The idea of birthstones – gemstones that correspond to a person’s birth month – is a popular concept today. But where did the idea come from? Are birthstones mentioned in the Bible or have biblical origins? Let’s explore the history and meaning behind birthstones.
What are birthstones?
Birthstones are gemstones that correspond to the month of a person’s birth. For example, the birthstone for January is garnet, while July’s birthstone is ruby. Each month has a unique gemstone associated with it.
Today, birthstones are commonly used in jewelry and given as gifts. Wearing or gifting someone their birthstone is thought to bring good luck and health. The tradition of birthstones has origins dating back thousands of years, though the modern list we use today arose in the 20th century.
Do birthstones have biblical origins?
While birthstones are not mentioned directly in the Bible, some believe the idea of birthstones has biblical roots. Specifically, connections have been drawn between the 12 birthstones and the 12 gemstones worn by Aaron, the High Priest of the Israelites, as described in the Old Testament book of Exodus:
“Take two onyx stones and engrave on them the names of the sons of Israel in the order of their birth—six names on one stone and the remaining six on the other. Engrave the names of the sons of Israel on the two stones the way a gem cutter engraves a seal. Then mount the stones in gold filigree settings and fasten them on the shoulder pieces of the ephod as memorial stones for the sons of Israel. Aaron is to bear the names on his shoulders as a memorial before the Lord.” (Exodus 28:9-12)
The gems listed for the ephod and breastplate include ruby, topaz, emerald, turquoise, sapphire, diamond, jacinth, agate, amethyst, chrysolite, onyx, and jasper. Some hypothesize these 12 stones later came to be associated with the 12 months of the year and eventually the modern birthstones.
When did the modern list of birthstones originate?
While Aaron’s 12 gems may have inspired the concept, the modern list of birthstones is much more recent. In 1912, the American National Association of Jewelers officially adopted and published a standardized list associating specific gemstones with each month. This list was updated in 1952 to reflect greater availability of certain gems. The traditional list is as follows:
| Month | Birthstone |
|---|---|
| January | Garnet |
| February | Amethyst |
| March | Aquamarine |
| April | Diamond |
| May | Emerald |
| June | Pearl, Moonstone |
| July | Ruby |
| August | Peridot |
| September | Sapphire |
| October | Opal, Tourmaline |
| November | Topaz, Citrine |
| December | Turquoise, Zircon, Tanzanite |
This standardized list helped popularize birthstones in the 20th century and cement the tradition of wearing and gifting birthstone jewelry that continues today.
What is the history behind birthstones?
While the modern birthstone list is less than 100 years old, the broader idea of stones holding symbolic meaning and power goes back much further in history. Some key developments include:
- Ancient Hebrews high priest (Aaron) wearing 12 gemstones representing the 12 tribes
- In astrology, gems associated with zodiac signs and constellations
- Ancient Romans linking certain stones with gods (Amethyst for Bacchus, God of wine)
- Medieval European physicians using gems in medical treatments
- 18th century Polish tradition of wearing birthstone jewelry on one’s birthday
- Victorian England interest in birthstones and using them in jewelry
While the exact list varied over time, the broader belief that certain gems held special meaning, luck, and health benefits according to one’s time of birth has very old origins.
Do other cultures have birthstone traditions?
Yes, birthstones are not unique to Western culture. Other cultural traditions associating stones with time of birth include:
- Ayurvedic tradition: Linked stones to planets and used for healing.
- Tibetan culture: Associated stones with Buddhist deities and used them in religious rituals.
- Hindu texts: Prescribed wearing birthstones during astrologically unfavorable times.
- Traditional Chinese Medicine: Used stones like jade for treatment based on Yin/Yang and five elements philosophy.
The common thread is the longstanding belief in many cultures that gemstones have symbolic significance and healing properties that connect them to events like the time of one’s birth.
Do people still believe in the powers of birthstones?
Today, birthstones are popular mainly as jewelry and fashion accessories. However, some still hold to traditional beliefs about their lucky properties and powers. For example:
- Wearing your own birthstone still thought to bring good health and fortune
- Gifting someone their birthstone meant to grant them blessings, protection
- New Age and spiritual movements advanced crystal healing, stones used in therapies
- Many still draw meaning from birthstones according to astrology, zodiac
While the traditional roots may have faded some, interest in the mystical and healing properties of crystals and gemstones persists today in both New Age and traditional cultures. The allure of birthstones endures not just for fashion but also their purported luck and fortune.
Do birthstones have any scientific basis?
There is no scientific evidence that birthstones have special powers or can bring fortune based on time of birth. However, some effects may have partial basis in fact:
- Placebo effect – belief can sometimes impact health outcomes
- Stress relief – stones have calming tactile qualities
- Positive thinking – optimism from personal meaning effect
- Color psychology – some stones have uplifting hue associations
So while the folklore around birthstones is not scientifically supported, there may be beneficial psychological and emotional effects for some individuals who connect with particular crystals.
Are there any risks to birthstones?
There are a few potential risks to be aware of with birthstones:
- Skin irritation – some metals or finishes can cause contact dermatitis
- Dangerous imitations – lead glass or dyed stones instead of real gems
- Radioactive stones – certain natural stones may emit low radiation
- Conflict sources – illicit trade in some gemstones fuels violence and human rights abuses
- Overspending – avoid going into debt, set reasonable budget for stone jewelry
However, when purchased carefully from reputable sources, most modern birthstone jewelry is safe to wear. Buyers should check for skin allergies when wearing any new jewelry.
Conclusion
In summary, while birthstones are not directly mentioned in the Bible, the tradition may have origins in Aaron’s breastplate stones representing the 12 tribes. But the modern list of birthstones arose in the 20th century and became popular mainly as jewelry. Many cultures over history have associated stones with time of birth, believing they hold symbolic meaning, luck, and healing properties. This mystical allure persists today, though mostly for fashion rather than genuine belief in supernatural powers. There is no scientific basis for birthstones’ purported effects, but they can hold personal significance for some. Birthstones remain a popular jewelry gift tied to the timeless appeal of gemstones’ beauty, mystery, and lore.