Gems or Gemstones have long played a rich role in many cultures, religions, and mythologies. Most are probably familiar with the "official" US birthstone list, compiled by jewelers in 1912, but this is just the latest of ways that gems have been associated with lists.
Centuries before jewelers were thinking about gems commercially, astrologers were ascribing heavenly associations to them, Hindus were connecting them to the energy centers of the body.
The origin of the birthstone--denoting a specific gem to each month of the year--dates back to at least the first century. There is speculation that the twelve stones in the breastplate of the Jewish high priest may have had some bearing on the concept. Interpreters of the Bible's Book of Revelations, during the eighth and ninth centuries, began to ascribe to each of those gems attributes of the 12 apostles. Over the years, there have been many variations to this list.The list of Birthstones by Cultures:
The Modern Birthstone chart is the official birthstone list from the American National Association of Jewelers, Jewelers of America. These birthstones were officially adopted in 1912. In October 2002, this list was updated to include Tanzanite for December's birthstone by the American Gem Trade Assoc. (AGTA). In the US, this birthstone list is the accepted list.
The Traditional birthstones are older society-based birthstones. The Traditional birthstone list shows some societal birthstone traditions, many going back to the 15th century. Many stores combine this Traditional Birthstone list and the Modern Birthstone list.
The Mystical Birthstone chart was obtained from a Tibetan book said to be over a thousand years old. Legend has it that these birthstones really help one overcome the obstacles of their birth month.
The Ayurvedic Birthstone list is from Ayurvedic Indian Medicine - an ancient type of medicine used for at least a thousand years. If you want a healing gemstone, you may wish to consider one of these.
| Month | Modern Birthstone(s) | Traditional Birthstone(s) |
|---|---|---|
| January | Garnet | Garnet |
| February | Amethyst | Amethyst |
| March | Aquamarine | Bloodstone, Jasper |
| April | Diamond | Diamond, Sapphire |
| May | Emerald | Emerald, Agate |
| June | Moonstone, Pearl | Alexandrite, Emerald |
| July | Ruby | Ruby, Onyx |
| August | Peridot | Sardonyx, Carnelian |
| September | Sapphire | Sapphire, Peridot |
| October | Opal, Tourmaline | Tourmaline, Aquamarine |
| November | Topaz, Citrine | Citrine, Topaz |
| December | Turquoise, Blue Topaz | Zircon, Ruby |
| Month | Mystical Birthstone(s) | Ayurvedic Birthstone(s) |
|---|---|---|
| January | Emerald | Garnet |
| February | Bloodstone | Amethyst |
| March | Jade | Bloodstone |
| April | Opal | Diamond |
| May | Sapphire | Agate |
| June | Moonstone | Pearl |
| July | Ruby | Ruby |
| August | Diamond | Sapphire |
| September | Agate | Moonstone |
| October | Jasper | Opal |
| November | Pearl | Topaz |
| December | Onyx | Ruby |
info credit:
http://www.jewelrymall.com/birthstones.html#birthstone chart
http://www.myjewelz.com/birthstones.asp
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birthstones
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Birthstones
Here are the modern (listed first) and traditional birthstones, and in some cases their commonly recognized substitutes. Click on the month name or gemstone ...
March Birthstone - Tourmaline - June Birthstone - August Birthstone
http://www.galleries.com/minerals/birthsto.htm
Birthstones - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A birthstone is a gift of a precious material (jewelry, mainly gemstones; themselves traditionally associated with various qualities) that symbolizes the ...
Definition - List of birthstones - History of birthstones
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birthstones
Birthstones
Learn about your Birthstone: Modern, Traditional, Ayurvedic, and Mystical Birthstones. Find beautiful birthstone jewelry.
http://www.jewelrymall.com/birthstones.html#birthstone chart
About Birthstones
Do you know your Birthstone? Our birthstone chart lists birthstones by month for modern and other traditions.
http://www.gems4friends.com/birthstones.html
About Birthstones, Birthstone Jewelry, Birthstones for Each Month
Learn about the birthstones for each month amd where to buy jewelry, list of gemstones for each month, colors, pictures, and more!
http://www.about-birthstones.com/
