From an early age, being a November baby, I knew my birthstone was citrine. At some point, I started to wonder how this tradition got started in the first place, here’s my short take on it.
According to many sources, birthstones can be traced back to biblical times. The first high priest of the Israelites, Aaron, wore a breastplate that was adorned by 12 different stones, which originally represented the 12 tribes of Israel. Then 500 years later, Josephus, a historian saw this breastplate and believed that there was a connection between the stones and the 12 months of the year. He started encouraging these stones to be worn as protection, believing that each gemstone had special powers.
The custom we now have, wearing a single birthstone, is only a few centuries old and can be traced back to either Germany or Poland (there is some dispute on the timing and place). Today, the lists of birthstones have little to do with religion. In 1912, American jewelers standardized and adopted the current list. Then in 1952, the list was updated with primary and alternative gems. And it continues to be updated, in 2002 tanzanite was updated for December and in 2016, spinel was added for August.
Whether you believe in the stones having these protective powers or not, it's fun to have something that represents your birth month. We can bring birthstones together that represent entire families or give gifts to our loved ones with their birthstone month gem. My favorite thing to make is bracelets that contain the birthstones for one's children! I have even made custom designed earrings that had everyone's birthstone in a family. And designed wedding jewelry for the bride that contained the birthstone of the groom. The options are endless.
Here’s the lists I have found from both the Gemological Institute of America and the International Gem Society.
Modern | Traditional | |
January | Garnet | Garnet |
February | Amethyst | Amethyst |
March | Aquamarine | Bloodstone |
April | Diamond | Diamond |
May | Emerald | Emerald |
June | Alexandrite | Pearl; Moonstone |
July | Ruby | Ruby |
August | Peridot; Spinel | Sardonyx |
September | Sapphire | Sapphire |
October | Tourmaline | Opal |
November | Golden Topaz; Citrine | Topaz |
December | Blue Zircon; Blue Topaz; Tanzanite | Turquoise; Lapis Lazuli |
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