It's well known that precious stones make ideal jewelry pieces. But did you know that certain stones are attributed to specific birth months? This is known as the birthstone tradition.
Wearing birthstones is a long-standing
practice among people in the United States, Canada, and Scotland. Many people
sport rings, pendants, and other jewelry pieces with the birthstones of their
family or friends.
Do you want to discover the rich
history of birthstones? Are you interested to learn the meanings that they
carry with them?
Keep reading to learn all there is
to know about birthstone jewelry and its rich tradition.
A
Brief History of Birthstones
Birthstones have been a popular way
to show affection and luck throughout history. The oldest birthstone lists date
back to the 1st century AD, and most historians believe the tradition began in
ancient Babylon.
The most popular birthstone list in use today was created by Tiffany & Co. in 1837.
This list included 12 birthstones, one for each month of the year.
However, many different cultures
have their birthstone traditions. For example, the Russian people believe that
certain stones are unlucky for certain months. In the Middle Ages, Europeans
believed that wearing your birthstone would bring good luck.
Today, gemstones are more popular
than ever. They make an excellent gift for a loved one and are a beautiful way
to show pride in your birth month.
The
Different Birthstones Throughout the Ages
The first birthstones were mentioned
in the Bible. In Exodus, Aaron was instructed to wear twelve different stones
on his breastplate, each representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel. These
stones were later used to determine a person's birth month.
However, it wasn't until the 18th
century that birthstones began to gain popularity. At this time, jewelers
started creating birthstone jewelry, which has become fashionable.
The
Meanings and Myths Behind Birthstones
There are many different myths and
meanings associated with birthstones. For example, January's birthstone is the
Garnet. It is said to represent eternal friendship and trust.
February's birthstone is the
amethyst. It is said to symbolize wisdom and strength.
Each birthstone has its unique
history. The Garnet has been used as a gemstone for centuries.
It is said to have been used as a
talisman by the Egyptians and found in ancient grave sites. Meanwhile, amethyst
has been used for millennia as a gemstone for jewelry and other ornamental
objects.
Birthstones have a long and exciting
history. They are more than just pretty stones; they represent our history and
culture.
If you want to know more about
birthstones, like for the month of April in particular, explore this complete guide. It has everything you need to know about it.
Wear
a Piece of History!
There is a long and varied history
of birthstones. But despite this, the sentiment behind why we give and wear
them remains the same. It is to show our love and appreciation for the people
in our lives.
If you're looking for a thoughtful
and unique gift, consider a piece of jewelry with your loved one's birthstone.
With such a wide variety of birthstones to choose from, there is sure to be one
that is perfect for them.
Find the right birthstone and enjoy
wearing a piece of history!
If you enjoyed this post and found
it helpful, explore the rest of this section for more like it.