Ever since the first century specific gems have been linked with the signs of the zodiac and have been used in gold and silver birthstone jewelry. Initially birthstone schemes were based on the specific color of the gems. The origins of the practice are believed to be related to the Breastplate of Aaron which held gems representing the twelve tribes of Israel. Every stone had the name of the tribe inscribed on it and they were sewn into the breastplate in four rows of 3. Even though the names of the gemstones on the breatplate are accepted, the correct translation is arguable so the specific gemstones used are not known. This has resulted in various gems being linked to the different zodiac signs.
Later birthstones became associated with the months of the year rather than the zodiac signs and there has been some disparity in the month to which a gem is allocated. The most commonly used system at present is one which was proposed in America in 1902 by the Association of Jewelers, and has some alternatives to the costlier gemstones. One addition has been made since then. December gained the birthstone Tanzanite in 2002 although it is not recognized by everyone.
Other lists which connect individual stones with the month of birth include Ayurvedic birthstones and mystical birthstones. The mystical birthstones system is thought to originate over one thousand years in the past and is from Tibet, the Ayurvedic scheme is from ancient Indian medicine and is thought to date to around 1500 BC. However the majority use the modern listings initiated by the Association of Jewelers.
Contemporary List
- January – garnet, emerald
- February – amethyst
- March – aquamarine
- April – diamond
- May – emerald
- June – moonstone, pearl
- July – ruby
- August – peridot
- September – sapphire
- October – opal, tourmaline
- November – citrine, topaz
- December – tanzanite, topaz, turquiose
Therefore there are a number of different gemstones to choose from. If you are not keen on your birthstone from the modern scheme, select one from the traditional scheme.There are beautiful examples of silver birthstone jewelry available and they make superb birthday gifts for loved ones, that demonstrate we put thought into picking a gift that is just right for them.
Related posts:
- What is my Zodiac Birthstone
- Birthstone Jewelry for August – Peridot
- Birthstone Jewelry for December – Turquoise
- Alexandrite – The Gemstone for June Birthstone Jewelry
- April Celebrities Relative amount The Diamond Birthstone With You
- Diamonds Are A Girl’s Idyllic Friend
- Emerald The Charming Beauty
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