The Origins and Traditions of Birthstone Jewelry

Since the first century particular gemstones have been associated with the signs of the zodiac and have been incorporated into gold and silver birthstone jewelry. Originally birthstone schemes were based on the color of the stones and the origins are thought to be associated with the Breastplate of Aaron which held gemstones associated with the 12 tribes of Israel. Each gemstone had the name of the tribe enscribed on it and they were attached to the breastplate in four rows of three. Although the names of the gems used are known, the exact translation is debatable so the particular gems that were used is not known and has led to different gems being associated with the different months of the year.

The Modern Birthstone Scheme

In later times birthstones became associated with the months of the year rather than the signs of the zodiac and there has been some differences in which gemstone is assigned to which month. The most widely used list today is one which was proposed by the Association of Jewelers in America in 1912, and includes some alternatives to the more expensive gemstones. There has been one addition since then.  Tanzanite was added as a birthstone for December in 2002 by the American Gem Association although this is not recognized by everyone.

There are other schemes which associate particular gemstones with the birth month including mystical birthstones and Ayurvedic birthstones. The mystical birthstones scheme dates back to over 1000 years ago and is from Tibet and the Ayurvedic birthstones scheme comes from ancient Indian philosophy and dates back to around 1500 BC. Most people however use the modern scheme proposed by the Association of Jewelers.

Traditional Birthstones

• January        garnet
• February     amethyst
• March         bloodstone, jasper
• April         diamond, sapphire
• May         emerald, agate
• June         alexandrite, emerald
• July         ruby, onyx
• August         sardonyx, carnelian
• September     sapphire, peridot
• October     tourmaline, aquamarine
• November     citrine, topaz
• December     zircon, ruby

Modern Birthstones

• January     garnet , emerald
• February     amethyst
• March         aquamarine
• April         diamond, white topaz
• May         emerald
• June         moonstone, pearl
• July         ruby
• August         peridot
• September     sapphire
• October     opal, tourmaline
• November     topaz, citrine
• December     turquoise, tanzanite, blue topaz

There are therefore some alternatives to choose from. If you don’t like your birthstone from the modern scheme choose one from the traditional scheme! There are lovely examples of silver and gold birthstone jewelry to be found and they make wonderful birthday gifts for loved ones that show you put thought into choosing a gift that is special to them.