Did you know that the first recorded mention of birthstones is in the 1st century? The birthstone origin is back in early biblical times!
Since then, the chosen birthstones for each month have varied, but the notion that birthstones are sacred items hasn’t changed. Wearing birthstones is lucky, and provides a host of different benefits to the wearers.
Wearing your birthstone can provide luck, health, protection, and healing benefits. All this on top of the fact that they are stunning gems, and can make beautiful rings, necklaces, and earrings.
If you’re wondering what your birthstone is, and why you should wear it, read on to learn more!
The Birthstone Origin
Josephus, a Jewish historian, was the first to write about birthstones. He described a breastplate with 12 gems, each one symbolizing one of the tribes of Isreal and a month.
In biblical times, birthstones were not specific gems, but instead specific colors connected to each month. 18th-century gem traders developed each month’s specific gemstone.
The notion of birthstones by month globalized quickly, but due to local customs and stone availability, different countries keep different lists of stones.
Even the US didn’t have a unified concept of birthstones until 1912 when the National Association of Jewelers published the first official list. They updated the list again in the 1930s to become the list we know of today.
The Meaning of Birthstones
January’s birthstone is garnet, a stone with brilliant reds, pinks, and brown notes. Garnet is associated with increased self-image, willpower, and higher energy levels. It’s also thought to keep the wearer safe during travel.
February’s birthstone is amethyst, which is thought to give the wearer courage. It is also a mood stabilizer, soothing irritability and balancing mood swings.
March is the month of aquamarine, Latin for “water of the sea.” These light blue stones are thought to cure liver and heart disease and provide protection from ocean dangers.
April is assigned the diamond as its birthstone. Diamond is the hardest mineral on earth, and some cultures believe that diamonds are tears of the gods or lightning trapped in stone. Diamond provides balance, clarity, and inner strength to the wearer.
The birthstone of May is Emerald, a lovely deep green stone that provides wisdom, inner growth, and patience.
June is the month of pearl, a white, shimmering stone. Pearl is a luck bringer, providing calming energy and a meditative state.
July is the month of the deep scarlet ruby. Ruby provides harmony, enthusiasm, integrity, and strength.
August’s birthstone is peridot, a favorite of the pharaohs in Egypt. Its light green or yellow color wards off enchantments and depression.
September is the month of sapphire, a clear blue-colored stone giving purity and wisdom.
The birthstone of October is the opal, which repels evil.
November is the month of topaz. Topaz is often yellow, but the colors can vary from pink to blue to green. Topaz brings courage, strength, and wisdom.
December babies have a choice of turquoise and tanzanite. Both are blue, although tanzanite is a translucent dark blue or purple. Tanzanite provides metaphysical healing.
You can read more about the lovely tanzanite and its birthstone benefits at theraregemstonecompany.com.
Find Birthstone Jewelry
Hopefully, now that you know about the birthstone origin and the different benefits of wearing birthstone jewelry, you’ll find a piece with your month’s stone in it.
Even if you don’t believe in the healing powers of stones, every stone on this list is beautiful and makes a lovely adornment. If you’re looking for more fashion and lifestyle advice, check out our blog for more!