What stones represent each month’s birth? Garnet, amethyst, aquamarine, diamond, emerald, alexandrite, ruby, peridot, sapphire, tourmaline, topaz, and blue topaz are the gemstones associated with the months of January through December. Find out more about these well-known gemstones.
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Why are birthstones used?
The birthstones that we currently identify with particular months were not always utilized hundreds of years ago. They originally had a connection to the 12 stones that could be seen on the breastplate of the Israelite High Priest as reported in the Book of Exodus.
A stone’s color used to be considered to be its most significant characteristic, hence, for example, there was little semantic difference between a garnet and a ruby.
The names given to stones in the past might not correspond to the stones we think of now when we hear their names:
- What we now know as lapis was probably once called sapphire.
- Most likely, the diamonds were white sapphire or topaz.
Birthstone jewelry is believed to bring protection, good health, and luck. Ancient astrologers believed that some gemstones had mystical properties.
How can I identify my stone?
A birthstone is simply a gemstone that is linked to a person’s date of birth. Wearing a birthstone is thought to bring luck and good health. Depending on their connection to the planets, several gemstones are thought to possess supernatural abilities. Many societies used to associate a particular gemstone with births occurring during each sign of the zodiac, but throughout time, this custom was changed to correspond with calendar months.
Birthstones have their origins in ancient astrology, and over time, several different lists of birthstones have been employed. The one that is most widely used now is based on a list that the US jewelry industry initially made public in the 1950s.
According to calendar months, birthstones are categorized as follows:
January BirthstoneGarnet
This stone is thought to protect its wearer from harm. A garnet also represents unwavering loyalty and friendship. This stone has a long history of being connected to blood purification and is thought to ward off food poisoning, snake bites, and hemorrhaging.
March BirthstoneAquamarine
This gemstone was thought to protect seafarers and ensure a safe journey. The calming hue of aquamarine is thought to soothe the temper, enabling the wearer to maintain composure and objectivity. Additionally, it is thought that this stone delays the effects of aging.
May BirthstoneEmerald
This stone symbolizes rebirth, and those who wear it are said to receive wisdom, luck, and youth. Some people think that wearing an emerald will grant them patience, progress, and wisdom. Furthermore, it is renowned for its capacity to convey deep love.
July BirthstoneRuby
Rubies are thought to ensure health, intelligence, fortune, and success in love. They also excite the senses and the imagination. Ruby is thought to make the wearer intelligent and provide protection from all kinds of misfortunes.
August BirthstonePeridot
According to legend, peridot possesses magical abilities and healing qualities that can ward off nightmares and grant the wearer strength, influence, and a happy year. Additionally, this diamond was worn to ward off evil spirits.
September BirthstoneSapphire
The wearer of sapphire and their loved ones are shielded from harm and enmity. Priests in antiquity thought sapphires were able to foretell the future. The gem is linked to contentment and calm.
October BirthstoneOpal
Through the ages, opal has stood for optimism, innocence, and purity. It was said that wearing it would improve the wearer’s vision. Additionally, it was believed to drive away evil spirits and to favor kids, entertainment, friendships, and emotions.
November BirthstoneCitrine
The wearer’s hope, enthusiasm, and warmth are supposed to be encouraged and guided by this golden gemstone, which is also said to boost vitality and health. Citrines have also been employed as a talisman against the plague, bad skin, and evil thoughts, as well as an antidote for snake poison. They are thought to facilitate digestion and help the body get rid of impurities.
December BirthstoneTurquoise
This gemstone is said to bring happiness and luck to the wearer. Turquoise was a hue that Native Americans connected to the blue sky and the green ground.
Does the birthstone actually aid?
Birthstones are not just gemstones that correspond to each month. Each of them has a therapeutic quality that relates to a zodiac sign. They also help to purify, ignite, and clean the aura. Birthstones’ inherent energy has the power to strengthen bonds between people and reduce anxiety.
Is wearing your birthstone lucky?
Gemstones have a unique past. They were employed to remove restrictions in the mind, the spirit, and the body. Numerous gem therapists think that by wearing these crystals on your body, you can connect to the energy of the planet.
That same concept is used while wearing birthstone jewelry. They’ll make you feel calmer and more collected, and they can even be lucky charms.
Your birthstone is regarded as the ultimate lucky charm. Gemstones have been used as good luck charms for ages. It functions best when the wearer is wearing jewelry with their unique birthstone.
Additionally, it is thought that certain birthstones might offer protection against various threats. Others believe it may protect against natural disasters, while some wear it to prevent nightmares.
Even though these claims are unproven, wearing something lovely like a birthstone would undoubtedly make you feel lucky and safe. That is all you actually need at times.
Are there two birthstones for each month?
Although each month has a single birthstone traditionally, certain months have numerous birthstones. This fact does cause some confusion, but the variety of possibilities for some months was developed to give customers a choice of less expensive selections in addition to the more typical, pricey stones.
How were the birthstones for each month selected?
Birthstones are a well-established and valued custom. They are a lovely gift for any occasion, even though they are frequently given for birthdays and anniversaries. Each birthstone has a long history and is endowed with special qualities and, in the opinion of certain experts, special powers.
According to scholars, the Breastplate of Aaron, which is mentioned in the Bible’s Book of Exodus, is where birthstones first appeared. The Breastplate had 12 distinctive gemstones that stood for Israel’s 12 tribes. It was a religious garment with distinct tribal symbolism. The jewels were arranged in four rows of three to emphasize the distinctive characteristics of each tribe.
Despite the fact that birthstones have religious roots, modern custom requires that the stones be given according to birth month. The first scholars to make the connection between the 12 stones in the Breastplate of Aaron and the 12 zodiacal signs were Flavius Josephus from the first century A.D. and St. Jerome from the fifth century A.D. However, gemstone designations for birth months didn’t start until the 18th century. According to experts, Poland is where the custom of birthstones for each month first started.
The National Association of Jewelers established the current list of birthstones in 1912, and the list has not changed. There are three lists of birthstones available today: traditional, traditional, and ancient. While stones on the “traditional list have been available for use for the past 500 years, stones on the “ancient list have been well known and used for thousands of years. The “contemporary list of birthstones” features gemstones that have only recently been generally accessible, roughly the last century. Many of the lists contain jewels that fall into both the “ancient and “contemporary” categories. Since there are so many gemstones that can be used today, birthstones are sometimes grouped by color rather than specific stones.
Although it is no longer widely accepted that birthstones have a religious meaning, some experts assert that the stones do have healing properties. Opal, the birthstone for October, is actually claimed to have invisibility powers and to offer protection from spiritual collapse. In addition to special supernatural abilities, birthstones are the subject of enduring superstitions. For instance, depending on where it is worn, a birthstone bracelet is said to bring the wearer various rewards. A birthstone bracelet is thought to encourage openness when worn on the left wrist and to instill confidence when worn on the right wrist. Birthstones are a time-honored method to show uniqueness, whether you subscribe to superstitions or simply like owning a stone that is all your own.