The Birthstones

De Verbis Crystalli Liber

Gemstone Facts

Stoned Sundays or Friday Facts? 

Since I am a gemstone nerd, a blog page is only complete when it mentions something about some gemstones. I aim to keep these blog posts going every Friday or Sunday. In light of tradition, I will mention something about the birthstones for each month. There are several classifications of birthstone (I mean, can you have a limit) for each month? There are even several renditions of the “modern” birthstones; because we need to sell mo... COUGH* I mean, we just LOVE gemstones. It’s a business, after all. On the plus side, now you have a more extensive selection and a deeper story to your Birthstone. 

Now, I went on a hunt for different traditions regarding birthstones, as there are both Western and Eastern traditional birthstones. They also kept changing the list over time, adding or re-arranging stones to better fit sales..... I MEAN to spice things up. Hey, now we have even more to choose from, which can align with your story. I’m still learning and digging up more, so stay tuned; we may find out more. 

Let's go on a journey through time, shall we? Where did the idea of "Birthstone" come from?

Starting with “western” tradition largely based on the connection between the twelve stones in Aaron's breastplate (signifying the tribes of Israel, as described in the Book of Exodus). From the first documentation of birthstones in the 15th to the 20th century, December’s birthstones were bloodstones and rubies. Then in 1912, to standardize birthstones, the (American) National Association of Jewelers (Jewelers of America in the present times) met in Kansas and officially adopted the list we see today, sorta. Several updates and renditions were made over the years, with 2021 being the most recent revision. 

“At certain moments in history, when there is a strong call from gem enthusiasts to expand the list of official birthstones, Jewelers of America believes in recognizing the importance of historically significant gemstones and giving gemstone lovers a choice that suits their preferences,” said JA President and CEO David Bonaparte. 

David says it better than I can as to why these months keep having more and more stones. 

Then we have to add that some of these stones come from those associated with the zodiacs and seasonal constellations. Many traditions have stones associated with these constellations, as some stones glittered like stars and their colour was tied to the myth of the hero in question. We have always believed these stones held power, so it was only logical they were somehow related to the powers above us. 

Below is a list of all the gemstones associated with each month. These are based on a more Western World history, but I am expanding on the lists as I dig into the research and lore from worldwide. As I am behind what I had planned (I may not be on time, but I will never forget), I’ll be cycling back to January details in 2024, so stay tuned.