Does your favourite gemstone also happen to be your birthstone? Have you ever wondered how gemstones were chosen for each month?
Well, experts believe the way birthstones were chosen for each month can be tracked back to the Bible. In Exodus 28 Moses sets directions for making special garments for Aaron, the High Priest of the Hebrews. The breastplate was said to contain 12 different gemstones, representing the twelve tribes of Israel.
Tribe Stone
Judah Sardius
Issachar Topaz
Zebulon Carbuncle
Reuben Emerald
Simeon Sapphire
Gad Diamond
Ephraim Ligure
Manasseh Agate
Benjamin Amethyst
Dan Beryl
Asher Onyx
Naphtali Jasper
From this, it is thought that the stones relating to tribes, were also linked to Zodiac birthstones and signs, which were picked by astrologers before our yearly calendar existed. This eventually became associated with the 12 months of the calendar year, thought to have become a popular tradition in the western world in the 15th Century, but was updated to a modern birthstone list in 1912!
However, there are many other gemstone calendars that exist such as birthstones of the week, which mean we can always be updating our look. Check out all our gemstones online. Which one will you be wearing?
In the meantime take a look at the 12 precious stones and 12 tribes in correlation with our current calendar:
January Garnet
February Amethyst
March Aquamarine, Bloodstone
April Diamond
May Emerald
June Pearl, Moonstone
July Ruby
August Peridot
September Sapphire
October Tourmaline, Opal
November Topaz, Citrine
December Tanzanite, Zircon, Turquoise