Our Guide To The Birthstones For Each Month Of The Year
Whether or not you believe in the mystical properties of birthstones, one thing is certain: their beauty will light up your life.
The concept of birthstones is generally thought to reach back at least as far as Biblical times, yet even in our modern era this beautiful tradition still evokes a profound sense of meaning and significance.
©elenaleonova
Ancient civilisations believed that certain gemstones influenced various aspects of daily life, and today we assign one or more of these to each of the twelve months of the year. But how did all this start? And do you know what your birthstone is?
The history of birthstones
From the Book of Exodus we know that Aaron, the brother of Moses, wore a magnificent breastplate of judgement in his role as a priest. On this ceremonial garment, in gold filigree settings, were mounted 12 gemstones representing the twelve tribes of Israel.
©SergeyKlopotov
Scholars later linked these gemstones with the twelve months of the year and the twelve signs of the zodiac, and in the Middle Ages it became the practice to possess one of each and wear it during its corresponding month. Over the centuries this changed, so that today we wear just the gemstone that is symbolic of our birth month. Tastes and customs regarding these gems evolved over time but a standardised list was compiled by the British National Association of Goldsmiths in 1937 that is still in use today. Guided by this, let’s take a look at birthstones month by month.
Birthstone list
- Garnet is the birthstone of January, representing friendship and trust. Due to their varying chemical composition, garnets are available in a variety of colours.
- The February birthstone is amethyst, a violet form of quartz first valued by the Ancient Egyptians. It’s said to protect the wearer from drunkenness and helps maintain mental balance.
- March is the month of aquamarine, a richly blue or cyan form of beryl suggesting the colours of the sea. This gemstone symbolises hope, youthfulness and good health.
- April brings us the gemstone most closely associated with love - the diamond. The perfect gift for the special one in your life.
©Leegudim
- May, the month of spring, is represented very appropriately by the verdant hue of emerald. Naturally enough, this rarest of gems signifies rebirth.
- The only gemstone created by a living sea creature, the pearl, is one of the three June gems, sharing its position with alexandrite and moonstone.
- The most valuable gemstone, the ruby, belongs to July. It’s said to bring the benefits of love, good health and wisdom.
- August is the month of peridot, a gorgeous lime green gemstone that bestows power and influence on its wearer.
- Trust, loyalty and the protection of those closest to you are said to be symbolised by sapphire, September’s enchantingly blue-hued gem.
- Opal is the main birthstone for October. Formed in volcanic rocks, it signifies hope and purity. Rainbow-hued tourmaline is the alternative gem for this month.
- Topaz and citrine are the gemstones associated with November birthdays. Consistency, faithfulness and friendship are the properties of topaz, whereas citrine supports vitality and health.
- Those born in December can claim three gems; turquoise, tanzanite and zircon, each bearing delightful blueish hues. Turquoise is said to attract prosperity and success.
Whether or not you believe in the mystical properties of birthstones, one thing is certain: their beauty will light up your life.
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