Over thousands of years, a tradition has developed, associating certain gemstones with times of the year. It is likely that pagan beliefs associated the time of year of a person’s birth with certain characteristics. Pagan cultures are ones in which the believers tend to be in tune with nature and the earth’s cycles and seasons. These pagan beliefs became incorporated into later religions including Judaism and Christianity.
ascribed to different months. It is thought that, originally, color was the major attribute which determined a person’s birthstone. During the 18th century, the connection between birthstones and particular months received a wave of popularity, and many different lists came into being. In 1937, the (British) National Association of Goldsmiths (N.A.G.), organized a uniform “official” list, which seems to have become, more or less, internationally recognized. Month Birthstone Alternatives January Garnet Dark Red February Amethyst Purple March Aquamarine Bloodstone April Diamond Rock Crystal May Emerald Chrysoprase June Pearl Moonstone July Ruby Carnelian, Onyx August Peridot Sardonyx September Sapphire Lapis Lazuli October Opal Tourmaline November Topaz Citrine December Turquoise |
Birthstones
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| MG-ClaireLise: Etched sterling locket with turquo ise and cultured pearls (top); sterling zoo animals with carnelian, smoky quartz and sunstone (right); sterling sunfish with aquamarine and cultured pearls (bottom); and sterling garden creatures with fluorite, rose quartz and tourmaline (left). |