The history of birthstones stretches back to the breastplate of Aaron, and the first official list was published in 1912. Our Birthstone Collection first launched in October 2020, so we thought we would give you a quick history of Birthstones.
If you have ever given or received birthstone jewellery, you are following a tradition believed to date back to the breastplate of Aaron. Originally, the wearers assumed that birthstones had special powers. Now, we see them as fashionable ways to express our individuality, and some still see them as a lucky charm.
Key Takeaways
- Earliest roots: the early birthstones go back to Vedic astrological signs, with nine stones for nine planets.
- First official list: published in 1912 by the American National Retail Jewelers Association, now Jewelers of America.
- Updates: the list changed in 1952, in 2002 when tanzanite joined, and in 2016 when spinel joined.
- Three lists: there are ancient, traditional and modern birthstone lists.
- Powers: each stone was chosen for the powers it was believed to give the wearer.
Origins of Birthstones
The early birthstones harken back to Vedic astrological signs with nine stones that correspond to nine planets. The Vedics prescribed wearing gems to improve health and manage difficulties in life.
Many experts believe that modern birthstones and the idea of wearing them to represent your birth month arrived in Poland in the 1700s when Jewish gem traders arrived.
Official Modern Birthstones
In 1912, birthstones became official when the American National Retail Jewelers Association, now known as Jewelers of America, published the first official list. Since then, the list has changed a few times:
- 1952: alexandrite (June), citrine (November), tourmaline (October) and zircon (December) were added.
- 2002: tanzanite became the third birthstone for the month of December.
- 2016: spinel joined peridot as an August birthstone.
Currently, there are three lists of birthstones. The ancient birthstones have been used since the days of Aaron the Priest. The traditional list has been used for 500 years, and the modern list has been used since 1912.
The Powers of Birthstones
When birthstones were selected, they were believed to have special powers that helped the people who wore them. The first three birthstones, the garnet, amethyst, and aquamarine were chosen because they offered safe travels, courage, and healing powers.
The diamond and emerald of April and May brought love, while the pearl of June offered purity.
From July to December
In the second half of the year, the July ruby scared away evil, and the August peridot brought strength. The September sapphire also scared away evil. In October, the opal represented confidence. The November topaz represented love, and the December turquoise was all about luck.
Birthstone powers at a glance
| Month | Stone | Believed to bring |
|---|---|---|
| January to March | Garnet, amethyst and aquamarine | Safe travels, courage and healing powers |
| April | Diamond | Love |
| May | Emerald | Love |
| June | Pearl | Purity |
| July | Ruby | Scared away evil |
| August | Peridot | Strength |
| September | Sapphire | Scared away evil |
| October | Opal | Confidence |
| November | Topaz | Love |
| December | Turquoise | Luck |
Birthstone Folklore
Historically, many of the birthstones were associated with folklore, and wearing them in certain ways would deliver benefits to the wearer. For example, the garnet should be worn close to the heart, especially since it was rumored to bring the wearer closer to God.
Diamonds should be worn over the love vein, which the Egyptians believed was the third finger of the left hand. Opals were thought to be lucky, and should only be worn in October by people who have October birthdays.
The Modern and Ancient Birthstones
Here are the modern and the ancient and traditional birthstones, month by month:
| Month | Modern birthstones | Ancient and traditional birthstones |
|---|---|---|
| January | Garnet | Garnet, Hyacinth |
| February | Amethyst | Amethyst, Hyacinth, Pearl |
| March | Aquamarine | Bloodstone, Jasper |
| April | Diamond | Diamond, Sapphire |
| May | Emerald | Agate, Emerald |
| June | Alexandrite, Moonstone, Pearl | Agate, Chalcedony, Emerald, Pearl, Turquoise |
| July | Ruby | Carnelian, Onyx, Ruby, Turquoise |
| August | Peridot, Spinel | Carnelian, Moonstone, Sardonyx, Topaz |
| September | Sapphire | Chrysolite, Sardonyx, Zircon |
| October | Opal, Pink Tourmaline | Aquamarine, Beryl, Coral, Opal |
| November | Citrine, Topaz | Cat’s Eye, Pearl, Topaz |
| December | Tanzanite, Blue Zircon, Turquoise | Bloodstone, Chrysoprase, Lapis Lazuli, Ruby |
Birthstone lists differ slightly between organisations. For example, the American Gem Society leaves moonstone off its June list, while Jewelers of America and the American Gem Trade Association include it, according to National Jeweler.
June has three modern birthstones, including alexandrite, which you can see in our alexandrite rings.
Which Birthstone List Should You Choose?
You can choose from any of the three lists, so pick the stone that suits you best.
- Modern list: the official list in use since 1912, updated in 1952, 2002 and 2016.
- Traditional list: used for 500 years.
- Ancient list: used since the days of Aaron the Priest.
- August choice: spinel joined peridot in 2016, giving August birthdays a wider range of colours and price points.
- October choice: opal and pink tourmaline on the modern list, or aquamarine, beryl, coral and opal on the ancient list.
- Mix and match: some jewellers use several lists to help customers choose an alternative if they don’t like what one list dictates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who came up with birthstones?
No single person invented birthstones. The early stones are linked to Vedic astrology, where nine stones matched nine planets, and many experts believe the habit of wearing a stone for your birth month reached Poland in the 1700s with Jewish gem traders. The first official list was published in 1912.
When did birthstones become official?
The first official birthstone list was published in 1912 by the American National Retail Jewelers Association, now known as Jewelers of America. It was updated in 1952 to add alexandrite, citrine, tourmaline and zircon, in 2002 for tanzanite, and in 2016 when spinel joined peridot as an August birthstone.
What are the ancient birthstones?
The ancient birthstones have been used since the days of Aaron the Priest, whose breastplate held 12 gemstones. The traditional list has been used for 500 years and the modern list since 1912. For October, the ancient list names aquamarine, beryl, coral and opal, while the modern list names opal and pink tourmaline.
How were birthstones chosen?
Each stone was chosen for the powers it was believed to give the wearer. Garnet, amethyst and aquamarine offered safe travels, courage and healing, diamond and emerald brought love, and pearl offered purity. Ruby and sapphire scared away evil, peridot brought strength, opal represented confidence, topaz love and turquoise luck.
How should you wear a birthstone?
Folklore says a garnet should be worn close to the heart, and diamonds over the love vein, which the Egyptians believed was the third finger of the left hand. Opals were thought to be lucky, and should only be worn in October by people who have October birthdays.
Which birthstone list should I use?
Trade organisations use slightly different lists, so there is no single correct answer. The modern list has been used since 1912, the traditional list for 500 years, and the ancient list since the days of Aaron the Priest. Choose the list, and the stone, that feels right for you or the person you are buying for.
Shop Birthstone Rings
Inspired by birthstones? Check out our sweet Birthstone collection. Every ring is hand crafted by us in Perth, and we plant 5 trees with every order.
Browse our gemstone wedding rings and engagement rings, enjoy free express shipping on all orders, or call us on +61 8 6323 8494.
