Birthstones are a fascinating aspect of modern-day jewellery, and their history and symbolism go back thousands of years. These gemstones are often chosen for their beauty, rarity, and value, but they also have a deeper meaning based on ancient beliefs and cultural traditions. In this blog post, we will explore the history and symbolism of birthstones and their significance in modern times.
The concept of birthstones can be traced back to the Bible, where the breastplate of Aaron was said to be adorned with 12 different precious stones, each representing one of the 12 tribes of Israel. Over time, these stones became associated with the 12 months of the year, and people began wearing them as a talisman for good luck and protection.
The first official list of birthstones was created in 1912 by the National Association of Jewellers in the United States. Since then, various countries and cultures have developed their own lists of birthstones, often with variations in the stones chosen and the meanings attributed to them.
Here is a brief overview of the birthstones for each month and their symbolism:
January - Garnet: Symbolises friendship, loyalty, and trust. It is also believed to have healing properties for the heart, blood, and lungs.
February - Amethyst: Represents clarity of mind, inner strength, and spiritual awareness. It is said to promote calmness and emotional balance.
March - Aquamarine: Symbolises serenity, courage, and clarity. It is also believed to have a soothing effect on the mind and body.
April - Diamond: Represents purity, strength, and eternal love. It is also said to have healing properties for the eyes and brain.
May - Emerald: Symbolises rebirth, growth, and prosperity. It is believed to promote harmony, balance, and healing.
June - Pearl or Alexandrite: Pearl symbolises purity, innocence, and wisdom, while Alexandrite represents creativity, imagination, and transformation.
July - Ruby: Represents passion, courage, and love. It is said to have protective properties against negative energy.
August - Peridot: Symbolises happiness, prosperity, and well-being. It is believed to have healing properties for the heart, liver, and eyes.
September - Sapphire: Represents wisdom, truth, and purity. It is also said to have healing properties for the nervous system and endocrine system.
October - Opal or Tourmaline: Opal symbolises creativity, inspiration, and imagination, while Tourmaline represents strength, courage, and vitality.
November - Citrine or Topaz: Citrine symbolises happiness, success, and abundance, while Topaz represents strength, protection, and healing.
December - Turquoise or Tanzanite: Turquoise symbolises protection, healing, and communication, while Tanzanite represents spiritual awareness, creativity, and intuition.
In conclusion, birthstones are more than just pretty gems. They have a rich history and symbolism that connects us to our past and our cultural heritage. Whether you wear your birthstone as a personal talisman or simply appreciate its beauty and significance, it is a reminder of the power and mystery of the natural world and the wonders of the universe.
