It has long
been a tradition to assign certain gemstones to the months
of the year, referring to them as birthstones. However,
the concept of wearing a birthstone as a piece of
jewellery can be traced back to Poland in the 15th
century.
Over the centuries and around the world, different
cultures devised their own associations, often reflecting
the belief that gemstones held certain special properties
or characteristics.
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Sterling Silver &
Amethyst Pendant
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To try to simplify the matter and avoid confusion, an official list
was drawn up in 1912, which is now thought of as the
modern birthstone list. The gemstones on this list tend to
be the ones you will find when purchasing pieces of
birthstone jewellery. Interestingly, running parallel to
this is a traditional birthstone list, which has evolved
over time. Some stones representing the months of the year
are the same on both lists, but others are quite
different.
Wearing an item of birthstone jewellery is thought by some
to bring good luck. They make an ideal birthday or keepsake
gift, yet, since gemstones are bursting with natural
beauty and a real pleasure to wear, why not treat
ourselves, too!
|
| Month |
Modern List |
Traditional List |
| January |
Garnet |
Garnet |
| February |
Amethyst |
Amethyst, Pearl |
| March |
Aquamarine |
Bloodstone,
Jasper |
| April |
Diamond,
Crystal |
Diamond,
Sapphire |
| May |
Emerald |
Emerald, Agate |
| June |
Pearl, Moonstone |
Cat's Eye,
Turquoise, Agate |
| July |
Ruby |
Turquoise, Onyx |
| August |
Peridot |
Topaz,
Carnelian, Moonstone |
| September |
Sapphire |
Chrysolite |
| October |
Opal, Pink Tourmaline |
Opal, Aquamarine |
| November |
Topaz, Citrine |
Topaz, Pearl |
| December |
Turquoise, Blue Topaz, Zircon |
Bloodstone, Ruby |
| |
|
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Less
well known is the list of stones which are assigned to the
day of the week a person was born on. |
| Day |
Gemstone |
| Monday |
Pearl |
| Tuesday |
Garnet |
| Wednesday |
Emerald |
| Thursday |
Topaz |
| Friday |
Diamond |
| Saturday |
Blue Sapphire |
| Sunday |
Ruby |
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