Birthstones
Origin of the use of birthstones.
Different stories are circulating about the origins of the use of birthstones. According to some, it originated because the Jewish historian Josephus in the first century of our era, believed that there was a connection between the twelve months of the year, the twelve signs of the zodiac and the twelve stones in the breastplate of Aäron (book Exodus ). George Frederick Kunz, a well-known American mineralogist and mineral collector, argued that the use had originated in Poland of the 18th century, while the Gemological Institute of America states that it originated in the 16th century in Germany.
Traditional birthstones.
Traditional birthstones come from old stories and customs and can often be traced back to the Polish tradition. Legends assign special powers to an piece of jewelry with the right birthstone. In 1870 Tiffany and Co published the Gregorian birth poems of an unknown author about the use of traditional birthstones. The relevant Gregorian birth poem is included in the overview of the birthstones per month.
Different stories are circulating about the origins of the use of birthstones. According to some, it originated because the Jewish historian Josephus in the first century of our era, believed that there was a connection between the twelve months of the year, the twelve signs of the zodiac and the twelve stones in the breastplate of Aäron (book Exodus ). George Frederick Kunz, a well-known American mineralogist and mineral collector, argued that the use had originated in Poland of the 18th century, while the Gemological Institute of America states that it originated in the 16th century in Germany.
Traditional birthstones.
Traditional birthstones come from old stories and customs and can often be traced back to the Polish tradition. Legends assign special powers to an piece of jewelry with the right birthstone. In 1870 Tiffany and Co published the Gregorian birth poems of an unknown author about the use of traditional birthstones. The relevant Gregorian birth poem is included in the overview of the birthstones per month.
Modern birthstones
The current list of used birthstones is a combination of traditional birthstones and additions based on taste and customs. In 1912 an attempt was made by the American National Association of Jewelers to make a standard list. In the meantime, several additions have been made to this list. In 1937 the National Association of Goldsmiths in the UK made their own list.
Adamast uses both the list of traditional and modern birthstones and indicates whether a birthstone is seen as traditional.
The current list of used birthstones is a combination of traditional birthstones and additions based on taste and customs. In 1912 an attempt was made by the American National Association of Jewelers to make a standard list. In the meantime, several additions have been made to this list. In 1937 the National Association of Goldsmiths in the UK made their own list.
Adamast uses both the list of traditional and modern birthstones and indicates whether a birthstone is seen as traditional.
January
By her who in this month (January) is born,
No gem save garnets should be worn;
They will ensure her constancy, True friendship, and fidelity.
They will ensure her constancy, True friendship, and fidelity.
Garnet (traditional)
February
The February-born shall find,
Sincerity and peace of mind;
Freedom from passion and from care, If they an amethyst will wear.
Freedom from passion and from care, If they an amethyst will wear.
Amethyst (traditional), Pearl (traditional), Zircon (traditional)
March
Who in this world of ours their eyes,
In March first open shall be wise;
In days of peril firm and brave, And wear a bloodstone to their grave.
In days of peril firm and brave, And wear a bloodstone to their grave.
Bloodstone (traditional), Jasper (traditional), Aquamarine
April
She who from April dates her years,
Diamonds shall wear, lest bitter tears;
For vain repentance flow; this stone, Emblem of innocence, is known.
For vain repentance flow; this stone, Emblem of innocence, is known.
Diamond (traditional), Sapphire (traditional), Rock crystal
May
Who first beholds the light of day,
In spring's sweet flowery month of May;
And wears an emerald all her life, Shall be a loved and happy wife.
And wears an emerald all her life, Shall be a loved and happy wife.
Agate (traditional), Emerald (traditional), Chrysoprase
June
Who comes with summer to this earth,
And owes to June her hour of birth;
With ring of agate on her hand, Can health, wealth, and long life command.
With ring of agate on her hand, Can health, wealth, and long life command.
Agate (traditional), Cat eyes (traditional), Turquoise (traditional), Alexandrite, Moonstone, Pearl
July
The glowing ruby shall adorn,
Those who in July are born;
Then they'll be exempt and free, From love's doubts and anxiety.
Then they'll be exempt and free, From love's doubts and anxiety.
Onyx (traditional), Ruby (traditional), Turquoise (traditional), Carnelian
August
Wear a sardonyx or for thee,
No conjugal felicity;
The August-born without this stone, `Tis said, must live unloved and lone.
The August-born without this stone, `Tis said, must live unloved and lone.
Carnelian (traditional), Moonstone (traditional), Topaz (traditional), Peridot, Spinel
September
A maiden born when September leaves,
Are rustling in September's breeze;
A sapphire on her brow should bind, `Twill cure diseases of the mind.
A sapphire on her brow should bind, `Twill cure diseases of the mind.
Peridot (traditional), Sapphire (traditional), Lapis Lazuli
October
October's child is born for woe,
And life's vicissitudes must know;
But lay an opal on her breast, And hope will lull those woes to rest.
But lay an opal on her breast, And hope will lull those woes to rest.
Opal (traditional), Aquamarine (traditional), Rose quartz, Tourmaline
November
Who first comes to this world below,
With drear November's fog and snow;
Should prize the topaz's amber hue, Emblem of friends and lovers true.
Should prize the topaz's amber hue, Emblem of friends and lovers true.
Topaz (traditional), Pearl (traditional), Citrine
December
If cold December gave you birth,
The month of snow and ice and mirth;
Place on your hand a turquoise blue, Success will bless whate'er you do.
Place on your hand a turquoise blue, Success will bless whate'er you do.
Bloodstone (traditional), Ruby (traditional), Turquoise (traditional), Blue Topaz, Lapis Lazuli, Tanzanite, Zircon
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