Birthstone Jewelry – It’s Origins and History
Ever since the 1st century specific stones have been connected with the zodiac signs and have been incorporated into gold and silver birthstone jewelry. In the beginning birthstone schemes were based on the individual color of the gems. The beginnings of the practice are thought to be associated with the Breastplate of Aaron which incorporated gemstones representing the twelve tribes of Israel. Every gemstone had the name of the tribe inscribed on it and they were attached to the breastplate in four rows of three. Even though the names of the gems that were used are well known, the precise translation is debatable so the particular stones used are not known. This has resulted in various gemstones being linked to the various zodiac signs.
Later birthstones have become connected with the months of the year instead of the zodiac signs and there has been a good deal of variation in the month to which a stone is allocated. The most widely used list today is one which was put forward in 1902 by the American Association of Jewelers, and has some alternatives to the costlier gemstones. One gemstone has been added since that time. Tanzanite was assigned to December in 2002 although it is not accepted by everybody.
Some other lists which associate particular gems with the birth month include mystical birthstones and Ayurvedic birthstones. The mystical birthstones list dates back to over 1000 years ago and is from Tibet, the Ayurvedic list originated in ancient Indian medicine and philosophy and dates back to around 1500 BC. Nevertheless nearly everyone uses the modern schemes initiated by the Association of Jewelers.
Contemporary Scheme
- January - emerald, garnet
- February - amethyst
- March - aquamarine
- April - diamond
- May - emerald
- June - pearl, moonstone
- July - ruby
- August - peridot
- September - sapphire
- October - opal, tourmaline
- November - topaz, citrine
- December - blue topaz, tanzanite, turquiose
Consequently there are several options to choose from. If you don’t like your birthstone from the modern list, choose one from the traditional scheme.There are gorgeous examples of gold birthstone jewelry in the shops and they make superb birthday gifts for those we love, that show the thought we have put into choosing a present that is just right for them. Read more at Birthstone Jewelry.
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Tags: birthstone history, birthstone jewelry, birthstone origins, birthstones, gold birthstone jewelry, silver birthstone jewelry
