Birthstones. Someone to say the word brings thoughts of gorgeous shades, brilliance in cuts, and a hint of sparkle. But these seemingly gaudy trinkets are not just pleasing to the eye; they are also shrouded with history, meaning and sentiment. Even from the beginning of time, breastplates, pendants, gemstones and even birthstones have enchanted civilizations. This article embraces the most intriguing information consequent to birthstones, their history, learning how to decode birthstones, or how to choose the right one.
From Biblical Breastplates to Modern Jewelry Boxes: A Historical Journey
Birthstones are not a modern conception, but rather a tradition created many years and centuries ago. from the physical can be traced down to the Breastplate of Aaron, an item of clothing that is listed in the book of Exodus. On this breastpiece there were twelve stones, and each stone was engraved with the name of one of the tribes of Israel. Although the stones listed here are slightly different from those in the current birthstones, this one laid down a biblical standpoint of linking some types of gemstones with certain individuals or occasions.
In the 1st and 5th century AD others like Josephus and St Jerome associating the twelve stones on the breastplate with the twelve months of the year and twelve signs of the zodiac. It was thought that wearing a different gem in a month has certain advantage. However, the tradition of wearing only one birthstone in tune with the birth month did not begin until much later.
Today’s list of modern birthstones, as most of us can more readily recognize, the list, was set in 1912 by the National Association of Jewelers (now Jewelers of America) in the United States. It hoped to do so by standardizing what had heretofore benign as a complex, sometimes contradictory, series of lists that developed over the years and sell gemstone jewelry. I have often described it as more akin to a gemstone greatest hits collection.
A Gemstone for Every Month: Decoding the Modern List
Here’s a breakdown of the modern birthstone list, along with some of the symbolic meanings traditionally associated with each gem:
January: Garnet: that is the deep red shiny gem which gives the message of protection, friendship and loyalty. They have established it as often relating to passion, energy or vitality. Imagine it as a little source of light during a stormy weather In the middle of the winter.
February: Amethyst: The purple stone that is being associated with this bead is violet and it symbolizes peace, stability or stillness and wisdom. Due to this it is said to have an ability to bring in feelings of serenity and ensure that an individual’s mind is well focused and most of all, have a usable spiritual feeling. It’s the perfect remedy for February’s usual painfully dull weather condition.
March: Aquamarine: This is the blue, bluish-green gemstone that reminds the sea. It has connotations of fearlessness, optimism and joy and is considered a protectors of travelers with a possibility to convey good chi. That’s kind of like taking a piece of ocean along with you wherever you go.
April: Diamond: This is a brilliant cut, colorless gemstone but may be of any color The diamond is the most popular gemstone and has sexual connotations, strength, and purity. Diamond is the world’s hardest material along with being the most famous material of love. It has been known globally and regarded as the monarch of all stones or rather the traditional preference.
May: Emerald: This green hued precious jewel symbolizes new life, new begining or an increasing prosperity. It’s related to the natural environment and to spring and is often considered to symbolize happiness and fertility. A sort of tiny advert for nature’s fresh coloured rebirth.
June: Distinct in their beauty, Pearl, Alexandrite, and Moonstone are, therefore, considered June’s birthstones. Pearl represents virginity, chastity and are often associated with knowledge. The stone, Alexandrite has a change of color that symbolizes change and fortune. Moonstone is associated with Intuition, femininity and new starts. Talk about having options!
July: Ruby: Passion, love and energy, this red gemstone was the name given to it. It is considered as symbol of courage power and energy. It is one that really burns the midnight oil.
August: The three birthstones associated with August include Peridot, Spinel, Sardonyx. The Brilliant green colored Peridot among all the Gems was believed to provide strength and guards from harm, also signifies good luck. Colorful spinel inspires love and helps to hope after the storm once again. Sardonyx is a banded gemstone and it is associated with courage, happiness and effective communication.
September: Sapphire: This gemstone of sapphire blue corresponds to the affects of wisdom, loyalty and the faith. It is even related to royalties and is thought to attract fortune, success, and protection. It’s a gem fit for kings and queens (and everyone else, in fact).
October: Red and green – October’s two birthstones are an incredible pair. Opal means hope, innocence and purity because effect of the play of opacity and color is ha similar to a butterfly’s wings. The green Tourmaline that is found in numerous shades is credited as a symbol of creativeness, inspiration and equilibrium.
November: While Topaz, Citrine: November also has two options. Topaz can be any color, most commonly yellow or blue and it stands for loyalty, friendship and strength. The citrine, a gem of the yellow division of the spectrum, is universally recognized as symbolizing happiness and fortune.
December: Three more stones and December brings Tanzanite, Zircon, and Turquoise. Tanzanite, a blue-violet gemstone makes men and women fall for its enchanting beauty, this birthstone marks new beginning. Blue, white or any other color zircon also represents knowledge, good character and wealth. Turquoise which is a blue-green stone represents shield, prosperity and affection.
Choosing Your Perfect Gem: More Than Just a List
Listing down the birthstones can be helpful but do not forget that this list is only a guide when choosing what birthstone you should wear. People may be attracted by the stone color, it’s history, or some alleged properties it is believed to possess. Maybe you just understand stones in some way that most people don’t. And that’s perfectly okay!
Birthstone Jewelry: A Gift That Speaks Volumes
This information shows that birthstone jewelry is a perfect fit for any gift giving occasion. It proves that with the selection, you have had the personality of the recipient in mind in order to find something unique. Birthstone pieces including rings or pendants or a pair of earrings could turn into sentimental jewelry products that embody a strengthened relationship or a particular year.
Birthstones Today: Prose, Poetry and Innovative Design
Modern birthstones are used in every kind of setting, from the traditional solitaire engagement ring to modern drop pendants or more intricate designs. We are seeing today jewelers fixing new and better ways of setting these precious stones by incorporating traditional methods with contemporary ones.
A Timeless Connection: Traditional Values and the Love for Birthstones
Birthstones are not just a frivolous piece of jewelry, they are diamonds of our past, literal reflections of who we are, and touchstone of reality. When you wear a birthstone you choose it for either the meaning behind it, the look of it or just because it’s something you appreciate. Well, who’s going to say no to a bit of sparkle, right?
