Birthstones
A little bit of history...
Many gem scholars agree that the tradition of birthstones arose from the breast plate that Aaron, brother of
Moses, crafted around twenty centuries ago. It was a ceremonial religious garment set with twelve gemstones that
represented the twelve tribes of Israel as cited in the book of Exodus, and also corresponded with the
twelve signs of the zodiac, and the twelve months of the year. These birthstones are said to possess mystical qualities
and bring good fortune to the bearer.
Because ancient people did not always classify gemstones by mineral species like we do, there is some debate about which gemstones were set in the breast plate and why. Because of this, different cultures around the world have developed different birthstone lists.
Birthstone Table
The modern birthstones are the ones defined by a list published in 1912 by the "Jewelers of America", here in the United States.
The traditional birthstones are the original list from the 1600's set forth in Tibet, which set the precedent for today's birthstone jewelry.
Month |
Modern Birthstone |
Modern Birthstone |
Traditional Birthstone |
| January |  |
Garnet | Garnet |
| February |  |
Amethyst | Amethyst |
| March |  |
Aquamarine | Bloodstone |
| April |  |
Diamond | Diamond |
| May |  |
Emerald | Emerald |
| June |  |
Pearl / Moonstone | Alexandrite |
| July |  |
Ruby | Ruby |
| August |  |
Peridot | Sardonyx |
| September |  |
Sapphire | Sapphire |
| October |  |
Opal / Tourmaline | Tourmaline |
| November |  |
Yellow Topaz / Citrine | Citrine |
| December |  |
Blue Topaz / Turquoise | Zircon / Turquoise / Lapis Lazuli |