Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-10-20

.OR several months the trade papers
of the jewelers. have been discuss
ing birthstones. There has been Sc
rious diversion of opinion. because it is
a asserted that some jewelers. have been
changing the accepted stones and months
SO as to get rid of overstock of goods
in which there may be more profit than
in others.
John A. Abel of New York city took
this matter up at the national conven-
ton of jewelers. in Kansas City. and in
his speech set forth what is said to be the
authoritative word on this subject.
=
Mr.. Abel said:
1.-The High Priest Aaron carried on
his body when leading his hosts breast
plate about eight inches square set with
twelve different gems. each gem repre-
senting one of the twelve tribes of Israel,
the name of each tribe inscribed on the
surface of each stone. The splendor Of
the shining rays emanating from these
gems gave the Israelites confidence and
courage. making them fearless in their
battles This. no doubt. was the beginning
Of the belief in the power of gems.
For January the proper gem is garnet,
named from Granatica. Its prevailing
popular color is a brownish red. One Of
its attributes is that it brought sleep to
those subject to insomnia, riches, honor,
great wisdom, constancy, fidelity in every
engagement. drove away the plague and
evil spirits. 1t is classed as q semi
precious gem of the beryl family.
For February is the amethyst, a truly
beautiful gem. some of the light pale
ers that are livid with red and purple
fire come from North Carolina and ST.
IBERIA The ancient Romans believed that
he or she who drank wine from a cup or
goblet made Of this gem could not become
intoxicated.
For March the bloodstone is the SYM
boil of wisdom and courage, producing
firmness in affection. Many interesting
legends relating to it are written. 1t is
a dark green quartz with small red spots
of jasper diffused through 1t; is opaque.
usually cut en- cabochon. Or rounding top
with fiat back. 1t is largely mined in In
dia A superstitious belief existed that
the red spots were caused by drops of
blood falling from spear wound In
the body of Christ while on the cross
which fell on a piece of green jasper
For April Is the king of all gems. the
diamond. mined almost entirely in Africa.
Always increasing in value. it is COM
posed Of pure carbon. It lasts and lives
forever. 1t is the most sought-after gem
in all the world. The Romans believed
that II a diamond were worn on the left
arm so that it toukhed the skin it made
them fearless.
For May the accepted gem is the emer-
aid, of the same general composition as
the aquamarine The best specimens are
mined at Muse, Colombia, South America.
1t is believed to be a strengthened Of the
eye. Ancients never tired of looking at
glass. the lens made of emerald, through
which he viewed the mortal combats of
the gladiators. This gem discovers false
friends and insures true love.
For June Is the pearl, the queen of all
gems 1t is composed of lime. From the
most remote times it was accepted as the
richest Of gifts. The olden Chinese used
them as medicine for diseases Of the
blood. Cleopatra, in order to show her
contempt for money. and to outshine
others in her lavish wastefulness in those
her magnificent large pearl earrings. dis
solved and swallowed it. That pair of
pearls was said to be worth at that time
$500. 900. Perhaps the present value would
be 81 O0O. 600 The Romans wore pea rls
even down to their shoes.
For July Is the glowing ruby or red
sapphire. 1t denotes love or q loving dis
position. An old belief was that this gem
caused one to discover presence Of poi