Birth Stones

"The two big advantages I had at birth were to have been born wise and to have been born in poverty." – Sofia Costanza Brigida Villani Scicolone, aka Sophia Loren

Birthstones have a Biblical origin, with references to Aaron, the Priest of God. The references are later made that Christians were using birthstones based on the 12 tribes of Israel, and the jewelry worn by the priests of Israel.

The traditions of birth stones varies across cultures, and in 1912 the American National Retail Jewelers Association defined and standardized the birsthstone chart we know and use to this day.

Month Traditional Optional / Non-Traditional
January Garnet
February Amythest Hyacinth/Jacinth, Pearl
March Aquamarine Bloodstone
April Diamond Sapphire
May Emerald Agate
June Pearl Moonstone, Alexandrite, Cat's Eye, Turquise, Agate
July Ruby Turquise, Onyx
August Peridot Spinel, Sardonyx, Carnelian, Moonstone, Topaz
September Sapphire Chrysolite
October Opal Tourmaline, Beryl
November Citrine Topaz, Pearl
December Blue Zircon Turquise, Tanazanite, Ruby, Bloodstone

The above list is a based on traditional gifts, but use these opportunities to be creative in your expression of what to give.