The concept of birthstones—gemstones associated with specific months of the year—has a rich and complex history rooted in religious, astrological, and cultural traditions. While the modern list of birthstones was officially standardized in 1912 by the National Association of Jewelers (now known as Jewelers of America), the idea of linking gemstones to months dates back thousands of years. This article explores how the birthstones for each month were chosen, drawing from biblical, astrological, and commercial influences that have shaped the tradition over time.
Introduction
The modern birthstone list consists of 12 gemstones, each assigned to a specific month of the year. These gemstones are not only valued for their aesthetic appeal and rarity but also for their historical and symbolic significance. The process of selecting a gemstone for each month was influenced by a combination of ancient traditions, zodiac associations, and practical considerations of the jewelry trade. While the exact origins of the birthstone tradition remain somewhat ambiguous, several key milestones—such as the biblical references to the Breastplate of Aaron, the influence of zodiac signs, and the formalization of the list by jewelers in the early 20th century—offer a clearer picture of how the birthstone tradition evolved. This article delves into the historical, cultural, and practical factors that contributed to the selection of gemstones for each month, as well as the variations and changes that have occurred over time.
History and Lore
The earliest known connection between gemstones and months can be traced back to the biblical Book of Exodus, where the Breastplate of Aaron, a sacred artifact worn by the high priest of Israel, is described as containing 12 stones representing the 12 tribes of Israel. These stones were arranged in four rows of three and were believed to hold spiritual significance. While the exact identities of the stones remain debated among scholars and historians, they are often interpreted as carnelian, topaz, and carbuncle; emerald, sapphire, and diamond; jacinth, agate, and amethyst; and beryl, onyx, and jasper. This biblical reference laid the groundwork for associating gemstones with symbolic and spiritual meanings, a practice that later evolved into the concept of birthstones.
The idea of linking gemstones to the months of the year also found support in the works of Flavius Josephus and St. Jerome, two scholars from the 1st and 5th centuries AD. These scholars proposed that the 12 stones of the Breastplate of Aaron could be associated with the 12 months of the year and the 12 signs of the zodiac. According to this interpretation, each person should wear the corresponding stone during the appropriate month to derive its full benefits. This notion, however, was not universally accepted and remained somewhat abstract until it was further developed by gem traders and astrologers in later centuries.
By the 16th century, the idea of birthstones began to take shape in Europe, where gemstones were increasingly associated with astrological signs and their corresponding celestial influences. This practice was particularly popular in Poland, where gem traders began marketing and selling gemstones based on a person’s birth month as early as the 17th or 18th century. The Polish tradition emphasized the protective and beneficial properties of each gemstone, reinforcing the belief that wearing one’s birthstone could bring good fortune and positive energy.
The modern concept of birthstones by month, however, was not fully standardized until 1912, when the National Association of Jewelers (now known as Jewelers of America) created an official list of 12 gemstones. This list was influenced by both the zodiac associations and the practicalities of gemstone availability and trade. While the zodiac signs had a partial influence on the selection of gemstones, the final list also took into account the availability, accessibility, and cost of the stones at the time.
In 2016, the American Gem Trade Association and Jewelers of America made a significant change to the birthstone list by adding spinel as an additional birthstone for August. This decision reflected the evolving nature of the birthstone tradition, which continues to adapt to new discoveries and market trends.
Geological Formation and Sources
The selection of gemstones for each month also took into account their geological properties and sources. For example, garnet, the birthstone of January, is a group of silicate minerals that form in various geological environments, including metamorphic and igneous rocks. Garnets are found in locations such as Brazil, India, and the United States, and their diverse colors—ranging from deep red to green and even color-changing varieties—make them a versatile and appealing choice.
Similarly, the selection of emerald as the birthstone for May was influenced by its rarity and historical significance. Emeralds are a variety of beryl that form in metamorphic rocks and are typically found in Colombia, Zambia, and Brazil. Their vibrant green color and association with royalty and wealth made them a natural choice for a birthstone.
The diamond, April’s birthstone, is formed under extreme heat and pressure in the Earth’s mantle and is typically found in kimberlite pipes. Diamonds are highly valued for their hardness and brilliance, and their association with purity and strength made them a fitting choice for April.
The selection of other gemstones also reflected their availability and the practical considerations of the jewelry trade. For example, opal, the birthstone of October, is known for its unique play-of-color and is primarily found in Australia and Ethiopia. While opal is relatively rare, its distinctive appearance and mystical properties made it an ideal choice for October.
The selection of birthstones was also influenced by their symbolic and cultural significance. For example, the pearl, June’s birthstone, is formed within the mantle of mollusks and is associated with wisdom and purity. The ruby, July’s birthstone, is a variety of corundum and is found in Myanmar, Thailand, and other parts of Southeast Asia. Its deep red color and association with passion and power made it a fitting choice for July.
The birthstone of August, peridot, is a variety of olivine and is typically found in volcanic rocks and meteorites. Its golden-green color and association with light and energy made it a popular choice for August.
The sapphire, September’s birthstone, is a variety of corundum and is found in locations such as Sri Lanka,缅甸, and Australia. Its deep blue color and association with wisdom and truth made it an appropriate choice for September.
The topaz of November is a silicate mineral found in igneous rocks and is known for its clarity and brilliance. Its association with strength and endurance made it a fitting choice for November.
The turquoise of December is a phosphate mineral formed in the oxidation zones of copper deposits. Its blue-green color and association with protection and good fortune made it an appropriate choice for December.
Gemological Properties
The selection of gemstones for each month also took into account their gemological properties, including their hardness, refractive index, and optical characteristics. For example, the diamond, April’s birthstone, has the highest hardness on the Mohs scale (10), making it extremely durable and suitable for everyday wear. Its high refractive index and dispersion also contribute to its brilliance and fire, making it one of the most desirable gemstones.
The ruby, July’s birthstone, has a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale and is known for its deep red color and high refractive index. Its durability and brilliance make it a popular choice for jewelry.
The sapphire, September’s birthstone, also has a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale and is known for its deep blue color and high refractive index. Its durability and brilliance make it a popular choice for jewelry.
The emerald, May’s birthstone, has a hardness of 7.5–8 on the Mohs scale and is known for its vibrant green color and high refractive index. While it is relatively durable, it is also somewhat fragile and requires careful handling.
The garnet, January’s birthstone, has a hardness of 6.5–7.5 on the Mohs scale and is known for its deep red color and high refractive index. Its durability and brilliance make it a popular choice for jewelry.
The pearl, June’s birthstone, has a hardness of 2.5–4.5 on the Mohs scale and is known for its smooth, lustrous surface. While it is relatively soft, it is also quite durable if handled with care.
The opal, October’s birthstone, has a hardness of 5.5–6.5 on the Mohs scale and is known for its unique play-of-color. While it is relatively soft, it is also quite fragile and requires careful handling.
The peridot, August’s birthstone, has a hardness of 6.5–7 on the Mohs scale and is known for its golden-green color and high refractive index. Its durability and brilliance make it a popular choice for jewelry.
The topaz of November has a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale and is known for its clarity and brilliance. Its durability and brilliance make it a popular choice for jewelry.
The turquoise of December has a hardness of 5–6 on the Mohs scale and is known for its blue-green color and unique patterns. While it is relatively soft, it is also quite durable if handled with care.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The selection of gemstones for each month also took into account their symbolic and metaphysical significance. For example, the garnet, January’s birthstone, has been associated with protection, vitality, and prosperity. Its deep red color is often seen as a symbol of energy and passion, making it a fitting choice for January.
The amethyst, February’s birthstone, has been associated with wisdom, calmness, and spiritual clarity. Its deep purple color is often seen as a symbol of royalty and sophistication, making it a fitting choice for February.
The aquamarine, March’s birthstone, has been associated with courage, serenity, and protection. Its blue color is often seen as a symbol of the sea and the sky, making it a fitting choice for March.
The diamond, April’s birthstone, has been associated with purity, strength, and eternal love. Its brilliance and hardness make it a fitting choice for April.
The emerald, May’s birthstone, has been associated with fertility, growth, and renewal. Its vibrant green color is often seen as a symbol of nature and vitality, making it a fitting choice for May.
The pearl, June’s birthstone, has been associated with wisdom, purity, and feminine energy. Its smooth, lustrous surface is often seen as a symbol of elegance and grace, making it a fitting choice for June.
The ruby, July’s birthstone, has been associated with passion, power, and vitality. Its deep red color is often seen as a symbol of life and energy, making it a fitting choice for July.
The peridot, August’s birthstone, has been associated with light, energy, and positivity. Its golden-green color is often seen as a symbol of optimism and renewal, making it a fitting choice for August.
The sapphire, September’s birthstone, has been associated with wisdom, truth, and spiritual insight. Its deep blue color is often seen as a symbol of the sky and the sea, making it a fitting choice for September.
The opal, October’s birthstone, has been associated with creativity, intuition, and mystery. Its unique play-of-color is often seen as a symbol of transformation and change, making it a fitting choice for October.
The topaz of November has been associated with strength, endurance, and protection. Its clarity and brilliance are often seen as a symbol of clarity and focus, making it a fitting choice for November.
The turquoise of December has been associated with protection, good fortune, and spiritual connection. Its blue-green color is often seen as a symbol of harmony and balance, making it a fitting choice for December.
Care and Cleaning
The care and cleaning of birthstones depend on their individual properties and susceptibility to damage. For example, the diamond, April’s birthstone, is one of the hardest gemstones and can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. However, it is important to avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners, which can damage the setting or other gemstones in the same piece of jewelry.
The ruby, July’s birthstone, is also quite durable and can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. However, it is important to avoid exposure to high heat, which can cause the gemstone to crack or lose its color.
The sapphire, September’s birthstone, is similarly durable and can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. However, it is important to avoid exposure to high heat and harsh chemicals, which can damage the gemstone or its setting.
The emerald, May’s birthstone, is relatively fragile and requires careful handling. It can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush, but it is important to avoid exposure to high heat, which can cause the gemstone to crack or lose its color.
The garnet, January’s birthstone, is relatively durable and can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. However, it is important to avoid exposure to high heat and harsh chemicals, which can damage the gemstone or its setting.
The pearl, June’s birthstone, is relatively soft and requires careful handling. It can be cleaned with a soft, damp cloth and a mild soap solution, but it is important to avoid exposure to harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners, which can damage the surface of the pearl.
The opal, October’s birthstone, is relatively fragile and requires careful handling. It can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush, but it is important to avoid exposure to high heat and harsh chemicals, which can damage the gemstone or its setting.
The peridot, August’s birthstone, is relatively durable and can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. However, it is important to avoid exposure to high heat and harsh chemicals, which can damage the gemstone or its setting.
The topaz of November is relatively durable and can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. However, it is important to avoid exposure to high heat and harsh chemicals, which can damage the gemstone or its setting.
The turquoise of December is relatively soft and requires careful handling. It can be cleaned with a soft, damp cloth and a mild soap solution, but it is important to avoid exposure to harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners, which can damage the surface of the turquoise.
Conclusion
The selection of birthstones for each month is a tradition that has evolved over centuries, influenced by religious, astrological, and cultural beliefs. While the modern list of birthstones was officially standardized in 1912, the idea of linking gemstones to months dates back to ancient times, when gemstones were believed to hold symbolic and spiritual significance. The selection of gemstones for each month took into account their availability, accessibility, and cost, as well as their gemological properties, symbolism, and cultural significance. The addition of spinel as an additional birthstone for August in 2016 reflects the ongoing evolution of the birthstone tradition, which continues to adapt to new discoveries and market trends. Whether worn for their aesthetic appeal, symbolic significance, or protective properties, birthstones remain a cherished part of jewelry and personal identity.