Many cultures have connected various precious and semi-precious gems with our dates of birth. We call these special gems birthstones, and the history of birthstones stretches as far back as the first century B.C. when Josephus, a Jewish scholar, wrote about the connection between the twelve stones in the sacred breastplate belonging to the High Priest of the Israelites. He connected these 12 stones with the 12 Tribes of Israel and ultimately our modern Gregorian calendar. However, the stones in this ornamental breastplate have little to do with the stones we associate with each month today.
Many scholars believe that the stones we use as birthstones are based on traditions that may have come from Poland or perhaps Germany sometime around the 16th century. Eventually, jewelers began creating birthstone jewelry, which became highly popular and was even featured in advertisements during the 19th century. In 1912, a meeting of the National Association of Jewelers led to an official list of birthstones corresponding to specific months. This list is quite similar to one later established in the United Kingdom and also is surprisingly similar to Hindu birthstones. For instance, the diamond is the birthstone for April in all three cultures, and the pearl is the stone for June.
Many ancient people believed that gemstones had magical properties, and each birthstone has its own special history and legends surrounding it. The birthstone of August, the peridot, was believed to cure a variety of diseases and also to keep one from feeling envious. This latter fact could be attributed to its green hue and the expression "green from envy," which has been a commonly used phrase since Shakespeare used it in both "Othello" and "The Merchant of Venice." Whatever the reason, people felt that if they wore this special gem, they would be healthier and perhaps purer of heart.
The garnet, January's birthstone, was believed to ensure victory on the battlefield, so soldiers sometimes wore this stone during the Crusades. They also believed that the garnet would protect them from injury. Some people in ancient times believed that November's birthstone, the citrine, could enhance psychic abilities and also protect someone from another person's abuse or negative energy.
While several months have just one birthstone, others have multiple options. In January, you just have garnets and in February, there is the amethyst. April, May and August also have just a single stone, the diamond, the emerald or the peridot. December has quite a few, depending on the source, including turquoise, zircon, topaz and also tanzanite. September has just one in the United States, but three in Great Britain. In America, September babies have sapphires as a birth stone, but in England, Scotland or Wales, you can choose sapphire, lapis or lazuli.
If you wish to purchase a piece of jewelry that features a birthstone, there are many different options. These popular gems are placed in necklaces, bracelets, earrings and even unique items such as belly rings and nose rings. One special gift that many moms love is a mother's ring and this item features the birthstones of each child in the family.
Many scholars believe that the stones we use as birthstones are based on traditions that may have come from Poland or perhaps Germany sometime around the 16th century. Eventually, jewelers began creating birthstone jewelry, which became highly popular and was even featured in advertisements during the 19th century. In 1912, a meeting of the National Association of Jewelers led to an official list of birthstones corresponding to specific months. This list is quite similar to one later established in the United Kingdom and also is surprisingly similar to Hindu birthstones. For instance, the diamond is the birthstone for April in all three cultures, and the pearl is the stone for June.
Many ancient people believed that gemstones had magical properties, and each birthstone has its own special history and legends surrounding it. The birthstone of August, the peridot, was believed to cure a variety of diseases and also to keep one from feeling envious. This latter fact could be attributed to its green hue and the expression "green from envy," which has been a commonly used phrase since Shakespeare used it in both "Othello" and "The Merchant of Venice." Whatever the reason, people felt that if they wore this special gem, they would be healthier and perhaps purer of heart.
The garnet, January's birthstone, was believed to ensure victory on the battlefield, so soldiers sometimes wore this stone during the Crusades. They also believed that the garnet would protect them from injury. Some people in ancient times believed that November's birthstone, the citrine, could enhance psychic abilities and also protect someone from another person's abuse or negative energy.
While several months have just one birthstone, others have multiple options. In January, you just have garnets and in February, there is the amethyst. April, May and August also have just a single stone, the diamond, the emerald or the peridot. December has quite a few, depending on the source, including turquoise, zircon, topaz and also tanzanite. September has just one in the United States, but three in Great Britain. In America, September babies have sapphires as a birth stone, but in England, Scotland or Wales, you can choose sapphire, lapis or lazuli.
If you wish to purchase a piece of jewelry that features a birthstone, there are many different options. These popular gems are placed in necklaces, bracelets, earrings and even unique items such as belly rings and nose rings. One special gift that many moms love is a mother's ring and this item features the birthstones of each child in the family.
About the Author:
Stefanie Flenner enjoys jewelry shopping. For additional information about the best online store for costume fashion jewelry or to discover other fashion jewelry collections like rhinestone necklace sets, please check out the GlitterJewelry4u.com website today.
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