Birthstones

There are a lot of legends and lore surrounding the practice of wearing birthstones.  A lot of people believe that the idea of wearing birthstones started out as a marketing ploy by companies selling jewelry, and in these commercial super media times that would not be a good guess, but the reason behind the practice goes much, much deeper than that.  The practice of wearing birthstones is actually rooted in astrology and religion. This post explores some of the myths behind the practice of sporting a birthstone.


One of the earliest stories connected to the practice of wearing birthstones came from the Christian Bible, the book of Exodus to be exact. The Breastplate of Aaron is described to have been mounted with twelve precious stones: ruby, topaz, beryl, turquoise, sapphire, emerald, jacinth, agate, amethyst, chrysolite, onyx, and jasper.  These twelve stones represented each of the twelve tribes of the Hebrews.

Other ancient cultures, like the Hellenics and the Babylonians in particular, have associated certain precious stones with their gods and goddesses, and later on with the planets and the stars represented in astrological signs. These stones were given attributes relating to the astrological signs they are linked with, as well as supernatural, protective powers.  To wear the particular gemstone associated with a particular month on that given month is to invoke the protection offered by the powers of the stone.

Over the years and as Christianity came to rise, the Church tried to downplay astrology in the lives of the flock, and so wearing gemstones came to represent guardian angels and the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ instead.  The idea that gemstones have the power to protect its wearer was nonetheless retained.  However, since only wealthy people can afford to own a different gemstone for each month, most people have adopted the practice of wearing just the gemstone that represents the month of their birth. Since that time gemstones have been referred to as birthstones.

For the meaning behind the wearing of birthstones here are the different birthstones for each month of the Gregorian calendar and the meaning behind these stones.

For the month of January.  Garnet is the birthstone, the bright red color of the garnet is associated with blood and thus, was thought to bestow good health upon its wearer.  The garnet is also said to provide protection against nightmares and against the dangers posed by being alone in the dark.  A person who favors the garnet is said to possess great patience and the capacity to endure hardships.  The person whose birthstone is the garnet is consistent with his or her deeds and blessed with a creative mind.

For the month of February.  A person born in the month of February has the amethyst for his or her birthstone.  Amethyst is said to bestow, among other things, peace and clarity of the mind to its wearer.  This gem also brings its wearer a heightened sense of self-awareness and intuition.

In the month of March.  The person born in March, aquamarine is his or her birthstone.  This stone is said to nurture friendliness in its wearer’s personality, making him a fierce and loyal comrade and companion.  Because of its sea-blue color, the aquamarine is said to grant its wearer protection when she goes swimming traveling by water.

For the month of April. The diamond, the stone of strength offers longevity and innocence and is the birthstone of people born in April. Because the diamond is the hardest gemstone, it symbolizes success and excellence and is believed to bring forth good fortune.  The diamond is also said to bring forth the purity of its wearer and encourages them to be truthful always.

For the month of May.  People born in May the gemstone of peace and healing is – the emerald.  It's believed that wearers of emeralds are granted good health and protection against illness.  Wearers of emeralds are also said to have a higher level of foresight and to possess the natural ability to communicate well with others.

For the month of June.  Pearls, produced by oysters and therefore the only gemstones that come from a living creature, is the birthstone of people born in June.  In the Western world, June is the month of weddings, and so the pearl has come to be associated with successful marriages, as well as with faith, loyalty, and tranquility in life.

In the month of July, the sanguine ruby is the birthstone.  Because of its blood-red color, the ruby is considered to be the gemstone for courage, strength, and vitality.  It's also said to nurture in its wearer integrity and contentment in his- or herself.  The ruby is also said to inspire people to seek harmony with others.

People born in August have the peridot as their birthstone.  The peridot is said to bestow a heightened sense of dignity upon its wearer, and to bring upon her good fortune.  It is also believed to provide him protection against evil intentions and against the terrors of the night.

Sapphire is the birthstone of September.  It is a gemstone that is thought to build wisdom and clarity of thought in its wearer, as well as allow him or his discernment to see the truth no matter how deeply it is buried.  The sapphire also inspires her to develop serenity and tranquility in their soul.

The birthstone for October is the opal.  The opal, with its varying colors, is associated with depth in emotions.  A person who wears the opal is granted the ability to feel deeply for his or her fellow person, to look at life with hope, and to burn subtly with an inner fire.

For the month of November.  Topaz, is the birthstone, a gemstone that represents health in the body as well as health in the mind.  Wearing the topaz is said to hasten a person’s ability to heal their own body in times of illness or injury.  It is also thought to nurture practicality and creativity in its wearer.

Wearing the turquoise, the birthstone of December is believed to bring luck and prosperity to the wearer in time for the coming New Year.  The turquoise is also said to banish negative vibrations that can hinder the wearer’s happiness and good fortune.

The practice of wearing birthstones goes deep beyond any marketing ploy.  Wearing a birthstone is a practice of ancient origins, with deep religious and astrological roots.  Birthstones are one of the most versatile gifts to give any season for any occasion.