Birthstones are gemstones associated with each month of the year, often incorporated into jewelry and believed to possess unique powers or offer therapeutic benefits. The practice of linking gemstones to specific months has a long and fascinating history, evolving from ancient traditions to the standardized lists used today. While the concept dates back to biblical times, the birthstones recognized today are not necessarily the same as those used in antiquity, with significant shifts occurring over the centuries and culminating in modern standardization efforts.
Historical Factor
The earliest roots of birthstone associations can be traced to the biblical era, specifically the twelve gemstones adorning Aaron’s breastplate as described in historical texts. Historians believe these stones represented the twelve tribes of Israel, and were thought to offer specific powers, leading individuals to wear them as talismans. However, interpretations of which stones were actually present on the breastplate varied. One prominent mineralogist, George Frederick Kunz, suggested the references related to the Second Temple’s breastplate rather than Aaron’s original one.
By the 8th and 9th centuries, the practice evolved into wearing one gemstone per month. This eventually transitioned into associating a single gemstone with each birth month, forming the basis of the traditional birthstone system. This tradition gained momentum in the 18th century, particularly in Poland, where the practice of linking gemstones to months became more widespread.
Ancient and Modern Lists
For centuries, a system of traditional birthstones prevailed, rooted in cultural beliefs and historical lore. However, in 1912, the National Association of Jewelers in the United States created a standardized “modern” list of birthstones. This list has been updated a few times since then, most recently with the addition of spinel for August in 2016 and Tanzanite for December in 2002. Today, three sets of birthstones are recognized: ancient, traditional, and modern.
The differences between these lists are notable. Traditional birthstones are deeply connected to ancient customs, often influenced by religion or local folklore. Modern birthstones, on the other hand, were selected based on gemstone availability, market demand, and jewelry design trends. The modern lists also offer more variety for certain months, such as June, August, October, and December, providing consumers with a wider range of options.
The following chart summarizes the modern and traditional birthstones by month:
| Month | Modern List | Ancient List |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Golden Topaz / Citrine | Topaz |
| December | Blue Zircon / Tanzanite | Turquoise |
Hindu Traditions and Navaratna
The tradition of associating gemstones with birth months and mystical powers is not exclusive to Western cultures. Similar beliefs are found in Hindu traditions, likely influencing customs in the West. The 5th-century Hindu text, Ratna Pariksha, details the relationships between gemstones, deities, celestial bodies, and days of the week. Hindu practices associate nine gemstones – known as navaratna in Sanskrit – with different celestial forces. Navaratna jewelry typically features a bright red ruby or spinel at the center, surrounded by the other eight gems. These pieces were believed to grant cosmic harmony and symbolize status and wealth, with individual stones recommended by Vedic astrologers based on astrological birth charts to harness planetary powers.
Gemological Properties and Durability
The value and longevity of a birthstone are significantly influenced by its gemological properties, particularly its hardness and durability. The Mohs scale is used to measure a gemstone’s resistance to scratching and abrasion. This scale ranges from 1 to 10, with diamond ranking the highest at 10.
Generally, the harder the stone, the more durable it is and the better it will retain its luster and shine. Some birthstones are more suitable for everyday wear than others. Diamonds, sapphires, and rubies, with their high hardness ratings, are excellent choices for rings and other frequently worn jewelry. Conversely, softer stones like pearl and peridot require more careful handling.
Here are some of the hardest and weakest birthstones:
(Note: The provided sources do not list a complete table of hardness values for all birthstones, so a comprehensive table cannot be created.)
Specific Gemstone Examples
Several birthstones are highlighted in the provided sources, offering insight into their origins, properties, and cultural significance.
Ruby: Primarily sourced from Vietnam, Mozambique, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Madagascar, rubies are renowned for their hardness, rating nine on the Mohs scale, just below diamond. They are often heat-treated to remove silk inclusions and purplish coloration.
Peridot: Derived from the Arabic word faridat, meaning “gem,” peridot has been used for centuries as a protective talisman. Its color ranges from greenish-yellow to yellowish-green and is traditionally gifted for a 16th wedding anniversary. Major sources include the U.S., Pakistan, Vietnam, Tanzania, Myanmar, and China, with a hardness of 6.5 to 7.
Spinel: The name “spinel” comes from the Latin word spina, meaning “thorn,” referencing the crystal shape. This gemstone comes in a variety of colors, including purple, orange, blue, green, pink, and intense red. It was historically believed to cure blood loss and inflammatory diseases and promote harmony. Spinel is sourced from Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Myanmar, Tajikistan, and Tanzania, and boasts a hardness of eight, making it suitable for daily wear.
Garnet: Garnet is the birthstone for January and is known for its rich, deep red color, though it can also be found in other hues.
Diamond: The April birthstone, diamond, is considered the most expensive due to its high market demand, exceptional hardness, brilliance, and cultural symbolism.
Market Value and Considerations
The price of a birthstone is influenced by several factors, including its size (carat weight), cut, clarity, and color. Larger stones are generally more valuable due to their rarity. The quality of the cut significantly impacts a gemstone’s brilliance and overall appeal. Poorly cut stones, even with high quality, will not reflect light effectively.
Common birthstones like topaz, tourmaline, amethyst, and citrine are generally less expensive because they are more readily available in large quantities. However, rarer gemstones or those with exceptional clarity and color can command significantly higher prices.
Conclusion
The history of birthstones is a captivating blend of ancient tradition, cultural belief, and modern commercial influence. From the twelve stones on Aaron’s breastplate to the standardized lists of today, the practice of associating gemstones with birth months has evolved over centuries. Understanding the origins, properties, and symbolism of these stones provides a deeper appreciation for their enduring appeal and significance. Whether chosen for their aesthetic beauty, perceived metaphysical properties, or simply as a personal connection to a specific month, birthstones continue to hold a special place in jewelry and cultural traditions worldwide.