Many gem scholars believe that the traditional astrological concept of birthstone gems is one that dates back to the Bible, and in particular the Breastplate of Aaron. Aaron, often known as “Aaron the Priest”, was the brother of Moses, a prophet and the first High Priest of the Israelites.
The Breastplate was a ceremonial religious garment set with twelve gemstones that represented the twelve tribes of Israel.
The twelve jewels in the breastplate were each, according to the Biblical description, to be made from specific minerals, none of them the same as another, and each of them representative of a specific tribe, whose name was to be inscribed on the stone.
A detailed description can be found in the Book of Exodus, a text probably based on ancient oral tradition and written down in stages between around 600 and 400BC.
The majority of studies seem to suggest that original 12 gems would have translated today as Carnelian, Peridot, Emerald, Garnet, Lapis Lazuli, Quartz, Yellow Zircon, Banded Agate, Amethyst, Citrine, Onyx & Green Jasper.
In Western society today, ‘birthstones’ are the only ancient tradition still commonly associated with gems. Modern lists of ‘birthstones’ vary from country to country and can often differ considerably from those used in the past.
What are the Birthstones for each Month?
What does your birthstone mean? Myth, Legend & History:
Traditions have grown around gemstones for thousands of years, with all manner of health-giving and other properties attributed to them. Each birthstone has its own history, meanings, holistic properties, and myths.
- January – Faith, Eternity and Truth
- February – Honesty, Wisdom and Calmness
- March – Happiness and Understanding
- April – Eternity, Courage and Health
- May – Fidelity, Goodness and Love
- June – Peace, Nobility and Beauty
- July – Love, Enthusiasm and Strength
- August – Success, Peace and Love
- September – Serenity and Truth
- October – Purity, Hope, Health
- November – Wisdom, Courage and Sincerity
- December – Love, Happiness and Luck
Are Zodiac Stones the same as Birthstones?
It wasn’t until the 18th century in Poland, that there’s any documentation of people actually wearing birth stones or zodiac stones. People wore or carried gems at first for their therapeutic and medicinal purposes. These properties were then associated with characteristics of the zodiac, making them talismans for those born in the same months.
JANUARY: GARNET
January's gemstone is garnet. Garnet is most commonly found in a reddish color, but can also be orange, purple, green, or yellow. Garnet was once thought to symbolize protection over the wearer.
Today, Garnet is said to help with passion for daily activities. Not only that, it can help increase levels of happiness in everyday life.
The zodiac sign of Capricorn includes people born from December 22nd to January 20th. The Capricorn birthstone is a ruby that symbolizes liveliness and protection over the wearer.
FEBRUARY: AMETHYST
February's stone is an amethyst. Considered a semi-precious stone, Amethyst is most commonly a vibrant or pale shade of purple and comes from a specific variety of quartz. Amethyst symbolizes the healing of old wounds, mental clarity for daily tasks, and royalty.
The zodiac sign Aquarius includes people born from January 21st to February 19th. The Aquarius birthstone is represented by a garnet.
MARCH: AQUAMARINE
March's stone is an aquamarine. Aquamarine is a member of the beryl family and is light blue and green due to its similar color to seawater. In the past, aquamarine was thought to protect the wearer at sea. Today, however, aquamarine symbolizes intellect and stability within one's marriage.
The aquamarine isn't used as a zodiac gemstone. The Pisces zodiac sign includes people born from February 20th to March 20th. The Pisces birthstone is represented by the amethyst, symbolizing calm, tranquility and rejuvenation.
APRIL: WHITE SAPPHIRE
April's stone is a diamond. Diamonds are extremely durable gemstones that offer both strength and beauty. A diamond is the most popular ring stone choice. Diamonds represent not only a strong bond of love but also the longevity of a relationship.
The diamond isn’t used as a zodiac gemstone. The bloodstone, or heliotrope, is the Aries birthstone including people born from March 21 to April 20.
MAY: EMERALD
May's stone is an emerald. An emerald is a dark green color that may have a slight undertone of blue. Emerald jewelry symbolizes healing, higher intelligence, and kindness. In the past, an emerald was thought to allow the wearer to predict the future.
The zodiac sign Taurus represents people born from April 21st to May 21st. The Taurus birthstone is a sapphire that helps the wearer with self-expression and truth.
JUNE: MOONSTONE
June's stone was once the alexandrite, however, it has since been changed to the pearl. The pearl is usually white in color and symbolizes wisdom, purity, or honesty. The flawless surface of natural pearls makes for a great centerpiece for necklaces and earrings, and pearl jewelry has remained one of the most popular jewelry styles for decades!
The zodiac sign Gemini is for people born from May 22nd to June 21st. The Gemini birthstone is an Agate, symbolic of stability.
JULY: RUBY
July's stone is a ruby. Ruby’s are red in color and were once thought to increase the strength and stamina of a warrior. Since then, rubies are said to help calm one's anger in stressful situations as well as to protect the wearer from harm.
The Cancer zodiac sign is for birthdays from June 22nd to July 22nd. The Cancer birthstone is an emerald symbolic of love, affection, and kindness.
AUGUST: PERIDOT
August's stone is peridot. The peridot is always greenish in color but may feature in different shades of green. In ancient times the peridot was thought to share powers with the sun, therefore protecting the wearer at night.
The zodiac sign of Leo represents people born from July 23rd to August 22nd. The Leo birthstone is an Onyx and symbolizes strength and staying calm under pressure.
SEPTEMBER: BLUE SAPPHIRE
September's stone is a sapphire. The sapphire can be found in a variety of colors such as; red, green, blue, and many more. Sapphires will be marketed with a color prior to the word sapphire in order to denote the color (i.e. a green sapphire). If no color precedes the word sapphire, the sapphire will most likely be blue.
Sapphire helps to protect the wearer from harm or envy.
The zodiac sign Virgo celebrates people whose birthdays fall between August 23rd and September 23rd. The Virgo Birthstone is Carnelian, symbolic of passion or confidence during an important event.
OCTOBER: OPAL
October's stone is opal. Opal features brief flashes of numerous brilliant colors as the light hits the stone in different directions. The opal signifies good luck and truth. It is rumored to have certain healing properties.
The zodiac sign of Libra is representative of people born from September 24th to October 23rd. The Libra birthstone is the peridot and represents the purpose and the radiance of the wearer.
NOVEMBER: CITRINE
November's stone is a citrine. Citrine is a pale yellow or red-orange type of crystalline quartz and is a very rare stone to find in nature. Citrine is used to celebrate a couple's thirteenth anniversary. The citrine is symbolic of happiness, and healing, and is thought to bring relief.
The zodiac sign of Scorpio features birthdays for people born from October 24th to November 22nd. The Scorpio birthstone is a topaz symbolizing intellect and power.
DECEMBER: BLUE TOPAZ
December's stone is the blue topaz. The blue topaz is pale or colorless blue and is relatively inexpensive compared to some of the other stones on this list. Blue topaz is similar to aquamarine in its color. Topaz is associated with the bringing in of wealth.
The zodiac sign Sagittarius is for birthdays between November 23rd to December 21st. The Sagittarius birthstone is turquoise and is associated with good fortune and security.
So, what are you waiting for? Go out and find a piece of birthstone jewellery that speaks to you! If you want to find the birthstone jewellery for women you can click this link to view our unique Birthstone Collection. We work with the most talented designers to craft exquisite jewelry pieces that you will fall in love with. Visit LULUONLY online shop to buy birthstone jewellery online and share this page with your friends.
