Birthstones

For millennia various cultures have assigned certain powers and blessings to gemstones, often relating them to birthdays, months and zodiac signs. Birthstones were even discussed in the Bible. The list of birthstones can be found in Revelation 21:19-20, where the foundation stones of the new Jerusalem are listed, in the order of the Roman calendar.

Ancient birthstone designations were established in Tibet (the so-called Mystical birthstones) and India (Ayurvedic birthstones). Traditional birthstones have circulated in various societies for a few centuries, and there are a variety of combinations based on their origins. In 1912, the Jewelers of America published a standardized list that endures to today, known as the Modern Birthstone list.

Combined Modern and Traditional Birthstones

During 2011, starting in January, I will be featuring the month's birthstone in our Vintages Featured Product blog. I compiled the above list by combining traditional and modern lists. I think this is an excellent list to use as both traditional and modern stones give a greater variety to choose from and are equally valid as gifts. As far as special powers and blessings go, you are on your own.

A great source of information on gems is Keith Wallis' book Gemstones: Understanding, Identifying,  Buying. I use this book religiously to understand stones in jewelry that we acquire and sell in the shop.