The Birthstone Months

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A Little Information About Birthstones

A birthstone is the "gemstone 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 Britannic

On August 12, 1912, the American National Retail Jewellers Association arbitrarily decided on a list of birthstones for each month, adding to or changing many of the traditional stones to those more commercially viable. In other words, a month was allocated to the stones which would make them most money. In 1938 the American Gem Society adopted this list for use by its members.

The idea of birthstones is however, rooted in fact. The exact time of birth, not merely month, indicates which gems are most beneficial for us as individuals. Over 5000 years ago the rishis, (translates from Sanskrit as "seers"), understood the correlations and underlying unity of all things. Through astrological science, Divine revelation and mystic vision they established the original Vedic astrology and actual idea of birthstones.

January
January’s birthstone, the garnet, symbolizes a light heart, loyalty and enduring affections. Believed to represent faith, constancy, and truth, the garnet is superior for its beauty and symbolism.



February
February’s birthstone, the amethyst, was the stone of royalty, representing power. Wear amethyst to improve your natural intuition and help get in touch with your inner self.



March
March has two birthstones – the aquamarine and the bloodstone. A symbol of happiness and everlasting youth.



April
April’s birthstone, the diamond, is a symbol of enduring love.




May
People in the Middle Ages believed that May’s birthstone, the emerald, held the power to foretell the future. Believed to aid one's memory and intelligence, and promote honesty,



June
June has three traditional birthstones – pearl, moonstone, and Alexandrite. This gem is believed to bestow purity, intelligence and perfection.



July
The ruby, birthstone for July, is among the most highly prized of gemstones. The gemstone's fiery red color represents inspiration, life, heat, and power.



August
August has two birthstones, peridot and sardonyx. This gemstone is supposed to bring its wearer success, peace, and good luck.



September
September’s birthstone, the sapphire, was said to represent the purity of the soul. This gemstone provides its wearer with spiritual illumination and inner peace.



October
October has two birthstones – opal and tourmaline. Greeks claimed that opals gave their owners the powers of prophecy, Romans adored it as a token of hope and purity, Arabs believed it fell from heaven.



November
November’s birthstone, the topaz, was thought to have the power to cool boiling water, as well as excessive anger. symbolize lightheartedness and joy.



December
December has two birthstones, turquoise and zircon. The ancient Greeks believed that it had the power to enlarge strength and make its wearer invisible in times of emergency.

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