What are birthstones?

We would like to inform you that the concept of birthstones is not rooted in scientific fact. It does not stem from the field of gemological science but rather from cultural beliefs and historical traditions. Nonetheless, birthstones hold a significant place in popular culture, and many people are drawn to their meaning and symbolism. Below, we share the results of our research to provide you with the most comprehensive and accurate descriptions of birthstones across different cultures and timelines.

Introduction to Birthstones

What is a Birthstone?

A birthstone is a gemstone associated with a person’s birth month, believed to hold special significance and power. These gemstones are often used as symbols of personality, destiny, and protection. Over the centuries, various cultures have developed birthstone traditions, leading to different lists of birthstones that reflect cultural preferences and historical changes.

Assignment of Birthstones

Birthstones are typically assigned according to the month of birth, and modern lists incorporate traditions from different cultures, including Western and Eastern beliefs. Each month has specific stones associated with it, and while these associations have evolved, the essence of birthstones remains deeply connected to heritage and symbolism.

Western Customs

Origins of Western Birthstones

The use of birthstones has its roots in ancient texts and religious traditions. The Jewish historian Flavius Josephus, writing in the first century, believed there was a connection between the twelve stones set in Aaron’s breastplate, as described in the Book of Exodus, and the twelve months of the year, as well as the twelve signs of the zodiac. These stones were believed to correspond to the twelve tribes of Israel.

Interpretations of the Breastplate

However, the interpretation of the passage regarding Aaron’s breastplate has varied greatly over the centuries. Even Josephus himself provided two different lists for the twelve stones. Later, St. Jerome, another prominent historical figure, drew from Josephus’ writings to link these stones with the Foundation Stones of the New Jerusalem, making them appropriate symbols for Christians.

Association with Apostles

By the eighth and ninth centuries, religious treatises emerged that began associating each of the apostles with a specific gemstone, suggesting that these stones could represent their virtue. It became customary to keep twelve different stones and wear one each month.

Modern Adoption of Birthstones

The practice of wearing just one birthstone, however, is a more recent phenomenon, dating back only a few centuries. There is no universal agreement on when exactly this custom began, but some scholars, including George Frederick Kunz, trace its origins to 18th-century Poland. On the other hand, the Gemological Institute of America suggests that this tradition began in 16th-century Germany.

Modern Birthstone Lists

Interestingly, the lists of birthstones that we see today are not closely linked to either the breastplate of Aaron or the Foundation Stones. Instead, modern birthstone lists have largely been shaped by tastes, customs, and the commercial interests of the jewelry industry, often far removed from the historical and religious contexts that first inspired them. One prominent critic, George Frederick Kunz, famously referred to the 1912 Kansas list as “nothing but a piece of unfounded salesmanship.”

Traditional Birthstones

Cultural Heritage and Symbolism

Traditional birthstones are based on historical societies’ choices and preferences. These stones often reflect the values, symbolism, and beliefs of different cultures. In English-speaking societies, there are poems and verses that associate each month with a specific gemstone. These verses reflect a cultural heritage that assigns attributes and virtues to each birthstone, emphasizing the role of gemstones in daily life and belief systems.

Evolution of Traditional Birthstones

The table below provides details of traditional and modern birthstones, showing the evolution of these lists from ancient times to modern-day commercial choices. This includes not only the stones popular in different regions but also variations that have emerged over time due to cultural influences and reinterpretations.

Gemstones and Good Fortune

The tradition of linking each gemstone to a month has developed into the practice we know today, where specific gemstones are said to bring good fortune, health, or protection to those born under them.

Modern Birthstones

Standardization of Birthstones

In 1912, an effort was made by the American National Association of Jewelers, now known as Jewelers of America, to standardize the list of birthstones. This standardization led to an official list, which has since become widely accepted, especially in the United States. This list was further updated in 1952 when the Jewelry Industry Council of America introduced a few new additions, such as Alexandrite for June, citrine for November, and pink tourmaline for October.

Further Updates

Additional changes included replacing December’s lapis lazuli with zircon and changing the primary and alternative gemstones for March. Later, in 2002, tanzanite was also added as a December birthstone. Most recently, in 2016, the American Gem Trade Association and Jewelers of America added spinel as an additional birthstone for August.

British Standardization

Britain’s National Association of Goldsmiths also issued a standardized list of birthstones in 1937. While these lists vary slightly depending on the region, they share the common goal of associating each birth month with a specific gemstone, offering individuals a connection to their birthstone’s perceived qualities and energy.

Eastern Traditions

Astrological Birthstones

Eastern cultures have their own approach to birthstones, associating gemstones with celestial bodies rather than individual birth months. In this tradition, astrology is used to determine the most appropriate gemstones for a person, with the belief that certain gemstones align with the cosmic energies present at the time of birth.

Hindu Navagraha

For example, in Hinduism, there is the concept of the Navagraha, which refers to nine celestial forces, including planets, the sun, and the moon. These forces are represented by nine gemstones known as Navaratna (“nine gems”). The placement of these celestial bodies at the time of birth is believed to influence one’s destiny, and wearing certain gemstones can help align oneself with beneficial cosmic influences while warding off negative energies.

Birthstones by Cultures

Differences in Birthstone Assignments

Different cultures have historically had different gemstones associated with birth months, and these have been influenced by various religious, historical, and astrological beliefs. Below is a detailed table showing the differences in birthstone assignments across different time periods and geographical areas.

Month	15th – 20th century	U.S. (1912)	U.S. (2016)	Britain (2013)
January	garnet	garnet	garnet	garnet
February	amethyst, hyacinth, pearl	amethyst	amethyst	amethyst
March	bloodstone, jasper	bloodstone, aquamarine	aquamarine, bloodstone	aquamarine, bloodstone
April	diamond, sapphire	diamond	diamond	diamond, rock crystal
May	emerald, agate	emerald	emerald	emerald, chrysoprase
June	cat’s eye, turquoise, agate	pearl, moonstone	pearl, moonstone, alexandrite	pearl, moonstone
July	turquoise, onyx	ruby	ruby	ruby, carnelian
August	sardonyx, carnelian,moonstone, topaz	sardonyx, peridot	peridot, spinel	peridot, sardonyx
September	chrysolite	sapphire	sapphire	sapphire, lapis lazuli
October	opal, aquamarine	opal, tourmaline	opal, tourmaline	opal
November	topaz, pearl	topaz	topaz, citrine	topaz, citrine
December	bloodstone, ruby	turquoise, lapis lazuli	turquoise, zircon, tanzanite	tanzanite, turquoise

Importance of Birthstones

Cultural and Historical Significance

Birthstones remain a captivating topic for many, connecting people to the ancient past through cultural traditions and beliefs. Whether based on Western customs, modern updates, or Eastern astrological influences, birthstones continue to hold value, both aesthetically and symbolically, for people around the world.

Modern-Day Interpretations

Understanding birthstones requires acknowledging the blend of historical, cultural, and even commercial influences that have shaped the lists we know today. Though not scientifically proven, birthstones are a cherished part of human tradition, and they offer a unique glimpse into how gemstones can be used to represent identity, personality, and hope.