Birthstones
The origin and history of birthstones is long and complex. Association of gemstones with each month of the year is traced back to breastplate made by Moses about 1250 B.C. where he specifies the materials, size, and arrangements of twelve gems if four rows. These gemstones were representing the twelve tribes of Israel. These four rows are as follows:
The ancient name were later translated to modern equivalents by Flavius Josephus (A.D. 37-95)
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It is worth noting that the same twelve gemstones have been mentioned in Revelations (21:19-21), the final book of New Testament, as the gemstones in the foundation of the Heavenly Jerusalem. These twelve gemstones in the breastplate were later linked to the twelve sign of zodiac and eventually became associated with the months of year.
The Ancients believed that by knowing the location of each planet in the heavens at the exact date of someone's birth, the future of that person could be foreseen. In astrology, a belt in the heavens, called the zodiac, is divided into twelve sections (signs) which is about thirty days each. It was believed that these signs determine the characteristic of the individuals. Throughout the centuries, astrologers have established systems to correlate the |
zodiac signs to the gods of ancient mythology and their related minerals. This is how different gemstones were related to different zodiac signs. For example, Mars, the Roman god of war, was associated with the strong red of Ruby, signifying command and the fire of warfare.
Modern birthstones also associate particular gemstones with the certain months of the Gregorian calendar. To obtain the gemstone for each month from zodiacal gemstones, the longest period of the zodiac sign at the beginning of the month was used for the entire month. For example topaz as the birthstone for Sagittarius, November 22-December 21, became the gemstone for the calendar month November.
Modern birthstones also associate particular gemstones with the certain months of the Gregorian calendar. To obtain the gemstone for each month from zodiacal gemstones, the longest period of the zodiac sign at the beginning of the month was used for the entire month. For example topaz as the birthstone for Sagittarius, November 22-December 21, became the gemstone for the calendar month November.
Birthstone Chart
Month | 1450 BC (Book of Exodus) | Modern era |
---|---|---|
January | Onyx | Garnet |
February | Jasper | Amethyst |
March | Ruby | Aquamarine |
April | Topaz | Diamond |
May | Carbuncle (generic red gemstone) | Emerald |
June | Emerald | Pearl |
July | Sapphire | Ruby |
August | Diamond | Peridot |
September | Hyacinth (Jacinth) | Sapphire |
October | Agate | Opal |
November | Amethyst | Topaz |
December | Beryl | Turquoise |
Zodiac sign and Symbol | Dates | Fortunate gemstones |
---|---|---|
Aries the Ram |
March 21 – April 19 | Diamond, Bloodstone |
Taurus the bull |
April 20 – May 20 | Sapphire, Turquoise |
Gemini The Twins |
May 21 – June 21 | Agate, Chrysoprase |
Cancer The Crab |
June 22 – July 22 | Moonstone, Pearl, Emerald, Cat’s-eye, Colourless Quartz |
Leo The Lion |
July 23 – August 22 | Amber, peridot, Tourmaline, Sardonyx |
Virgo The Virgin |
August 23 – September 22 | Carnelian, Jadeite, nephrite |
Libra The Balance |
September 23 – October 23 | Opal, Coral, Lapis |
Scorpio The Scorpion |
October 24 – November 22 | Amethyst, pale green Meryl, Lodestone |
Sagittarius The Archer |
November 23 – December 21 | Topaz, Chrysolite |
Capricorn The Goat |
December 22 – January 20 | Ruby, Spinel, Black onyx, jet, Malachite |
Aquarius The water-bearer |
January 21 – February 18 | Zircon, Garnet |
Pisces The fishes |
February 19 – March 20 | Amethyst |
Wedding Anniversary Gemstones
The traditional designation for weeding anniversaries go back to many years ago. The standard list, which includes each year for the first fifteen and each five years thereafter, was intended as a guide to the products which were considered proper to present to the married pair as gifts. The anniversary gift for the first fifteen years are inexpensive, for example, the first was paper, the second cotton, the fifth wood. Starting with thirtieth more expensive items (gemstone) were assigned to the weeding anniversary gifts as follows:
30th |
Pearl |
---|---|
35th |
Coral |
40th |
Ruby |
45th | Sapphire |
50th | Gold |
55th | Emerald |
60th | Diamond |
It should be noted that in actual practice, it is the husband who traditionally gives the wife a ring, necklace, bracelet, brooch, or pair of earring containing the gemstone to celebrate the anniversary.
Reference:
Birthstones and the lore of gemstones, Willard Heaps, Angus & Robertson PTY LTD,1971.
Birthstones and the lore of gemstones, Willard Heaps, Angus & Robertson PTY LTD,1971.