs. It is precisely around this mythical breastplate that the Western tradition of birthstones was created. In the Middle Ages, little was known about gemstones. In addition, the identification of stones was based on colours. It was in 1912 that the American National Association of Jewellers established regulations following the discovery of new precious and semi-precious stones.
As the years passed, less and less importance was given to the meaning of gemstones. However, wearing a birthstone has always been symbolic. Regardless of the value of the stone associated with a month of the year, all birthstones have a history that gives each one a unique value.