Birthday Stones
The evolution of the tradition of wearing one's birthstone can be traced back to Judaeo-Christian beliefs. According to the Old Testament, the Breastplate of the High Priest of Exodus is the origin of modern birthstones. "The Breastplate of Aaron" consisted of twelve gemstones that each had heavy symbolism in Jewish religion and were the foundation stones for New Jerusalem. Jewish religion states that communication with Elohim, God, was easier when one wears the same gems that are displayed in the Breastplate. In western culture, the birthstone system was written about in the 1st century AD writings of Joseph and 5th century AD writings of St. Jerome. Both authors trace the origin of the birthstones to the Breastplate of the Hebrew High Priest.
Wearing only the gemstone that corresponds with one's birthstone has been traced back to Poland, which became heavily influenced by the Jewish immigrants who settled there. During this time, it was thought to have been beneficial to wear all of the gemstones displayed in the Breastplate. Ancient Hebrews would wear or carry all twelve of the stones that were in the Breastplate. Birthstones are also dedicated to the day of the week one is born on. Ancient cultures have made a connection with the seven days of the week with the seven planets of their time, which are the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. Ancient India, Egypt, Greece and Rome all associated days of the week with the planets of their time. Some refer to the ancient Indian practice as "planetary gemology". However, the origin of wearing the birthstone dedicated to the day of the week one is born on is unclear. Some historians have said that the ancient Hebrew were the first to use it. Others theorize that this was an attempt by jewelers to market their gemstone jewelry. Perhaps a quote from G.F Kunz's book "The Curious Lore of Precious Gemstones" discusses the reason most eloquently. It states "The idea that birthstones possess a certain indefinable, but none-the-less real significance has long been present, and still holds a spell over the minds of all who are gifted with a touch of imagination and romance."
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The word topaz comes from the Greek word "topazios". Pure topaz is colorless but this gemstone can be found in hues of yellow, white, grey, pink, blue and pale green. However, the yellow topaz is the most common type found. Topaz is a durable mineral, ranking an 8 on the Moh's scale of hardness. It is believed to ease sadness, anger and sooth its owner into a restful sleep. |
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Pearls are organic gems that are formed when an oyster covers a foreign object with nacre. The word pearl has become a metaphor for anything that is very rare, fine and valuable. A pearl's luster is dependent on the reflection, refraction and diffraction of light from the iridescent layers. The highest quality luster is found in pearls that have thinner and more numerous layers. These types of natural pearls are very rare, therefor most of the pearls in the marketplace have to be cultured by man. |
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Rubies are a variety of the mineral corundum. It comes in colors ranging from pink to a blood-red color. The most valuable rubies have what experts call a pigeon blood-red hue. The name ruby comes from the Latin word ruber meaning red. It's color has long been associated with love and passion. Rubies are some of the hardest gemstones in the world, ranking a 9 on the Moh's scale of hardness. For centuries, rubies were considered the most valuable gemstones on Earth. |
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Amethysts are a variety of quartz that have a soothing violet hue. The color can range from a light to a deep purple. It's name is derived from the Greek word "amethustos" which means not intoxicated. The ancient Greeks believed that the gemstone would keep it's owner from becoming inebriated. Amethysts are durable gemstone, ranking a 7 on the Moh's scale of hardness. Their radiance and affordability have made it the most popular selling gemstone in the nation. |
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Sapphires are a variety of corundum and range in color from a deep blue, yellow, pink, purple, orange, white or green. The most popular selling sapphire has a midnight-blue hue. Related to the ruby, these gemstones are some of the hardest in the world, ranking a 9 on the Moh's scale of hardness. Sapphires are believed to symbolize a sense of loyalty and, when given as a gift, is seen as an expression of longing and love. |
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Carnelian is a bright stone that ranges in color from a vibrant orange to a reddish brown. It is a durable gemstone that rates a 7 on the Moh's scale of hardness. Most jewelry that uses carnelian has a deep red hue. To achieve this color, the carnelian is left in the sun. The word carnelian comes from the Latin word caro meaning flesh, in reference to the flesh color some varieties of carnelian exhibited. |
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Turquoise is a gemstone that has been prized for centuries. The ancient Egyptians saw it is a holy stone that would bring good fortune to its owner. Turquoise is one of the softer gemstones, ranking a 6 on the Moh's scale of hardness. It's color ranges from a bright blue to green hue; most turquoise is a mixture of both colors, but the highest quality turquoise has an almost perfect bright blue hue and is found in Iran. |
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