A History of Birthstones: From Ancient Tradition to the Modern List

Birthstones are deeply personal and meaningful gifts, each gemstone associated with a specific month and believed to possess unique properties and even healing powers. The tradition of linking gemstones to specific months has a rich and evolving history, stretching back to ancient times and continuing to the present day with a standardized list established in the 20th century. While the modern list is widely recognized, it’s important to understand the historical context and the existence of ancient and traditional alternatives. This article will explore the origins of birthstones, the development of the modern chart, and the variations that exist, drawing solely from available sources.

The earliest roots of birthstone association can be traced to the Breastplate of Aaron, described in the Book of Exodus. This sacred garment contained twelve stones representing the twelve tribes of Israel, each possessing unique attributes. In the first century A.D., the Jewish historian Josephus connected these stones to the twelve signs of the zodiac, laying a foundation for the later association with months. However, the direct link between gemstones and birth months did not become widespread until the 18th century.

The standardization of birthstones as we know them today began in 1912, when the National Association of Jewelers created a modern list. This list, which remains largely unchanged, established a definitive set of gemstones for each month. It’s crucial to note that even after this standardization, three distinct sets of birthstones exist: ancient, traditional, and modern. Individuals often draw from these lists, selecting the stones that resonate with them personally.

The Modern Birthstone Chart

The modern birthstone chart, as established by the National Association of Jewelers and later refined by organizations like the American Gem Trade Association, provides a clear and widely accepted guide.

Here’s a breakdown of the modern birthstone list:

January: Garnet
February: Amethyst
March: Aquamarine
April: Diamond
May: Emerald
June: Alexandrite
July: Ruby
August: Peridot / Spinel
September: Sapphire
October: Tourmaline
November: Golden Topaz / Citrine
December: Blue Zircon / Tanzanite

This list represents the most commonly recognized birthstones in the United States and internationally. However, it’s essential to acknowledge the historical context and the alternative gemstones associated with each month in the traditional list.

Ancient and Traditional Alternatives

The traditional birthstone list offers a glimpse into the historical preferences and availability of gemstones. Some traditional stones have fallen out of favor due to changing fashions or increased cost, while others remain popular choices.

Comparing the modern and traditional lists reveals some key differences:

Month	Modern Birthstone	Traditional Birthstone
January	Garnet	Garnet
February	Amethyst	Amethyst
March	Aquamarine	Bloodstone
April	Diamond	Diamond
May	Emerald	Emerald
June	Alexandrite	Pearl
July	Ruby	Ruby
August	Peridot/Spinel	Sardonyx
September	Sapphire	Sapphire
October	Tourmaline	Opal
November	Topaz/Citrine	Topaz
December	Zircon/Tanzanite	Turquoise/Lapis Lazuli

Notably, June traditionally featured Pearl, while the modern list includes Alexandrite. August offers a choice between Peridot and Spinel in the modern list, whereas Sardonyx was the traditional stone. October presents another variation, with Tourmaline as the modern choice and Opal as the traditional one. December also has multiple options in the modern list – Blue Zircon, Blue Topaz, and Tanzanite – compared to Turquoise or Lapis Lazuli traditionally.

Some sources suggest that individuals born in March, August, and December may have found their traditional birthstones less appealing, potentially contributing to the changes made in the modern list. Bloodstone, sardonyx, and turquoise were not as fashionable for jewelry in 1912 as they had been in the late 1800s.

The Addition of Spinel and Other Modern Updates

The birthstone list isn’t static. In 2016, the American Gem Trade Association and the National Association of Jewelers jointly added Spinel as a recognized birthstone for August, acknowledging its increasing popularity and availability. This demonstrates the ongoing evolution of the list to reflect market trends and consumer preferences. Other modern additions include citrine and tanzanite, offering more choices for those seeking a birthstone.

Beyond Monthly Associations: Zodiac and Daily Gemstones

The association of gemstones extends beyond monthly birthstones. Certain gemstones are also linked to the signs of the zodiac, offering another layer of personalization. Furthermore, some traditions assign gemstones to specific days of the week, believing they absorb the energies of the corresponding planet.

Here’s a breakdown of gemstones by day of the week:

Sunday: Gold Topaz
Monday: Moonstone or Pearl
Tuesday: Ruby or Garnet
Wednesday: Turquoise, Sapphire, or Lapis Lazuli
Thursday: Amethyst
Friday: Emerald
Saturday: Diamond

This practice stems from the belief that calendar days were named after the sun, moon, and planets, and their corresponding stones could impart specific energies to the wearer.

Garnet: A Closer Look at a January Birthstone

The January birthstone, Garnet, is a particularly diverse gemstone. While commonly associated with a deep red hue, garnets can actually be found in almost any color. Some varieties even exhibit color-changing properties when exposed to different lighting conditions. Garnet isn’t a single mineral but rather a group of several related minerals, including pyrope, almandine, spessartine, andradite, and grossular. These minerals contribute to the variations in color, with andradite ranging from yellow to green, pyrope and almandine displaying purple to red tones, and spessartine appearing in orange to yellow shades. Indian astrology attributes garnet with enhancing self-confidence and mental clarity, promoting creativity and a calm mind, while also helping to alleviate negative emotions like anxiety, depression, and anger.

Conclusion

The world of birthstones is a fascinating blend of history, tradition, and evolving preferences. From the ancient association with the tribes of Israel to the standardized modern list, the practice of linking gemstones to specific months continues to hold cultural significance. While the National Association of Jewelers’ 1912 list provides a widely accepted framework, the existence of ancient and traditional alternatives, as well as the ongoing additions of new gemstones, demonstrates the dynamic nature of this tradition. Whether choosing a birthstone based on the month of birth, zodiac sign, or personal preference, these gemstones remain cherished symbols of individuality and meaningful gifts for any occasion.