You must have known your birthstone for quite a long time! In fact, it is no hidden secret that the zodiac climate in the month of our birth defines our birthstones. But have you ever wondered what does every birthstone mean? And how were these birthstones paired up with the twelve months? It is quite an interesting story that dates all the way back to Biblical Old Testament times.
The Origin Of Birthstones
You will be surprised to know that the ancient account of birthstones is barely a century old! Many scholars are of the opinion that the concept of birthstones was taken from the book of Exodus (Chapter 28) from Aaron’s breastplate. The verses associated with the history of birthstones are:
“Fashion a breastpiece for making decisions — the work of skilled hands. Make it like the ephod: of gold, and of blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and of finely twisted linen. Then mount four rows of precious stones on it.
In the first row there shall be a ruby, a topaz and a beryl; in the second row a turquoise, a sapphire and an emerald; in the third row a jacinth, an agate and an amethyst; in the fourth row a chrysolite, an onyx and a jasper. Mount them in gold filigree settings.
There are to be twelve stones, one for each of the names of the sons of Israel, each engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes.”
So in this part of the book, a high-ranked priest of the Israelites named Aaron wore a ceremonial breastplate. It was studded with a total of twelve precious stones – in the set of three stones aligned over four rows – which represented twelve tribes of Israel. According to Jewish historian Flavius Josephus of 1st century AD, the breastplate was invested with miraculous powers. These special powers exuded from each gem along with an astrological sign. If worn at the right time, the collaborative power bestowed the wearer with talismanic or therapeutic benefits.
How These Stones Were Attributed To Various Months
After many years, in the New Testament, Revelation 21 presented “The New Jerusalem” that was built on the foundation on twelve gemstones. It was then that each of the twelve apostles of Jesus was given a particular gem in the Christian tradition. Eventually, in the first century, Jewish historian Flavius Josephus established and accounted the link between the twelve tribes of Israel, twelve months of the year, and the twelve zodiac signs.
Hence, the tradition of wearing birthstones as ornaments has existed since ancient times. People revered these elegant birthstones as they believed that these birthstones were capable of imparting great powers and the benefits of health and luck to its wearer.
Symbolic Meaning Associated With Birthstones
Clearly, the modern day list of birthstones is nothing like the one represented in the book of Exodus. Over the years, the birthstone list has been refreshed a number of times. Hence, you don’t really have to stick with today’s convention. You can choose a birthstone that you feel reflects you truly! Here is the list of birthstones that people look up to before deciding upon their birthstone!
January – Garnet for happiness, health, and wealth.
February – Amethyst for peace, courage, and stability.
March – Aquamarine for the preservation of health.
April – Diamond for love and prosperity.
May – Emerald for mental health and passion.
June – Pearl for purity, Alexandrite for intuition, and Moonstone for good fortune.
July – Ruby for love and success.
August – Peridot for prosperity, Sardonyx for confidence, and Spinel for energy.
September – Sapphire for wisdom.
October – Tourmaline for happiness and Opal for inspiration.
November – Topaz, and Citrine for calm and good fortune.
December – Tanzanite for psychic powers, Zircon for virtue, and Turquoise for love and success.
To find an elegant range of birthstone studded jewelry pieces at affordable prices, a local pawn shop like Loudoun Exchange & Jewelry is your best bet! Visit our showroom to explore our exciting birthstone collection today.
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