At the time of Moses twelve gemstones comprised the Jewish High-Priest’s Breastplate of Aaron; each stone represented one of the twelve tribes of Israel. In ancient India, gems were associated with planets and astrological signs. From these early origins we have derived the idea of “birthstones”.
Birthstones
In the first century, A.D., writings indicate a particular stone was to be worn during each astrological sign in order to be harmonious with the ruling planet. Not until the eighteenth century were stones worn as natal amulets. Now this is a great idea if you love your “birthstone”. If you are not happy with the stone currently accepted for your month you can always consult another list and find one that you like. Today’s commercial list includes:
- January – Garnet
- February – Amethyst
- March – Aquamarine (with Blue Topaz as a substitute)
- April – Diamond
- May – Emerald
- June – Alexandrite, Pearls or Moonstone
- July – Ruby
- August – Peridot
- September – Sapphire
- October – Opal or Tourmaline
- November – Topaz or Citrine
- December – Blue Zircon or Turquoise
The ancient lists included stones that were readily available but often not so glamorous as stones we have in supply today. There were several old lists; most were fairly similar. Here is your choice from the older lists:
- January – Garnet (consistently)
- February – Amethyst (consistently)
- March – Jasper or Bloodstone
- April – Sapphire
- May – Chalcedony, Agate, or Emerald
- June – Emerald, Agate or Chalcedony
- July – Onyx, Carnelian or Sardonyx
- August – Carnelian or Sardonyx
- September – Peridot or Sardonyx
- October – Aquamarine or Beryl
- November – Topaz (consistently)
- December – Ruby
If you are still not happy try the Hindu Astrological list:
- Aquarius – Garnet
- Pisces – Amethyst
- Aries – Bloodstone
- Taurus – Sapphire
- Gemini – Agate
- Cancer – Emerald
- Leo – Onyx
- Virgo – Carnelian
- Libra – Peridot
- Scorpio – Beryl
- Sagittarius – Topaz
- Capricorn – Ruby
Of course, there is nothing wrong with wearing a stone that you truly love; somewhere there is a list that you would find appropriate to you. There are lists for days of the week, planets and stars. All differ a bit.
Anniversary Stones
Anniversary stones can be found on old lists but you have to married forever before a gemstone anniversary comes up. But there are new lists for gem lovers or for your lover. Jewelers of America publishes this list:
| 1st – Peridot | 2nd – Red Pyrope Garnet |
| 3rd – Carved Jade | 4th – Blue Zircon |
| 5th – Kunzite | 6th – Green Turquoise |
| 7th – Golden Beryl | 8th – Tanzanite |
| 9th – Green Spinel | 10th – Blue Sapphire |
| 11th – Yellow Zircon | 12th – Opal |
| 13th – Hawk’s Eye (Blue Tiger’s Eye) | 14th – Bloodstone |
| 15th – Alexandrite | 16th – Red Spinel |
| 17th – Carnelian | 18th – Aquamarine |
| 19th – Almandine Garnet | 20th – Golden Diamond |
| 21st – Red-violet Tourmaline | 22nd – Pink sapphire (Ruby) |
| 23rd – Green Jade | 24th – Hyacinth Zircon |
| 25th – Demantoid Garnet | 26th – Tiger-Eye |
| 27th – Agate and Onyx | 28th – Moonstone |
| 29th – Blue Topaz | 30th – Pearl |
| 3lst – Amethyst | 32nd – Morganite |
| 33rd – Star Garnet | 34th – Jasper |
| 35th – Emerald | 36th – Colorless Topaz |
| 37th – Chrysoberyl | 38th – Star Sapphire |
| 39th – Blue Zircon | 40th – Red Ruby |
| 41st – White Jade | 42st – Blue Turquoise |
| 43rd – Goshenite | 44th – Sardonyx |
| 45th – Beryl Cat’s-Eye | 46th – Golden Spinel |
| 47th – Pink Diamond | 48th – Colorless Zircon |
| 49th – Colorless Sapphire | 50th – Golden Topaz |
| 55th – Green Tourmaline | 60th – Star ruby |
| 65th – Blue Spinel | 70th – Brown Topaz |
| 75th – Blue Diamond | |
This was compiled as a guideline; if you local jeweler does not have jasper, you might try a rock shop. Of course, if your loved one has a particular gem preference that is always perfect for an anniversary, birthday, Christmas, Valentine’s Day or any other special occasion. Gemstones are an eternal remembrance.
