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At this point, you probably know your birthstone. But did you know that birthstones are an ancient tradition, or why some months have multiple gems? Read on for all details on the history of birthstones and their lore, plus why wearing your birthstone might just bring you good luck.
The History of Birthstones
The tradition of birthstones has been around for thousands of years and is popular across cultures. One of the earliest mentions of birthstones has biblical origins and dates back to the first century when Jewish historian Josephus linked the twelve stones in a high priest’s breastplate mentioned in a passage to the twelve months of the year. In the Hindu tradition, as early as the 5th century gemstones were associated with planets and astrological signs, assigning each sign their own gem. In 16th century Poland, people began wearing their own birthstone all year, beginning the birthstone tradition we still practice today.
Modern Birthstones
Since so many different birthstones existed across the world, the American National Association of Jewelers met in 1912 to narrow down the list and standardize which gems would represent each birth month. They took into account both traditional birthstones and which gems were most easy for jewelers to access, which is why some months have multiple gems. This created the standard birthstones we most often see today.
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Birthstones by Month
January: garnet
February: amethyst
March: aquamarine
April: diamond
May: emerald
June: pearl, moonstone, alexandrite
July: ruby
August: peridot, spinel, sardonyx
September: sapphire
October: opal, tourmaline
November: citrine, yellow topaz
December: blue topaz, tanzanite, turquoise, lapis, zircon
Myths and Legends About Birthstones
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The Christian tradition of associating gems with all 12 months led people to collect one of each gem to wear during it’s given month, believing that during that month the stone would hold more power
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In Eastern traditions, birthstones were commonly worn as protection amulets
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In the Hindu culture, the stones related to each planet were believed to help the wearer access that planet’s power
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Ever since it became tradition to wear your own birthstone all year long, wearing birthstones has been linked to luck and good fortune
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Each individual birthstone also has its own meaning! You can more learn about those meanings here