The popularity of gems inevitably brings to the mind the notion of birthstones and the association of these precious and beautiful stones to each calendar month. This association is believed to be significant, beneficial, and more importantly, spiritual–a mystical belief that has survived more than two thousand years, amidst the modernization and constant reformation of human civilization.Several lists of birthstones have surfaced in history.
These lists are supported by myths that are as ancient as the discovery and use of these precious gems, and are as captivating as their beauty and luster. The people of ancient Tibet developed a mystical list of birthstones. The Indians made their own version, with an Ayurvedic list that was based on their traditional medicine. The Christian tradition has its own list of birthstones, drawing from passages in the Book of Revelations. The orders of these lists have different bases, such as astrology, Zodiac signs, and the Roman calendar. The stones made to represent each month reflect the culture and beliefs of these societies, going back thousands of years.
Over time, these traditional lists were developed to create an official register that is a combination of both the traditional attributes of precious gems, and contemporary marketing techniques of jewelers. In 1912, a formal registry of birthstones was finalized, giving birth to the Modern Birthstone list that was subtly revised in 2002.
Welcoming a new year, the month of January is associated with garnet. Dating to the early Hebrew society, this gem comes in a variety of colors such as green, purple, and brown. The most popular variety of garnet is red, a symbolic color that accounts for the gem’s spiritual association with the first month of each year. A symbol of light in the Jewish, Christian and Islamic traditions, the garnet is the guiding light; ushering in an entire year of celebrated events and achievements. The ancient Egyptians also believed in the healing properties of garnet.
February’s stone is the beautiful amethyst. With a tradition that goes back to the ancient Greeks, this gem derives its name from the Greek ‘amethystos’ or sobriety, associating this gem with fascinating myth of Dionysus, the god of wine. Their goblets were embellished with rich, purple amethyst as it was believed to fight off drunkenness, and amethyst was also considered a bringer of firmness in mental state and character. The world’s supply of this gem was enriched by the discovery of amethyst deposits in South America in the late nineteenth century.
The stone aquamarine represents March. Its cool blue-green to intense blue hue mirrors the refreshing ocean, and is valued for its ability to ward off the threat of fire. Used by sailors and fishermen as protection from the dangers of sea voyage, aquamarine is also treasured by modern society as a symbol of friendship and fidelity as it radiates the color of peace and tranquility.
The month of April is represented by diamond: ancient ‘tears of God,’ the most superior mineral on Earth, and among the most expensive gems in the world. The first abundant source of diamonds was found in India. The Hindus have been using this gem as a symbol of protection from natural disasters. The ancient Greeks and Romans valued diamonds as they believed that they would grant great strength and courage to their soldiers during combats. Because of its hardness and durability, diamonds are preferred in engagement rings and anniversary gifts.
The lush season of spring mirrors the birthstone of May – the powerful green emerald. The emerald was a symbol of fertility for the Romans, while it was considered a sign of youth by the Egyptians. As early as 2000 BC, the Egyptians used emeralds as decorative gems and buried them with their dead pharaohs. Today, the United States and the Middle East are among the leading producers of emerald. This gem is considered one of the most sought after crystals in the market.
June is associated with pearls, a famous symbol of purity and elegance with its smooth cream surface and pleasing patina. Early societies of the East each had respective myths about the pearl, the Chinese associating them with great figures such as the dragon. The Arabians, on the other hand, consider them to be components of the moon that have reached the earth.
The month of July with all its passion is represented by the gemstone Ruby. A durable blood-red mineral, it is also called as ‘sardius’ in the book of Exodus of the Old Testament. This stone was regarded as a bringer of vitality and youth. It is a stone of warning, as it was believed that it would to glow with its full fiery shade when danger appears imminent.
In contrast to the intensity of ruby is invigorating peridot for the month of August. A precious gem that has been used for more than four thousand years, peridot has a cool, green hue. It is historically set in gold plate, and this combination was believed to drive away wicked spirits. The ancient Egytpians associated peridot with the sun and believed that its luster is magnified by the moonlight. With such association to a significant element in the Egyptian civilization, peridot was treasured and thought to have numerous powers, including a healing ability against strange diseases.
With a powerful blue, sapphire marks September. This deep blue stone is a gem of royalty, a prime choice for long lines of kings and queens. A primeval belief was that the world exists on a floor of sapphire, with its color reflected in the deep seas. Because of its potent appearance, this gem was revered as an effective antidote to poisons, and as a cure to severe physical and mental illnesses. The Jewish tradition elevates the sapphire to be the most sacred gem, representing faith.
October presents a fascinating birthstone of multiple colors and of varying traditions: the Opal. With its mirage of colors from yellow and red, it has a distinct visual effect of iridescence. The West may have doubt about the stone’s durability, but the East reveres the stone as a symbol of heaven, hope and truth. The ancient Greeks and Romans believed in the gem’s capacity to provide protection from diseases.
November is represented by the the rare citrine, a shiny yellow or orange stone that shines with energy and life. Early Western civilizations used citrine to invite positive forces into the household and the human body. It was widely believed to aid faster healing of wounds, including snake bites.
Tanzanite became the birthstone of December in 2002. With a unique blend of soft purple and blue, tanzanite is a sought-after gem since its discovery in Tanzania in 1967. Before 2002, turquoise and topaz were considered the traditional birthstones of December. Both exuding vibrant, optimistic and tranquil shades of blue, these gems were used during the early Egyptian, Mayan and Aztec civilizations to ward of evil and to bring peace to their communities. The early Indians respected the turquoise as a manifestation of the god of the sky, which bestows tranquility of mind and spirit.
Whether or not you believe in the powers that these birthstones are said to possess, there’s no denying that they make beautiful jewelry.
Other articles of interest: