Jewelry 101

BIRTHSTONES: Born To Be Remembered

A Birthstone is a particular gemstone associated with a specific month of the year. A Birthstone is also thought to bring luck, prosperity, happiness and good health to the individual who was born in that particular month.

Birthstones are thought to have first become popular in the country of Poland during the 15th or 16th century.  It is thought that originally, because the powers of a birthstone are heightened during its corresponding month, that they were originally worn by everyone each month.

The Modern Birthstone list is the official list of birthstones in the U.S.  Originally adopted in 1912 by the American National Association of Jewelers, it is the accepted list of Jewelers of America.

The Traditional Birthstone list is a compilation of birthstones used in different societies dating back to the 15th century.  The second listed is the traditional ancient Hebrew birthstone.  If only one stone is listed, the Hebrew birthstone corresponds to the other traditional stones.

The Mystical and Ayurvedic Birthstone lists both have roots dating back over a thousand years.  The Mystical list of Tibetan origin and the Ayurvedic list is taken from Ayurvedic Indian Medicine.