Birthstones and the Zodiac.
Modern Birthstone jewellery has been popular for decades. It makes wonderful gifts with added sentiment and a personal touch. Have you ever wondered where and when this tradition began?
No one quite agrees on where this tradition started. The most popular belief among scholars, historians and jewellers is that the idea of birthstones and the zodiac has its roots in biblical times and the Book of Exodus. Aaron, brother of Moses, wore a breastplate adorned with twelve different stones. Again, no one can quite agree on what stones were used, but they were believed to hold great power and have mystical properties. Some of these stones were thought to have been (but not agreed upon) Sapphire, Ruby, Beryl and Amethyst.
The Book Of Exodus.
It wasn’t until about 500 years after it was described in the Book of Exodus that a connection between the twelve stones of the breastplate, the twelve months of the year and the twelve signs of the zodiac was made. People would collect all of the stones and wear them on belts, bracelets or necklaces. The modern tradition of only wearing one stone for your month of birth began in the 16th century in either Germany or Poland. Again, this is up for debate!
Historic Meanings.
Many myths and legends have been associated with birthstones throughout history. Different cultures across the globe believe that gemstones have healing powers or bring good luck. Examples of this still being practised today are with crystal healers or in the Chinese culture, where Jade is revered as being lucky. These practices have been related to birthstones, and it is said that wearing the corresponding stone to the correct month will enhance its power. As not all cultures have agreed on what gemstone goes with what month, you will find that there are different lists of birthstones that have been used over time.
Modern Fashion.
More recently, different birthstones have gone in and out of fashion. What we now call the “modern list” of birthstones was established in 1912 by the National Association of Jewellers. It combined the gemstones that had been used historically and also more popular gems that were more easily obtainable for jewellers to sell. This list was then updated again in 1952 by the Jewellery Industry Council of America, adding Citrine to November and swapping March’s traditional Bloodstone for Aquamarine. In 2002, the very popular Tanzanite was added as the December birthstone.
In 1937 Britain’s National Association of Goldsmiths also agreed on their standardised list of Birthstones. Traditional and modern lists are still widely used, as well as alternative lists based on your zodiac sign, different guardian angels or seasons.
We follow the modern List of Birthstones, giving the traditional as an option when relevant. We offer a beautiful selection of birthstone jewellery, along with zodiac pendants and a brand-new range of constellation pendants.
JANUARY – Garnet is the birthstone for January the zodiac signs are Capricorn (Dec 22nd to Jan 19th) and Aquarious (January 20th to February 19th)
If you would like to find out more about Garnets and what they represent, click here.
FEBRUARY – Amethyst is the birthstone for February and the zodiac signs are Aquarious (Jan 20th to Feb 18th) and Pisces (Feb 19th to March 20th)
If you would like to know more about the properties of Amethyst, click here.
MARCH – Aquamarine is the birthstone for March and the zodiac signs are Pisces (Feb 19th to March 20th) and Aries (March 21st to April 19th)
To learn more about Aquamarine and its properties, click here.
APRIL – Diamond is the birthstone for April and the zodiac signs are Aries (March 21st to April 19th) and Taurus (April 20th to May 20th)
If you would like to know more about Diamonds and what they represent, click here.
MAY – Emeralds are the birthstone for May and the zodiac signs are Taurus (April 20th to May 20th) and Gemini (May 21st to June 21st)
To learn more about the healing properties of Emeralds, click here.
JUNE – Pearl is the traditional birthstone for June and Moonstone is the Modern. The zodiac signs are Gemini (May 21st to June 21st) and Cancer (June 22nd to July 22nd)
To read more about Pearls and Moonstone, click here.
JULY – Ruby is the birthstone for July and the zodiac signs are Cancer (June 22nd to July 22nd) and Leo (July 23rd to August 22nd)
To learn more about Rubies and their attributes, click here.
AUGUST – Peridot is the birthstone for August and the zodiac signs are Leo (July 23rd to August 22nd) and Virgo (August 23rd to September 22nd)
To read more about Peridot, click here.
SEPTEMBER – Sapphire is the birthstone for September and the zodiac signs are Virgo (August 23rd to September 22nd) and Libra (September 23rd to October 23rd)
To learn more about the properties of Sapphires, click here.
OCTOBER – Opal is the birthstone for October and the zodiac signs are Libra (September 23rd to October 23rd) and Scorpio (October 24th to November 21st)
If you would like to learn more about Opals, click here.
NOVEMBER – Citrine is the traditional birthstone for November and Topaz is the modern. The zodiac signs are Scorpio (October 24th to November 21st) and Sagittarius (November 22nd to December 21st)
To learn more about Citrine and Topaz, click here.
DECEMBER – Turquoise is the traditional birthstone for December and Tanzanite is the Modern. The zodiac signs are Sagittarius (November 22nd to December 21st) and Capricorn (December 22nd to January 19th)
If you would like to know more about the properties of Turquoise and Tanzanite, click here.
If you are selecting a personal gift, or treating yourself to something with meaning, birthstone or zodiac jewellery is a thoughtful purchase. It shows that you have thought about the person and meaning to your gift giving. This will always make the receiver, even if that person is you, feel extra special with this century’s old tradition.
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