Birthstones

Certain gemstones are associated with particular months of the year and considered lucky to people born in those months. Some attribute the origin of the tradition of birthstones to the 12-jewelled breastplate, a vestment worn in ancient times, of Aaron, the brother of Moses. Myths and superstitions gradually grew around the stones and symbolic meanings or virtues were eventually ascribed to them.

The first record of wearing stones of the month was in Poland in the 18th century when they were worn to keep illness away. Only later was the mystic bond between the stone of the month and persons born in that month fully realised.

The varied interpretations of the identity of the original twelve stones and substitutions by different cultures and races over the centuries has resulted in a number of versions of the stones assigned to each month.

Following is a list of what are believed to be the ancient birthstones and the modern version together with their symbolic meanings.