What is the birthstone for each month? | Reference.com What is the birthstone for each month? A: Quick Answer The birthstones by month, beginning with January, are: garnet, amethyst, aquamarine, diamond, emerald, pearl, ruby, peridot, sapphire, tourmaline, topaz and tanzanite. June, October, November and December have alternatives, which are: Alexandrite for June, opal for October, citrine for November, zircon and turquoise for December. Full Answer Birthstones are gems representing a certain month in the year, each also carrying a certain meaning that has evolved over time. Sometimes people use their birthstones as the preferred gemstone for jewelry that they wear. Each month could have more than one birthstone attached to it, with different countries having different ideas of what gems are birthstones. Modern birthstone lists differ quite widely from the original lists. Birthstones once held religious meaning in the Western hemisphere, and the Hindu text Mani Mala lists a similar set of gems with key differences associated with Eastern gemstones. One Hindu birthstone is a golden siva-linga, or lingam, which is associated with Hindu culture and religion.

The original Western association with the Foundation Stones of Christianity has since been lost, with some of the original stones changed. Some scholars who comment on the subject believe that the modern lists are a product of salesmanship, meant to sell gemstones as opposed to ascribe any meaning to them. Birthstone Origins March Birthstone Firstly, what are birthstones? Birthstones are gemstones that are usually held in the form of jewelry, such as rings, necklaces or pendants. They are precious or semi precious , with each birthstone representing a month, date, day of the week or zodiac sign, all depending on which birthstone chart or list you choose to consult (and there are a few!). Most commonly in the Western world a birthstone represents a month of the Gregorian calendar. What's the difference between a mineral and a gemstone? With the exception of a few organic gems , such as pearl , amber and coral , the majority of birthstones are minerals and it's interesting to see which minerals are classed as gems and which are not.

Minerals need to have four basic properties; they must be natural (not man-made), they must be solid (they don't melt or evaporate), they must be inorganic (as opposed to being carbon-based living things), and they must be crystalline (having a distinct arrangement of atoms). Now what makes a mineral a gem is far less to do with geology and more dependent on human belief and perception. Gems are basically materials that are considered precious and valuable because of their appearance, rarity, durability or due to certain cultural beliefs. Obviously, this can vary according to location, historical period and culture. Diamond June Birthstone The Western Birthstone Chart 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. Aaron's ceremonial breastplate is said to be the origin of birthstones; the plate held four rows of three precious stones, symbolizing the 12 months of the year and the 12 signs of the zodiac.

"There were twelve stones, one for each of the names of the sons of Israel, each engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes." (Exodus 28:17-20). The breastplate itself was said to be square, spanning 22 cm in length and width, and the 12 stones were mounted on a gold base, but the ordering and naming of the gems has always been under much debate and varies from translation to translation. This is also partly due to the fact that gemstones at the time didn't have specific names; they were usually named by their city or country of origin. The most common naming of the breastplate stones is as follows; the first row of stones from left to right were ruby , topaz and beryl ; the second row consisted of turquoise , sapphire , and emerald ; the third row was made up of jacinth, agate and amethyst stone; and in the fourth row were chrysolite , onyx and jasper . If we look at the New American Standard Bible reading of the breastplate we get a list that differs in places.

It describes the layout of the gemstones as follows: (Row 1) ruby, topaz, emerald; (Row 2) turquoise, sapphire, diamond; (Row 3) jacinth, agate, amethyst; (Row 4) beryl, onyx, jasper. The Modern Birthstone List was created by the American National Association of Jewelers, Jewelers of America and was officially taken up in 1912. Despite its controversy and being criticized by purists for moving and dropping some of the original gems, today it is most often seen as the definitive chart of astrological birthstones. September Birthstone Other Origins In the East there are other interpretations and listings of birthstones that don't relate to the biblical breastplate. Those are most notably the Mythical Birthstone List, which is of Tibetan origin and goes back well over one thousand years, and the Ayurvedic Birthstone List, which dates back to around 1500 BC and relates to Ayurvedic Indian medicine. Traditionally, people tended to wear their own birthstone, determined by their date of birth, with the belief that the birthstone bestowed a unique set of mental and medical advantages.

However, around the mid 15th century in Poland, the wearing of birthstones gained notable popularity. Tourmaline Gemstones/Birthstones - Max Gems Gemstones/Birthstones Gemstones/Birthstones Apart from the fascination that gemstones arouse objects of beauty and items of worth, they also have an aura of invisible powers. The passage of time has only fueled interest in the cosmic properties of these gemstones. What exactly are birthstones and how to identify good gemstones is a question that worries many an interested customer. Max Natural Gems feels it’s our responsibility to clear your doubts. The origins of birthstones go back in time, almost bordering the realms of antiquity. There are various theories in circulation about the concept of birthstones. Some cultures believe birthstones represent the twelve lost tribes of Israel. Others like the Hindus link birthstones to the zodiac and attribute specific cosmic benefits of each stone. Whatever be the rationale, many believe that wearing birthstones is a good way to attract positive energy and exude personal charisma. In the western hemisphere, the reference point for assigning specific gemstones as birthstones for particular months was synchronized to the Gregorian calendar.

With the discovery of new types of gemstones, more gemstones were added to the original list of birthstones. As a result you’ll find that some months have more than one birthstone. As with their origins, there are different theories on how to use birthstones and improve the quality of our lives. One school recommends that depending upon the month you were born you can wear the relevant birthstone on your person. According to the other school, one should wear the respective birthstone during the month for best results. Perhaps the best way to gain maximum benefits would be wear your personal birthstone throughout the year and change the remaining birthstones in tune with the current month! Our guide will provide you the basics on birthstones: January - Garnet Garnet is the birthstone for the month of January. The word garnet is derived from the Latin granatum or seed. An apt name considering the garnet has an uncanny resemblance to seeds of the pomegranate. This group of minerals occurs in myriad hues; from the deep red colored pyrope garnets to the brilliant greens of tsavorites. The best varieties of garnets come from India, Sri Lanka and African countries.

February - Amethyst An attractive combination of violet and red, amethyst is the birthstone for February. Believed to keep one alert and smart, this gemstone is found in the form of crystals within rocks. From ancient Greeks and Romans to medieval Europe, this purple colored quartz finds pride of place in the culture and legend of almost all civilizations across different eras. Brazil is the main source of amethyst while some of the best amethyst comes from Zambia. March - Aquamarine A blue tinted gemstone, aquamarine is the birthstone associated with the month of March. Deriving its name from the Latin aqua and marina (water and sea), aquamarine is believed to impart a sense of calm and serenity in those who wear it. A form of beryl found mostly in Brazil, aquamarine is also available in Pakistan, Madagascar, Nigeria, Zambia and Mozambique. March also has an alternate birthstone in bloodstone – opaque quartz that is dark green in color and dotted with red flecks. April - Diamond Diamonds are not only a girl’s best friend but also the birthstone for April. Prized for their unique sparkle and range of colors, diamonds are an extremely hard substance.

Formed by a combination of extremely high temperatures and pressure in the earth’s depths, diamonds symbolize loyalty and dedication. Available in different countries, the best varieties of diamond are usually those mined in Africa. May - Emerald Emerald signifying rebirth and a sense of revival is the birthstone for the month of May. Foresight, good luck and youth are the special gifts attributed to this green colored gemstone. Deriving its name from the Greek smaragdus or green, emeralds were supposed to be the favorite gemstones of the legendary Egyptian queen Cleopatra. A form of the mineral beryl, emerald gets its characteristic green tint on account of chromium and iron. The major producers of emerald are Afghanistan, Brazil, Colombia and Zambia. Since high-quality emeralds are extremely rare to find naturally, clarity is generally induced through various heat treatments. May also has an alternate birthstone in the form of chrysoprase or Australian Jade. June – Pearl, Alexandrite, Moonstone The mention of June brings to mind its primary birthstone, the pearl. The only gemstones that are harvested from live sea creatures, pearls are round gemstones that are created inside oysters.

These beautiful, round gemstones don’t require any kind of polishing or faceting to project their natural beauty. The vast majority of pearls available in the market are the cultured type, meaning they have been artificially conceived. Alexandrite is the second gemstone to be designated as a June birthstone. Named in honor of Russia’s Czar Alexander II, Alexandrite is a relatively new gemstone discovered in 1831. An extremely rare form of chrysoberyl, this gemstone has a propensity for changing colors like a chameleon. Alexandrite changes color from green in daylight to violet on exposure to incandescent light. It is extremely rare to find in its natural form, and so synthetic versions flood the market. Moonstone is the third birthstone for the month of June. Considered as bearers of good fortune, moonstones display ‘adularescence’ or a drifting play of light, similar to the earth’s moon. The gemstone is especially prized in India where it is accorded sacred status. Belonging to the feldspar family of minerals, moonstone occurs in colors ranging from green and blue to peach and champagne.

The best variety moonstones come from Sri Lanka while Australia, India, the U.S, Madagascar and Myanmar are major moonstone producing countries. July - Ruby Ruby – the red gemstone – rules the roost in July. Great magical powers were attributed to this ‘king of gems’ in ancient times. In terms of hardness, ruby ranks next only to diamond. The presence of chromium is responsible for the distinctive red color of rubies. The most valued among rubies is the Star Ruby. Carnelian is the alternate birthstone for July. This cryptocrystalline quartz varies in color from translucent orange to a reddish brown. August - Peridot Magical powers and the ability to ward off nightmares are some of the properties attributed to peridot. The birthstone of August is also supposed to impart power and influence to those who wear it. Formed in the depths of the earth, volcanic activity propels peridot to the surface. While it is the bright olive green and lime green hues of peridot that attract the most, the gemstone is also available in yellowish green and even brown variants.

A major part of peridot supplies to the gemstones market come from Arizona, Pakistan, Myanmar and China September - Sapphire Sapphire is a blue variety of the mineral corundum. The birthstone for September is supposed to protect the wearer from envy and trouble. While sapphires occur in a number of blue color tones, the most valued are the darker shades almost touching violet. The gemstone is mostly found in river gravel. The alternate birthstone for September is lapis lazuli, an attractive rock that is usually dark blue in color and has white calcite streaks or golden pyrites specks embedded in its structure. October – Opal, Tourmaline Opals, the birthstones for October are spherical gemstones prized in ancient times as a defense against evil powers. The opal was also believed to protect the eyesight. Composed of quartz and water, opals are radiant to the eye and range in color from a milky white to pitch black. Due to diffraction of light at different wavelengths, opals flash in prismatic colors like yellow, red, orange, green and blue. The second birthstone for October is Tourmaline.

This gemstone is available in a variety of colors, making it a favorite of jewelry designers and gem collectors alike. While these gemstones are available in combinations of two or more colors, tourmalines with clear color distinctions command a greater market value. Tourmaline is sourced from Afghanistan, Brazil, East African countries and the US. November – Topaz, Citrine and Zircon Topaz is one of the birthstones associated with November. This gemstone which comes in a variety of colors is often mistaken for yellow (citrine) and brown (smoky) quartz. Citrine, popular as the ‘healing quartz’, is also associated with November. The golden hued gemstone is believed to complement health and energy apart from promoting hope and enthusiasm in those who wear it. Abundantly available in nature, citrine is not very expensive in comparison to topaz. Spain, Bolivia and Brazil are the major exporters of citrine. December – Turquoise, Zircon, Tanzanite Turquoise the birthstone for December is available in different shades of blue. Its transparency varies from translucent to almost opaque. The gemstone is abundantly available and mostly used as beads, inlays and carvings.

Zircon is another gemstone that serves as birthstone for December. The word zircon is derived from the Arabic zar (gold) and gun (color) and is found extensively in Thailand, Kampuchea and Vietnam. Originally used for passing off as diamond to gullible buyers, zircon has earned itself the status of a bona fide gemstone. A relatively late entrant in the list of gemstones that double up as birthstones, tanzanite was discovered in Tanzania towards the end of the 1960s. Tanzanite is a later addition to the list of December birthstones. Much sought after for its luxuriant violet-blue color, tanzanite spans a range of colors from blue to purple. Since it costs less than sapphire, Tanzanite is often the choice of customers with budgetary limitations. On the strength of its distinctive beauty and radiance, tanzanite is steadily garnering a market of its own. As a one-stop shop for precious stones of all kinds, Max Natural Gems prides itself on the ability to advice clients on the nitty-gritty of choosing the right birthstones and sourcing them also.

Birthstones are a great gifting idea, especially to someone you really care about – and that includes yourself! Come to Max Natural Gems and we’ll take care of the rest. Do You Know Your Birthstone? What is your birthstone? Use this handy article to find out. Headless Pearls Photo by Kari Did you know that you have a personal connection to the Twelve Tribes of Israel? It's true, and it doesn't even matter if you're not Jewish! If you're scratching your head right about now, fear not, because we intend to make full disclosure. Here's how it works: whether you're aware of it or not, you've got a birthstone, based on the month in which you were born. That's not to say that anyone ever gave you such a stone, curse the luck; it's just that according to tradition, a specific precious or semiprecious stone is associated with your birth month. Mere semantics, you say? Perhaps, but to bring this all full circle, each month has a birth stone because the traditional birthstone gemstones were adopted from gems originally associated with the Twelve Tribes. Chalk up one more Jewish contribution to modern culture.

A stone of your own Let's take a look at the various birth stones, and their historical associations. Modern birth stones have changed quite a bit, so we'll indicate the new versions when necessary. January's stone was originally the hyacinth, a type of brown, red, or amber zircon associated with the Tribe of Dan. Modern folks are more likely to use garnets. February's stone, associated with the Tribe of Gad, was and remains the amethyst. March's stone was jasper, or bloodstone, and was associated with the Tribe of Benjamin. Nowadays, we prefer the aquamarine, a type of beryl that looks much better in promise rings and cuff links and doesn't have the word "blood" in it. April's ancient stone, associated with Issachar's Tribe, was the sapphire; the modern birth stone is diamond. For May, Western culture adopted the stone of the Tribe of Naphtali, which was agate; the modern stone is emerald. The Tribe of Levi (the traditional Jewish priests) contributed the emerald to June; modern June birthstones are moonstone, alexandrite or pearls. July was first represented the Tribe of Zebulon's stone, onyx.

Now we use the ruby. August's stone, which is now peridot, was originally the Tribe of Reuben's gemstone, carnelian (a banded stone similar to agate). September's original stone was the chrysolite of the Tribe of Asher; the modern birthstone is sapphire. Initially, October was associated with aquamarine, the beryl of Joseph's Tribe; however, this has been replaced by opal or tourmaline. Topaz, the gemstone that was historically associated with the Tribe of Simeon, remains November's birth stone. December's modern birthstone is now blue topaz or tanzanite, which wasn't even discovered until 1967. Traditionally, the Tribe of Judah used the ruby. So now you know Interestingly enough, not everyone agrees on modern birthstones, but the above list is the one most commonly cited for modern Western culture. Some of you might feel shortchanged because your stone is "merely" semiprecious, but that's no reason to change your official birthday.

Many of the semiprecious stones are as attractive (if not more so) than the full-fledged gemstones; agate, for example, is quite beautiful, and so is chrysolite. The only reason they're not considered precious is that they're more common than rubies or emeralds. Your Ultimate Guide to Understanding Birthstones and their Meaning December – Turquoise Why Are There Multiple Birthstones for Some Months? The modern American system of birthstones traces its roots back to the early twentieth century. In 1912 the National Association of Jewelers met in Kansas to officially adopt a birthstone list. This was an attempt both to standardize the birthstone system and to provide somewhat more affordable and readily available gemstones that could be purchased by everyday Americans. To this end some of the months were given multiple stones, with less expensive, more attainable options added in addition to the traditional or more expensive gemstones. In 1952 the Jewelry Industry Council met and further updated the list. Their updates included adding more gemstone options to some months, specifying the color of another, and completely replacing a few gemstones.

The most recent change to the American birthstone system came in October of 2002 when another stone option was added to December, giving that month three accepted birthstones. What Are the Modern Birthstones? The American Gem Society lists the following gemstones for each month: January – Garnet – The garnet is the lone official birthstone for January. It is said to signify eternal friendship and trust. As such it is a popular gift among friends. People often imagine garnets as red in color; however, the name “garnet” refers to a group of minerals that is available in a full variety of different colors. February – Amethyst – Like January, February has only one official gemstone and it is the amethyst. Amethysts are purple quartz and the are found throughout the world. Traditionally some of the finest amethyst was found in Russia and much royal European jewelry features this fine Russian amethyst. As such amethyst is typically associate with royalty. However, it is also said to keep its wearer clear-headed and quick-witted. Modern amethyst is often sourced in Brazil or Zambia. March – Chronologically, March is the first month to feature more than one official birthstone.

It includes both its older, traditional birthstone of bloodstone as well as aquamarine which is now often considered the more popular or primary birthstone. Aquamarine – Aquamarine is Latin for “water of the sea” is a bluish green or greenish blue variety of beryl. It is considered a tranquil gemstone which imbues the wearer with calmness and a levelhead. In earlier times it was thought to protect sailors and guarantee a safe voyage. Bloodstone – Bloodstone is a dark-green jasper which has flecks of blood-red spots on it. These blood-red spots are in fact deposits of iron oxide and the mineral type is heliotrope. Both the names “bloodstone” and “heliotrope” are commonly used for this stone. Bloodstone is also occasionally known as “martyr’s stone” which is due to the legend that bloodstone was created by drops of Christ’s blood staining jasper at the foot of the cross. In ancient times bloodstone was believed to have curative powers, especially for blood-related disorders. April – Diamond – April has traditionally been associated with diamonds, and this wildly popular gemstone continues to be its sole birthstone.

Diamonds are available in just about every color imaginable from the classic elegance of the clear or white diamond to the startling beauty of black diamonds. Diamonds are commonly associated with eternal love and commitment and they have become the primary, trademark stone of engagement rings. May – Emerald – May’s traditional birthstone is the emerald and continues to be that month’s sole birthstone. The emerald is a green stone which has been mined and cherished since antiquity. It is said to symbolize rebirth and to imbue its owner with youth, vitality, and good fortune. Modern emeralds are commonly sourced in Zambia, Brazil, Colombia, and Afghanistan. June – People born in June are fortunate enough to have three official options for their birthstone. Interestingly, none of these three gemstones are agate, which was the traditional gemstone listed in the poem published by Tiffany & Co. However, those with June birthdays are certainly not lacking in beautiful gemstone options. Pearl – Often considered to be June’s primary birthstone is the ever classic and appealing pearl. Pearls are in fact unique among gemstones because unlike all other gemstones they are actually formed from living creatures: clams.

Pearls are prized for their use in all sorts of jewelry, but are famously associated with the elegant pearl necklace. Alexandrite – Alexandrite is a relatively recently-discovered gemstone. It was first discovered in Russia in 1831. It takes its name from Czar Alexander II who was in power at the time of its discovery. One likely reason why Alexandrite was such a late addition to the gemstone roster is that it is extremely rare. Alexandrite also displays fascinating color properties. In daylight and fluorescent light this gemstone appears green, while in incandescent light it has a purplish red color. Due to its rareity it is frequently sold in its synthetic, man-made version. Moonstone – Moonstones were named by the Roman historian Pliny who contended that the stone changed in appearance with the phases of the moon. While this is not precisely correct, like Alexandrite, moonstones do indeed change visual properties in different light. They create an optical phenomena called adularescence which is a scattering of light that typically displays as either a multi-rayed star or a cat’s eye. This occurs because moonstones are formed from two varieties of feldspar that each react slightly differently to light.

Moonstones come in a variety of colors including blue, green, peach, and champagne. They are said to possess special properties which grant the wearer good fortune and they are considered a sacred stone in India. Moonstones can be sourced in India, Myanmar, Australia, Madagascar, and the United States. July – Ruby – July has long been associated with the ruby as its birthstone. Rubies are second only two diamonds in terms of their natural hardness and strength. This makes them extremely durable and ideal for daily wear. They are said to signify a variety of very possitive traits include wealth, wisdom, health, and success in love. Rubies are most valuable when they are a medium to medium-dark, vivid red or slightly purplish red. If they contain too much purple or orange they will often be dubbed “fancy-color sapphires” instead. August – August is another month with two birthstones. Both of these birthstones are available from sources within the United States, making them a great option for consumers who want to buy domestic jewelry. Peridot – Peridot is August’s primary birthstone. It is a gemstone which forms deep within the Earth and is typically brought to the surface through volcanic eruptions.

For this reason in Hawaii peridot is said to symbolize the tears of Pele, the Pele, the Hawaiin goddess of volcanoes, fire, lightning, and wind. Peridot is available from yellowish green all way through to brown, though lime green and olive green shades are typically the most popular. In addition to Hawaii, peridot is often sourced in Arizona. Sardonyx – Sardonyx is the older August birthstone. It is a form of onyx which is known for its attractive, layered banding, typically in reddish brown and white. It was popularly used by ancient Romans and Greeks in talismans with the images of Roman and Greek heroes engraved into it, often Mars or Hercules. It was believed that these talismans would bring the wearer courage and victory. September – Sapphires – Sapphires are the birthstone of September. They have long been prized for their beauty and the belief that they would protect loved ones from envy and harm. During medieval times clergy often wore sapphires to symbolize heaven, whereas commoners often worse sapphires to attract heavenly blessings.

Blue sapphires are the most popular colors; however, sapphires are a variety of gem called corundum and they occur in all colors of the rainbow. The red variety of corundum are called rubies. October – October also sports two beautiful gemstones as its birthstones. Both of these stone are available in an array of colors. Tourmaline – Tourmaline has become the primary birthstone of October. It is also a favorite among jewelry collectors and jewelry designers alike. The reason is because Tourmaline can be found in such an array of colors that there is something to suit almost anyone’s taste. Tourmalines are also known for their bi-color and tri-color forms, meaning that 2 or even 3 different colors exist distinctly within the same gemstone. Opal – Opals are the older birthstone of October and they are still extremely popular and well-regarded for their colorful beauty and radiance. Opal derives from the Greek meaning “to see a change” of color. Opals change appearance depending on their backgrounds and the base gemstone itself vary widely in color from milky white all the way through to black. November – November also has two birthstones.

November’s two birthstones are interesting because though topaz was the original birthstone, the addition of citrine can almost be viewed more as a disambiguation than a purely new stone. Topaz – Topaz gemstones are available in an array of colors though yellow is the color most commonly associated with the stone. In ancient times people referred to all yellow gems as “topaz,” even the yellow citrine quartz. However, quartz and topaz are unrelated minerals. One of the most valuable colors of topaz is Imperial Topaz, which was named during the reign of the Russian Czars in the 1800s. It is a rich orange with pink hues. Blue topaz is also an enduring favorite. Citrine – Citrine ranges in color from a pastel yellow through a golden orange and into dark, brownish orange. It is a type of quartz and is often referred to as “the healing quartz” for the belief that it helps support health, hope, energy, and warmth in the wearer. It is found plentifully in nature and as such it is one of the least expensive gemstones. December – December is one of two months, along with June, that has three official birthstones.

December’s birthstones are usually depicted as blue, and indeed all three stones come in blue, although other shades are available for some of these stones. Tanzanite – Tanzanite is one of the most recently-discovered gemstones. It was discovered in Tanzania in the late 1960s. It is only found in this small region of the world. Tanzanite may be blue or purple, but stones that are medium-dark in tone with a rich, vivid saturation and violet blue shade are the most highly prized and expensive of these gemstones. Zircon – Zircon actually comes in a variety of colors and in fact it’s name derives from the Arabic words “zar” and “gun,” which mean “gold color.” In addition to gold it is also found in yellow, orange, brown, green, red, colorless, and of course blue. The blue variety is typically associated with December; although the red variety is considered the most prized and typically the most expensive. Turquoise – In sharp contrast to the much more modernly tanzanite, turquoise is one of the oldest known gemstones. Its name comes from the thirteenth century French meaning “Turkish stone.” Although the gemstone itself was known before that.

Its color may by the signature greenish blue which has come to refer to that color even separate from the stone, through to a sky blue. Its transparency may range from translucent to opaque. Blue Topaz – In addition to these three official, accepted birthstones for December, many modern lists also include Blue Topaz as an alternative. That means that depending on the source December may be listed with up to four birthstones! What Are the Advantages of Giving Birthstones? Birthstones make a great gift because they show an extra layer of thoughtfulness and are personalized to the recipient. For many people their birthstones hold a deep, special significance and any gift which includes a birthstone will be treasured. Another advantage of birthstones as a gift is that due to the additional alternate birthstones that were added to the chart, as well as differences in size, cut, color, and purity, birthstones can typically be found ranging from inexpensive to very premium. This makes them a great gift for a range of occasions and allows them to fit within most people’s budgets. Birthstones are a naturally great gift to commemorate a birthday and often a child’s first piece of jewelry will be a birthstone.

However, birthstones are great for many other occasions such as anniversaries, graduations, religious celebrations, Christmas presents, and more. Indeed, perhaps one reason why December has so many birthstone options is that December is a month so heavily associated with gift giving. What Are Some Popular Ways Birthstones Are Incorporated Into Jewelry? Birthstones are very versatile and can easily be incorporated into just about any type of jewelry. However, some particularly popular ways to wear birthstones include: Necklaces – Necklaces make an excellent way to showcase a birthstone because they are highly visible and can be designed in a variety of different styles. Additionally, as discussed above most birthstones are believed to imbue the wearer with a special set of benefits such as health, luck, wisdom, etc. Many such beliefs hold that for maximum effect the birthstone should be worn near the heart or center of the body, making necklaces ideal. Rings – Rings are another common choice for showcasing birthstones because the gemstone in a ring needn’t be too large to still be very eye-catching. Rings also don’t require as much materials to make as many other types of jewelry which means that more precious metals can often be used.

Finally, rings are also an easy piece of jewelry to wear with many different clothing and fashion styles. Bracelets – Bracelets, especially charm bracelets, are a very common way for birthstones to be worn. In the case of charm bracelets they allow people to gradually add more and more stones to their collections. In addition to these types of jewelry it is not uncommon to see birthstones in earrings or even pins and brooches. Birthstones are frequently given in whole sets of jewelry as well, allowing the recipient to mix and match pieces or even wear the entire collection at once. Birthstones have fascinated and delighted people all across the world throughout history. They are a wonderful treat for people who place a special significance on them as well as more casual collectors who simply enjoy gorgeous jewelry. Many would argue that no jewelry collection is complete until it contains at least a few pieces with the owner’s birthstone in them. Birthstones | Signification and history of birthstones Birthstones Understanding the bright history of coloured gemstones From single stone jewellery to the ubiquitous family stone jewellery, birthstones are a mainstay of any jeweller’s inventory. While birthstone purchases may seen like a no-brainer for customers, it can be useful to share the lore behind these natal stones.

Gaining an understanding of the legends behind each gem will make the experience of wearing coloured gemstones that much more enjoyable. A modest piece can suddenly take on a special character once the fables of its main gemstone are revealed , leading to added value for estate pieces. There are in fact birthstones charts for every world culture, both modern and ancient. It is believed that the earliest Western chart is based on a Biblical description of the breastplate of Aaron. As the leader of the tribe of high priests, Aaron, the brother of Moses, wore this gem-studded armour, which is described in detail in the Exodus. On the ceremonial plate were twelve gemstones, each representing one of the Twelve Tribes of Israel. The specific gems also coordinated with Zodiac signs. Birthstones were also assigned virtues and powers throughout ancient cultures, including Hindu, Russian and Roman. These mystical attributes were said to help protect the wearer form disease and death and to ensure victory and good fortune. However, the monthly Gregorian calendar was not fully adopted until 1752, at which point a birthstone was assigned to each month, often depending on the stones colour. As more gemstones were discovered, the colour-based chart became confusing and jumbled.

So in 1912, the American National Association of Jewellers established the modern birthstones chart assigning an individual gem to each month. Since then, only one gemstone has been added: tanzanite was included in 2002 as one of December’s official birthstones. JANUARY Garnet has represented the first Zodiac sign since Biblical times, and January in particular since the Middle Ages. This gemstone’s resemblance to pomegranate seeds earned its name, form the Latin word from the crimson fruit, granatum. It is said that Noah used this gemstone’s fiery hue to guide his Ark; as such, red garnet earned the attributes of loyalty and faith. In the Middle Ages, it was even credited with healing blood disorders. FEBRUARY Amethyst has been associated with sobriety ever since the Ancient Greeks began serving wine in amethyst goblets to prevent inebriation. One of the oldest gemstones known to man, its deep purple hue has long been associated with royalty and principal religious figures throughout the centuries. In addition, the Victorians used amethyst to evoke sincerity in their jewellery.

MARCH Innately linked to the sea because of its distinctive blue-green hues, aquamarine is one of March’s birthstones. Sailors and fishermen have long worn aquamarine to protect them form rough seas, while Victorians gave this gem as a gift to ensure happiness and marital devotion. However, bloodstone in another traditional birthstone of March- an opaque quartz with red flecks that was named after the legend of Christ’s blood falling to the ground and solidifying. Wearing bloodstone is believed to lend courage in the face of adversity. APRIL Historically, many cultures form Ancient Roman to Arabic, have marked sapphires as April’s birthstone. The most luxe gemstone, however- the diamond- has come to be more strongly associated with April. Named after the Greek term for unconquerable, diamonds represent unequalled strength and determination. Until the 16th century, superstition led people to leave many diamonds in their rough form, lest their powers be diminished by polishing. The diamonds also now represents eternity and undying love, and has since become the primary gemstone in engagement rings. MAY Emerald has always been May’s birthstone across many cultures.

Persians named this type of beryl after their word for green. From Cleopatra’s famous emerald mines to its association with Venus, the goddess of love, emerald’s attributes include immortal love, wisdom and future success. In the Middle Ages, children wore emeralds to prevent eye diseases, while thanks to emerald’s vibrant green tone and connection to spring, Victorians believed it to be a symbol of renewal and hope. JUNE Neutral-hued gemstones are largely favoured for the month of June- the traditional month for weddings. Thus, June is appropriately associated with the pearl, which is a symbol of purity, innocence and faith. Moonstone is another white gem used in June-birthstone jewellery. Ancient Romans believed this milky stone was sacred and created by moonlight itself. Moonstone represents longevity and future fortune. Likewise, alexandrite, a gem with rare colour change abilities, is the most recent addition to June’s birthstone; it too symbolizes good fortune. JULY Ruby has long been considered a powerful gemstone. In fact, the most intriguing tale alleges rubies turn a dark menacing hue when danger is present, returning to bright red once peril has cleared.

This internal glowing fire has become a symbol for undying love. In fact, the Victorians combined rubies and diamonds, both representing eternity, in love token jewellery. Ruby was also used for medicinal purposes in antiquity : in powder form, it was swallowed to cure indigestion. AUGUST Peridot was known to the Egyptians as the gem of the sun, bringing the bearer good luck and success in marriage. This grassy-green gemstone was discovered 4,000 years ago, when miners dug for the gem at night, believing that peridot’s vibrant hues glowed brighter in the dark. Peridot’s primary attributed virtue is protection form both illness and physical danger. The Victorians even wore peridot to prevent sorrow. SEPTEMBER For centuries, blue sapphire has been the birthstone for September. Its name is derived form sapphires, Greek for bleu. Among several ancient cultures, the world was thought to be supported by large sapphire that was reflected in the colour of the sky. Blue sapphire became associated with intellect, bringing wisdom to the wearer.

As the second-hardest gemstone, after diamond, sapphire also represents the indestructibility of love and fidelity, making blue sapphire a very popular option for Victorian engagement rings. OCTOBER White opal is associated with October- its name means « precious stone » in Sanskrit. Given opal’s fiery flashes of colour, it was believed that lightning brought the gem to earth. Protection form disease was its main virtue, while also allowing the wearer to see in the future. However, the Victorians believed opal could bring bad luck when not worn as a birthstone. For the very superstitious, pink tourmaline is an alternative October birthstone. Is inspires creativity and represents hope. While opal and tourmaline are October’s most common birthstones, aquamarine also has a tradition of representing the tenth month. NOVEMBER In most cultures topaz (yellow) is the most popular gemstones for November. Its name is derived form the ancient Sanskrit word for fire; the intense yellow of topaz reminded Egyptians of their sun god Ra. Like the warm glow of the sun, topaz is believed to have calming powers. It is also said to ensure loyalty in both friends and lovers.

During the Middle Ages, topaz was used to cure mental illness and was thought to delay death. DECEMBER Bleu zircon is the traditional birthstone for the final month of the year. Popular among Hindu poets, zircon was worn throughout the ages to attract prosperity and increase the intellect of its wearer. Turquoise, the month’s Eastern European birthstone, is thought to protect the wearer form danger and illness as well as to symbolize resurrection and rebirth. December also boats the most recent addition to the modern birthstone chart: tanzanite. Discovered in the 1960s in Tanzania, this gem was identified, named and promoted by Tiffany & co. Premium tanzanite has trichroic combination of rich blue and violet tones with subtle yet fiery flashes of crimson. Coloured gemstones have long been assigned symbolic and talismanic meanings. From the days of the ancient Romans to Biblical times, gems have played very important roles in traditions and lore. CONCLUSION Coloured gems were integral in building Paradise, as described in the Book of Revelations; gemstones were chosen to build New Jerusalem based on their symbolic meanings.

While the symbolism of gems may have been altered since these times, each gemstone still holds a mystical tale. By offering clients birthstones from the ancient, traditional and modern charts, jewellers can provide a varied range of coloured gemstones for their clients, allowing them to express themselves through birthstones jewellery. Whether it is a piece from the estate counter or a brand-new jewel, customers will surely appreciate the thrill of an age-old story. Quelques-uns de nos bijoux avec des pierre de naissance Birthstones | Gem5.com Birthstones Birthstones US Birthstone List by Month Gemstones have been around for millennia, but the record shows that as far back as 3000 years ago, in India and Babylon, they believed to have descended from the heavens with magical properties able to influence both human and nature. The only way to classify gems at that time was by using color, as chemistry would not be invented until the middle ages. Flavius Josephus, the Jewish-turned-Roman-historian, is often mentioned as having connected the 12 birthstones with the 12 gemstones mounted the Breastplate of the High Priest, and later, the 12 Foundation Stones for the New Jerusalem in the book of Revelation.

But a closer examination of even just the surface details easily reveals that not only are they dissimilar, but complete opposites in purpose or intent. Historical records indeed trace multiple modifications and efforts to merge Biblical sources with non-Biblical practices, especially for Western cultures. This bothered astrologers, who insisted that birthstones be based on the motions or positions of the sun, moon, stars, and other planets. Cultures that base their list on tropical (Sun-based) or sidereal (Moon/star-based) zodiac refute the present list of accepted birthstones as just a marketing strategy to boost sales. The ancient system of birthstones states that a zodiac sign is controlled by a planet, which in turn governs each gemstone according to color (curiously only the rare and beautiful specimens). There really is no universal worldwide standard at this moment in time, but rather each culture (Indian, Tibetan, Eastern European, Western European, USA, UK, etc ) has its own list of birthstones. Each birthstone has its own distinctive color, and features. A birthstone's natural untreated color was for centuries the only category believed to release the power native to each stone.

The color tells the story of a birthstone's life, the arrangement of its atoms, the minerals, the pressures, heating and cooling, weathering, and such. Aside from physical qualities, birthstones also have perceived qualities that have added to the lore of gemstones through the years. Some stones were believed to aid in delivering babies. Some talismans and amulets are used to protect from evil events and spirits. While others are said to induce sleep, soothe pain, prevent and and treat illness. Ancient lapidaries recorded lists and charts of which gemstones were for what purposes. For example, stones like jasper, hematite, carnelian were each found to have a different effect on certain parts of the body. There are even some beliefs that these gems could give someone incredible strength, the ability to become invisible, help foretell the future, attract wealth, and secure awards and recognitions. January = Garnet The birthstone for January is a Garnet usually Pyrope . Pyrope is the iron magnesium and aluminum silicate of the pyrope-almandine series in the Pyralspite group of the Garnet family. Its beautiful deep-red gem quality makes it one of the most popular.

Pure pyrope is colorless, but its red color, sometimes very bright, is due to small quantities of chrome in the crystal structure. See more at: Febuary = Amethyst The birthstone for Febuary is Amethyst Amethyst is the most coveted stone in the quartz group, and it is sometimes confused with beryl. It is usually found layered with milky quartz, and its color varies from purple to violet. - See more at: See more at: March = Aquamarine The birthstone for March is Aquamarine Aquamarine is a form Beryl that is similar in color to sea water. So it varies from green to blue just like the oceans. Most if not all Aquamarine has been heat treated to improve or lighten the color. See more at: April = Diamond The birthstone for April is Diamond Diamond is the only gem material comprised of a single chemical element: pure carbon, like graphite. But the atoms in diamond have been forced into a compact, three-dimensional structure by the high pressures in the upper mantle, where it is formed. See more at: May = Emerald The birthstone for May is Emerald Emerald is the most prized variety of the mineral Beryl. It sometimes fetches higher prices than diamond.

It appears as pale green to bright green. Though it is the green variety of beryl, not all gem-quality green beryls are called emeralds; yellow-green stones are called "heliodors;"soft blue-green or even pale green specimens are called "aquamarines". See more at: June = Pearl The birthstone for June is Pearl Pearl is one of four main ornamental materials that are classified as "organic" gems, the other three being coral, ivory, and amber. About 92 percent of pearl is calcium carbonate, in the form of aragonite crystals, held together by an organic substance (concholin), which is identical to the horny outer layer of oyster shells, plus a small quantity of water. Mother-of-pearl has a similar chemical composition, but with less calcium carbonate, and more water, and is used as the nucleus of cultured pearls. See more at: July = Ruby The birthstone for July is Ruby The color varies from fiery vermilion to violet red, but because rubies are pleochroic, different colors are also found in the same stone; bright or sometimes brick red in one direction, tending to carmine in the other.

See more at: August = Peridot The birthstone for August is Peridot Peridot is the greener type of gem-quality specimen of Forsterite-Olivine, which is an important, rock-forming mineral, a silicate of magnesium and iron. Often their names are used interchangeably. The bottle-green/olive green type of olivine is also called olivine. The yellower type of olivine is called Chrysolite. See more at: September = Sapphire The birthstone for September is Sapphire Sapphires can be a very dark blue, to the point of seeming dense and blackish from a distance, sometimes accompanied by a blue to dull green pleochroism, which is only visible from the side in cut stones. They may also be a strong, but not too bright blue, easily recognizable from a distance, this being the real color. Other possibilities are light, usually bright, blue. See more at: October = Opal The birthstone for October is Opal Opal is hydrated silicon dioxide. It has the same chemical composition as quartz but contains about one-tenth (and sometimes as much as one-third) water.

It is never crystalline, but it displays a rich play of colors, or "fire" caused by the internal refraction of light by the array of tiny spheres of amorphous silica which for a compact, three-dimensional network in the mineral. See more at: November = Citrine The birthstone for November is Citrine Citrine is an attractive type of quartz, which is the commonest mineral on the earth's surface. But citrine itself is an uncommon macrocrystalline variety. Its yellow color brought about by its iron hydrate content, its reddish yellow from a trace of ferric iron. It forms hexagonal prisms, terminated by pyramidal shapes. Its faces are often striated, and the crystals twinned and distorted, having an uneven fracture at its base. It occurs in granular, stalactitic, and cryptocrystalline habits. It is a transparent to translucent mineral, and has a vitreous luster on fresh surfaces. See more at: December = Turquoise The birthstone for December is Citrine Turquoise is a hydrated phosphate of copper and aluminum in the Phosphates, Arsenates, Vanadates group, with a triclinic crystal system.

It rarely occurs as prismatic crystals. It is usually found as light-blue or green masses, nodules, and veins, sometimes filling cavities in various rocks. When it occurs as thin strips, it is tighter and brightly-colored at the center, lighter and porous on the outside. See more at:

Question: In Western culture what is the birthstone for the month of May?
Answer: Emerald