Birthstones have long held a special place in human culture, serving as symbols of identity, protection, and even spiritual power. While the practice of associating gemstones with specific months is relatively modern, the roots of this tradition stretch back thousands of years, with origins in religious texts, ancient folklore, and the evolving tastes of the jewelry industry. This article explores the historical development of the birthstone tradition, the gemstones assigned to each month, and the cultural meanings and properties attributed to them. By examining the modern birthstone chart and comparing it to earlier lists, we can gain a deeper understanding of how and why these associations have endured through time.
Historical Origins and Development of the Birthstone Tradition
The concept of associating gemstones with specific times of the year or celestial signs has ancient origins. One of the earliest and most significant references comes from the Book of Exodus in the Hebrew Bible, where the Breastplate of Aaron is described. This ceremonial garment worn by the high priest of the ancient Israelites contained 12 precious stones, each believed to represent one of the 12 tribes of Israel. These stones were arranged in three rows and were thought to carry unique spiritual significance. The association between the stones and the tribes was symbolic, but they also reflected the priest's connection to divine authority.
In the first century A.D., the Jewish historian Josephus suggested that these 12 stones could also be linked to the 12 zodiac signs, a concept that would later influence the development of birthstone traditions in the Western world. However, it was not until the 18th century that gemstones began to be widely associated with the calendar months rather than astrological signs or religious symbols. This shift marked the beginning of the modern birthstone tradition.
In 1912, the National Association of Jewelers (now known as Jewelers of America) officially adopted a standardized list of birthstones for each month. This list, known as the modern birthstone chart, aimed to provide a consistent reference for jewelers and consumers alike. Over the years, this list has been revised to include additional gemstones and to reflect changes in gemological knowledge and consumer preferences. For instance, in 1952, the Jewelry Industry Council of America added Alexandrite to the list for June, and in 2002, Tanzanite was added to December. Most recently, in 2016, Spinel was introduced as an additional birthstone for August.
Today, the modern birthstone chart is considered the official guide, although it coexists with older "traditional" and "ancient" lists. These earlier lists, which sometimes feature different gemstones for the same month, reflect the evolving nature of the tradition and the influence of regional gemstone availability and cultural preferences.
The Modern Birthstone Chart
The modern birthstone chart, as established by the National Association of Jewelers in 1912 and updated over the decades, assigns a specific gemstone (or in some cases, multiple gemstones) to each month of the year. Below is a detailed breakdown of the modern list, including the gemstones, their meanings, and any additional gemstones that have been added to the chart in recent years.
January – Garnet
Garnet is the birthstone for January. This gemstone is known for its deep red color, although it can occur in a wide range of hues, including green, orange, and even purple. Garnet is composed of a group of minerals, including pyrope, almandine, spessartine, grossular, and andradite, each with distinct properties and colors.
Garnet is associated with passion, love, and devotion, and it is believed to bring good luck and protection to its wearer. Some sources also attribute healing properties to garnet, including the promotion of health, friendship, and security. Garnet is also the zodiac stone of Aquarius and is traditionally gifted for the second wedding anniversary.
February – Amethyst
Amethyst, a purple variety of quartz, is the birthstone for February. Known for its calming and soothing properties, amethyst is often used in meditation and spiritual practices. It is believed to promote peace, balance, and spiritual awareness, and is associated with wisdom, creativity, and protection.
Amethyst is a popular choice for jewelry and has been used in royal and religious settings for centuries. Its deep purple color is caused by trace amounts of iron and manganese, and it is one of the most widely available gemstones in the world.
March – Aquamarine
Aquamarine, a blue to greenish-blue beryl, is the birthstone for March. Known for its serene and calming appearance, aquamarine is often associated with clarity of thought, courage, and emotional stability. It is also believed to protect sailors and travelers, making it a popular stone for those who travel frequently.
Aquamarine is typically found in Brazil, Madagascar, and Colombia, and is prized for its vibrant color and clarity. It is also the gemstone for the 19th wedding anniversary.
April – Diamond or White Topaz
April has two official birthstones: Diamond and White Topaz. Diamond, the hardest natural substance known to man, is the most well-known of the two and is traditionally associated with love, commitment, and eternity. It is the most popular gemstone for engagement rings and is believed to bring strength, purity, and innocence to its wearer.
White Topaz, on the other hand, is a more affordable alternative to diamond, with a similar appearance. It is associated with peace, clarity, and communication. While it does not have the same symbolic weight as diamond, white topaz is a beautiful and versatile gemstone that offers a more accessible option for those who prefer a similar look without the high price tag.
May – Emerald
Emerald, a green variety of beryl, is the birthstone for May. Known for its vibrant green color, emerald is one of the most valuable gemstones in the world. It is associated with fertility, love, and prosperity, and is often used in high-end jewelry and royal collections.
Emeralds are most commonly found in Colombia, but they can also be found in Zambia, Brazil, and Madagascar. The green color is caused by chromium or vanadium, and emeralds are prized for their rich color and clarity. It is also the gemstone for the 35th wedding anniversary.
June – Pearl or Alexandrite
June has two birthstones: Pearl and Alexandrite. Pearl is one of the oldest known gemstones, formed within oysters and other mollusks. It is associated with wisdom, purity, and innocence, and is often used in delicate jewelry, especially for newborns and young children. Pearls are also the gemstone for the 30th wedding anniversary.
Alexandrite, a chameleon-like gemstone, was added to the June birthstone list in 1952. It is known for its ability to change color in different lighting—appearing green in daylight and red in incandescent light. This property is due to the presence of chromium, and it is one of the rarest and most valuable gemstones in the world.
July – Ruby
Ruby, a red variety of corundum, is the birthstone for July. Known for its deep red color, ruby is one of the most valuable and sought-after gemstones in the world. It is associated with passion, love, and vitality, and is often used in high-end jewelry and royal collections.
Rubies are most commonly found in Myanmar (Burma), but they can also be found in India, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan. The red color is caused by chromium, and rubies are prized for their rich color and clarity. It is also the gemstone for the 40th wedding anniversary.
August – Peridot or Spinel
August has two birthstones: Peridot and Spinel. Peridot, a green gemstone, is known for its vibrant color and is associated with healing, balance, and protection. It is one of the few gemstones that only occur in one color, and it is often used in affordable jewelry and everyday wear.
Spinel, a rare and beautiful gemstone, was added to the August birthstone list in 2016. It is known for its vivid colors, including red, pink, orange, and blue, and is often mistaken for ruby and sapphire. Spinel is prized for its brightness and durability, and it is a versatile gemstone that can be used in a wide range of jewelry styles.
September – Sapphire
Sapphire, a blue variety of corundum, is the birthstone for September. Known for its rich blue color, sapphire is one of the most valuable gemstones in the world. It is associated with wisdom, loyalty, and truth, and is often used in high-end jewelry and royal collections.
Sapphires are most commonly found in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, India, and Australia, and are prized for their brilliance and durability. The blue color is caused by iron and titanium, and sapphires can also occur in pink, yellow, and green. It is also the gemstone for the 45th wedding anniversary.
October – Tourmaline or Opal
October has two birthstones: Tourmaline and Opal. Tourmaline is a complex and varied gemstone that can occur in nearly every color of the rainbow. It is associated with balance, protection, and healing, and is often used in modern and contemporary jewelry.
Opal, known for its iridescent play of colors, is one of the most unique and beautiful gemstones in the world. It is associated with imagination, inspiration, and emotional stability, and is often used in delicate and ornate jewelry. Opal is also the gemstone for the 14th wedding anniversary.
November – Topaz or Citrine
November has two birthstones: Topaz and Citrine. Topaz, a silicate mineral, is known for its bright colors and clarity. It is associated with strength, clarity, and communication, and is often used in affordable and elegant jewelry.
Citrine, a yellow variety of quartz, is known for its warm and inviting color. It is associated with positive energy, abundance, and prosperity, and is often used in everyday jewelry and accessories. Citrine is also the gemstone for the 13th wedding anniversary.
December – Tanzanite or Zircon or Turquoise
December has three birthstones: Tanzanite, Zircon, and Turquoise. Tanzanite, a blue to violet gemstone, was added to the December birthstone list in 2002. It is known for its rich color and brilliance, and is associated with transformation, intuition, and spiritual awakening.
Zircon, a silicate mineral, is known for its high refractive index and fire, making it one of the most brilliant gemstones in the world. It is associated with wisdom, clarity, and spiritual growth, and is often used in vintage and antique jewelry.
Turquoise, a blue to green mineral, is one of the oldest known gemstones and is associated with protection, healing, and good fortune. It is often used in tribal and cultural jewelry, and is prized for its unique color and patterns. Turquoise is also the gemstone for the 11th wedding anniversary.
Conclusion
The tradition of associating gemstones with specific months has a rich and fascinating history, rooted in ancient texts, evolving through the centuries, and formalized in the 20th century by the jewelry industry. The modern birthstone chart, as established by the National Association of Jewelers, provides a consistent and widely recognized reference for gemstone enthusiasts, jewelers, and consumers. However, it is important to note that this list is not static and has been updated over time to reflect new discoveries, changing consumer preferences, and the inclusion of additional gemstones such as Alexandrite, Tanzanite, and Spinel.
Each birthstone carries its own unique properties, meanings, and cultural significance, making them more than just decorative gems—they are symbols of identity, history, and personal connection. Whether used in jewelry, gifts, or spiritual practices, birthstones continue to captivate and inspire people around the world.