Birthstones by Month

What are the origins of birthstones?

Spoiler alert: The exact origins remain unknown. However one of the longest-held beliefs is that the tradition of birthstones originated from the Breastplate of Aaron. The plate was a ceremonial religious garment set with twelve gemstones that represented the twelve tribes of Israel and are first described in the Book of Exodus.

“..and thou shall set in it, settings of stones, even four rows of stones: the first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle; this shall be the first row. And the second row shall be an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond. And the third row a ligure, an agate, and an amethyst”.

To further complicate things, birthstones roughly fall into traditional gemstones used to represent the month, and modern birthstones, which is a modern take on gemstones for each month- a set of stones believed to have been invented and popularised in the victorian era. Perhaps due to being easier to get hold of/ priced better for consumption? Or for another unknown reason.

What can be said though that the use of birthstones in jewellery is both a celebration of the birth month of a persona and one of many ways to tell the story of a person. It tells the world something about them and helps make them stand out from the crowd as a person born in that month. If one believes in the characteristics given to those born in a given month then the birthstone may also give others another clue about the virtues of the person wearing the birthstone and their personality. 

Its up to you what you believe to be true about birthstones and the virtues attached with them and whether they apply to you, but what can definitively be said about them is that birthstones are beautiful gemstones that have been treasured through time and make wonderful gifts. 

Your own birthstone can be worn, or the ones of important people in your life such as a spouse or children, grandchildren and even a beloved pet. Some even say it’s lucky to wear the birthstone of your birth month. Whatever you believe, have fun with hem and if you feel they relate to the person you are then all the better.