Birthstones – The Enchanting World of Colored Birthstones by Month

 

'Birthstones', as the name implies, are the precious colored stones that hold symbolic affiliation to our birth, or more precisely, to our birth month. Each of the twelve months of the year has been dedicated with a unique birthstone or more. The specific month birthstone is believed to shower those born in the month with exceeding fortunes and a strengthened fortitude.

 

Emanating a resplendent beauty, these birthstones in varied colors are captivating to the eye. Such is the lure that it is hard to miss the mesmerizing deep red hues of the January birthstone, Garnet, or the soothing marine fluorescence of the March birthstone,Aquamarine. The rich deep blues of the December birthstone, Tanzanite, exude unparalleled luxuriance, as does the much popular and elite greens of the September birthstone, Sapphire.

 

Given they resonate with our birth months, these precious stones are incorporated into jewelry designs to craft stunning birthstone jewelry. They make for much treasured and sentimental gift pieces for our loved ones born that month. Interestingly, a few of these birthstones also mark their place as the befitting gifts for wedding anniversaries. Read on as we unravel the history and symbolism of these birthstones that continue to enamor our senses with their enigmatic appeal.    

HISTORY AND ORIGIN OF THE BIRTHSTONES  

 

As we know of them today, the birthstones hold their first traces of origin to the Biblical references. In Exodus 28, Moses, a prophet of God and the first High Priest of the Israelites, was instructed by God to prepare a crystal breastplate for his brother Aaron, the priest. It was supposed to be encrusted with 12 stones. Each stone to be engraved with a unique name of the children of Israel. Adhering to the specifications, Moses bejeweled the breastplate with 12 precious gemstones, including a diamond, a sapphire, an emerald, an onyx, a jasper, and more, spreading them across four rows. Considered a shield of judgment, Aaron was supposed to adorn this breastplate every time he went to a holy place to pay his tributes to the Lord.

 

Over time, these twelve gemstones were associated with twelve months of the year, signifying a particular relevance to that month. In 1912, with an intent to standardize, the 'The Jewelers of America' organization incorporated a new list of the 12 astrological birthstones, holding on to a few gemstones from the biblical times and dropping off a few others. Today, this modern compilation is religiously adhered to, regarded as the most sacrosanct and definitive astrological birthstone chart across the globe.