Birthstone
Origin & History
Book of Exodus Theory
In the Book of Exodus 28:17-21, it describes the breastplate of judgment worn by Aaron, the first high priest of the Israelites, which was to contain 12 precious stones. These stones represented the 12 tribes of Israel, each engraved with a tribal name. The first row contained carnelian, chrysolite and beryl; the second row turquoise, lapis lazuli and emerald; the third row jacinth, agate and amethyst; the fourth row topaz, onyx and jasper.
Babylonian Astrology Theory
The first historical appearance of 12 gemstones dates back to the Babylonian Empire. In Babylonian astrology, 12 zodiac signs were established, each assigned a guardian stone. This tradition was later incorporated into Jewish culture and combined with biblical accounts to form the concept of birthstones. The Jewish historian Josephus, in the first century CE, noted the connection between the 12 stones in Aaron's breastplate, the 12 months of the year, and the 12 zodiac signs.
Establishment of Modern Birthstone System
The custom of wearing birthstones began in 18th century Poland and was spread by Jewish merchants. Initially, people owned all 12 stones and wore different ones each month. The modern practice of wearing one's birth month stone began in 16th century Germany or Poland. In 1912, the American National Association of Jewelers (now Jewelers of America) officially established birthstones, which were revised in 1952 to become the current standard. Japan established its birthstones in 1958 through the National Jewelry Wholesalers Cooperative, adding coral and jade, and in 2021 made its first revision in 63 years, adding 10 new gemstones.
Monthly Information
January
Garnet
January's birthstone with deep crimson brilliance, symbolizing love, friendship, and passion.
February
Amethyst
February's birthstone with noble purple brilliance, symbolizing peace of mind and sincerity.
March
Aquamarine
March's birthstone with transparent sea-blue color, symbolizing courage and wisdom.
Coral
Organic gemstone embodying ocean's life force, Japan's unique March birthstone symbolizing protection and health.
Bloodstone
Mystical stone with blood-like red spots on deep green, March birthstone symbolizing courage and vitality.
Iolite
Stone with beautiful violet shine, March birthstone symbolizing guidance and sincerity.
April
Diamond
April's birthstone, the hardest natural material on Earth, symbolizing eternal love and bonds.
Morganite
April birthstone with gentle pink radiance, symbolizing love and kindness.
May
Emerald
May's birthstone, one of the world's three great gems with vibrant green brilliance, symbolizing happiness and hope.
Jade
May birthstone selected as Japan's national stone, beautiful green gem symbolizing fortune and harmony.
June
Pearl
June birthstone, organic gem long loved as ocean's treasure, symbolizing purity and elegance.
Moonstone
June birthstone with mystical shine like moonlight, symbolizing love and intuition.
Alexandrite
June birthstone, rare gem that changes color with light, symbolizing change and fortune.
July
Ruby
July's birthstone harboring passionate red flames, the queen of gems symbolizing victory and love.
Sphene
July's new birthstone with rainbow brilliance surpassing diamond, a rare gem symbolizing talent development.
August
Peridot
August's birthstone with beautiful olive-green brilliance, beloved since ancient times as the sun's stone.
Sardonyx
August's traditional birthstone with beautiful reddish-brown and white bands, symbolizing marital harmony.
Spinel
August's new birthstone with diverse colors, an attractive gem symbolizing goal achievement and vitality.
September
Sapphire
September's birthstone with noble blue brilliance, heavenly gem symbolizing sincerity and benevolence.
Kunzite
September's new birthstone with gentle lilac-pink brilliance, stone of love symbolizing unconditional love and purity.
October
Opal
October's traditional birthstone with rainbow play-of-color, a mystical gem symbolizing fortune and hope.
Tourmaline
October's birthstone called 'stone of mixed colors' with diverse hues, electric stone symbolizing hope and friendship.
November
Topaz
November's traditional birthstone symbolizing friendship and sincerity, fortunate gem with abundant colors and excellent clarity.
Citrine
November's birthstone with beautiful yellow color symbolizing the sun, prosperity gem bringing business success and financial fortune.
December
Turquoise
December's traditional birthstone with beautiful sky-blue color, sacred gem symbolizing success and travel safety.
Tanzanite
December's new birthstone with mystical blue-purple brilliance, rare gem symbolizing nobility and composure.
Lapis Lazuli
December's traditional birthstone with deep blue color and golden flecks, sacred gem symbolizing heaven and bringing truth and wisdom.
Zircon
December's new birthstone with diamond-like brilliance, Earth's oldest mineral bringing peace and vitality.