Birthstones

Birthstones are the "gemstones associated with the date of one's birth, the wearing of which is commonly thought to bring good luck or health. Supernatural powers have long been attributed by astrologers to certain gemstones."

- from Encyclopedia Britannica

There are four major lists that attribute certain stones to each month of the year.

Possibly the oldest is called the Traditional Birthstones List which originated with the Breastplate of Aaron as described in the Bible. It was a ceremonial religious garment set with twelve gemstones that represented the twelve tribes of Israel and also corresponded with the twelve signs of the zodiac and the twelve months of the year.

There is some debate about which gemstones were set in the breastplate and why. Because of this, different cultures around the world have developed different birth stone lists.

The Modern Birthstones List is the official list from the American National Association of Jewelers, Jewelers of America. These birthstones were officially adopted in 1912. In October 2002, this list was updated to include Tanzanite for December by the American Gem Trade Assoc. (AGTA). In the US, this list is the accepted list.

The Mystical Birthstones Chart was obtained from a Tibetan book said to be over a thousand years old. Legend has it that these birthstones really help one overcome the obstacles of their birth month.

The Ayurvedic Birthstone List is from Ayurvedic Indian Medicine - an ancient type of medicine used for at least a thousand years. Many use this as a list of healing gemstones.

Tiffany & Co. published the following poems "of unknown author" that attribute birthstones for each month in a pamphlet in 1870.

By her who in January was born
No gem save garnets shall be worn
They will ensure her constancy
True friendship and fidelity.

The February born shall find
Sincerity and peace of mind,
Freedom from passion and from care,
If they, the amethyst will wear.

By her who in March was born
No gem save Bloodstone shall be worn
They will ensure her constancy
True friendship and fidelity.

She who from April dates her years,
Diamonds shall wear,
lest bitter tears
For vain repentance flow.

Who first beholds the light of day
In spring's sweet, flower month of May
And wears an Emerald all her life
Shall be a loved and a loving wife.

By her who in June was born
No gem save Pearls shall be worn
They will ensure her constancy
True friendship and fidelity.

The gleaming Ruby should adorn,
All those who in July are born,
For thus they'll be exempt and free,
From lover's doubts and anxiety.

Wear a Peridot or for thee,
No conjugal fidelity,
The August born without this stone,
`Tis said, must live unloved; alone.

A maiden born when autumn leaves
Are rustling in September's breeze,
A Sapphire on her brow should bind;
To bring her joy and peace of mind.

October's child is born for woe,
And life's vicissitudes must know,
But lay an opal on her breast,
And hope will lull those woes to rest.

Who first comes to this world below
In dreary November's fog and snow,
Should prize the topaz amber hue,
Emblem of friends and lovers true.

If cold December gave you birth
The month of snow and ice and mirth
Place on your hand a turquoise blue;
Success will bless whate'er you do.

—Gregorian Birthstone Poems

Month	Traditional	Modern	Mystical	Ayurvedic
January	garnet, rose quartz	garnet	emerald	garnet
February	amethyst, onyx, moonstone	amethyst	bloodstone	amethyst
March	bloodstone, jasper, rock crystal	aquamarine	jade	bloodstone
April	diamond, quartz, white sapphire	diamond	opal	diamond
May	emerald, agate, chrysophase, beryl	emerald	sapphire	agate
June	alexandrite, emerald	moonstone, pearl	moonstone	pearl
July	ruby, onyx, carnelian	ruby	ruby	ruby
August	sardonyx, carnelian, jade	peridot	diamond	sapphire
September	sapphire, peridot, lapis lazuli	sapphire	agate	moonstone
October	tourmaline, aquamarine	opal, tourmaline	jasper	opal
November	citrine, topaz, smoky quartz	topaz, citrine	pearl	topaz
December	zircon, ruby, lapis, tanzanite	turquoise, blue topaz	onyx	ruby