Many people love to wear birthstone jewelry with the gem appropriate for their birthday. it makes the wearer feel special and is a wonderful, thoughtful gift for a loved one. There is a long history of gems giving special powers to their wearers and, although today we realise these are just colorful myths it is interesting to see how our ancestors regarded gems and the powers they believed they held.

Origins of the Birthstone Tradition

The color of the gems was originally used to assign meanings and powers and were related to the signs of the Zodiac. Only later were gems associated with the months of the year and different gems have been assigned to the months over the years. Today most people use the scheme proposed in 1912 by Association of Jewelers in America which includes some precious stones plus some less expensive alternatives. In December 2002 the American Gem association added Tanzanite to the list as an alternative birthstone for December.

Other schemes include the Ayurvedic originating in Indian philosophy and said to be dated back to 1500 BC, and the mystical scheme originating in Tibet more than 1000 years ago. However the most commonly used scheme continues to be that put forward by the Association of Jewelers. With different schemes to choose from and alternative birthstones within the scheme there is sure to be a gem that you will like whatever your birth month!

Birthstones and Their Meanings

January - garnet is the January birthstone. This red gemstone, symbolises constancy and has blood purifying properties and is believed to protect anyone wearing it from poison.

February - the birthstone for February is the lovely amethyst, believed to convey peace, serenity and protection from intoxiation on its wearer.

March - anyone lucky enough to be born in March can wear the lovely bluen aquamarine as their birthstone. Because of its sea blue color it was favored by sailors who wore it as protection from the perils of the sea and also symbolises courage.

April - the birthstone for April is the diamond, symbolic of true and lasting love and innocence.

May - the beautiful green emerald is May's birthstone and was believed to have magical properties. It was also thought to give its wearer psychic abilities. it also symbolised success and love.

June - the pearl, which is not really a gem, is a symbol of chastity, love and purity and is the birtstone for June.

July - dazzling red rubies are the gemstones for anyone with a July birthday.  The red ruby symbolises contentment.

August - the delicately colored green peridot is the August birthstone and is a gem that is believed to help you get a good, nightmare free night's sleep. It also symbolises married happiness.

September – the wonderful blue sapphire, symbol of peace and joy is the gem for September. It is also suposed to help the wearer forsee the future and think clearly.

October - Although the lovely opal is associated with innocence and purity is is also seen by many people as a bad luck gem.

November  - yellow topaz, thought to calm an ill temper is the gem for November birthdays. It also symbolises fidelity.

December – blue topaz, favored by the native Americans is the gem for December birthdays. It brings good luck and prosperity and warns the wearer of danger.

Image by Zenith Phuong

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