Articles by EJA Members
Birth Stones
by Diana of Cubicle Boutique
Mothers' rings, friendship rings and bracelets with charms shaped like children and baby shoes. Birthstones are an integral part of jewelry in the US. Throughout history special powers and meanings have been given to gemstones. The first recorded mention of stones with powers is in Exodus when the Hebrew high priest had a breastplate with 12 different stones for the 12 tribes.
Since then, certain gemstones were associated with the powers of the zodiac. Just as anyone born under as certain sign, they were associated with these gems and their powers, as well. Over the years, these gems were associated with the months of the year instead of the zodiac signs.
The popularity of birthstones probably began in the 15th or 16th century in Eastern Europe. In fact, people would have a full set of 12 birthstones because the powers of each stone were heightened during its respective month.
Since the ancients didn't specify the mineral species when they wrote about these stones and only specified color, there has been some debate on what the original stones were on the breastplate. Because of this, different cultures and regions have assigned different stones to the months including the Rome, India, Poland and Russia. In 1952 a standard list of birthstones was published in the US. The modern birthstones and their meaning are listed below:
January - Garnet: consistency and loyalty
February - Amethyst: sincerity and peace
March - Aquamarine: courage and health
April - Diamond: innocence and love
May - Emerald: happiness and fertility
June - Pearl, Moonstone or Alexandrite: purity
July - Ruby: nobility and beauty
August - Peridot: felicity and protection
September - Sapphire: wisdom and calmness
October - Opal or Tourmaline: hope and creativity
November - Topaz or Citrine: fidelity and friendship
December - Turquoise, Blue Topaz or tanzanite: success |