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Gemstones have a rich history dating back to biblical times with the breastplate of Aaron containing stones symbolic of the 12 tribes of Israel. Traditional symbols of good luck and even believed to possess powers of protection and healing, the purposes and uses of colored jewels have evolved over time. Yet, it is only since the 18th century that the contemporary idea of birthstones, representing the month in which one was born, gained popularity. Today, birthstones are favorites among jewelry aficionados. A means of self-expression and style, many select these gems for rings, necklaces and earrings. Choosing the stone that corresponds to the correct birth month, however, can vary depending upon the chart consulted. Of the many birthstone charts that now exist, there are three major charts: traditional, modern and mystical, reflective of the differences in the significance attached to these stones. The traditional charts list the 12 birthstones, beginning with January, as garnet, amethyst, bloodstone or red jasper, diamond, emerald, alexandrite or agate, ruby, sardonyx, sapphire, tourmaline, citrine, and zircon. A compilation of many different cultures and societies, the traditional birthstone charts deviate from each other in the stones listed, but all are closely aligned in color. The most commonly used traditional chart relies heavily on Polish tradition, which is where the wearing of one’s own birthstone is believed to have originated. Completely different from the traditional charts, except for the ruby birthstone in the month of July, the mystical birthstone chart originated in Tibet more than a thousand years ago. It lists the birthstones from January through December as emerald, red jasper, jade, opal, sapphire, moonstone, ruby, diamond, agate, jasper, pearl and onyx. While many of these stones are the same as those on the traditional list, just assigned to different months, onyx is the stone featured solely on the mystical chart. The modern birthstone chart, devised in 1912 by the American National Association of Jewelers, is the official list used by jewelers throughout the United States today. Unchanged until the 2002 addition of tanzanite as an alternative birthstone for December, this chart has much in common with the traditional list, not only in the selection of the stones but in the assignment of the months as well. The birthstones on the modern chart begin with garnet for January and then list amethyst, aquamarine, diamond, emerald, pearl or moonstone, ruby, peridot, sapphire, opal or tourmaline, yellow topaz or citrine, and lastly, the three stones for December: blue topaz, turquoise and tanzanite. Gloria is a fashion-focused urbanite always on the lookout for affordable fashion. She has a particular passion for jewelry, specifically birthstone earrings and fashion rings.
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