Birthstones are gemstones that represent each month of the year. They are often worn as jewelry and given as gifts. But where did the tradition of birthstones originate? And what is the meaning and folklore behind each stone?
The idea of birthstones arose from the Breastplate of Aaron in the Old Testament. The breastplate contained 12 different gemstones representing the 12 tribes of Israel. Over time, the 12 gemstones began to be associated with the 12 signs of the zodiac and the 12 months of the year.
By the 15th century, people began wearing and gifting birthstones according to the month of a person’s birth. It was believed that wearing your birthstone provided health benefits, good luck, and protection. The tradition gained popularity in the United States and Europe by the 18th and 19th centuries.
While the origin of birthstones stems from Biblical times, each stone has its own unique legend and meaning tied to its history and cultural significance. Let’s explore the story behind each birthstone.
January – Garnet
Garnet is the birthstone for January. It is most commonly found in shades of red, but also exists in greens, yellows, oranges, pinks, purples and earth tones. The name “garnet” comes from the Latin word “granatum” meaning seed or grain. This is in reference to the berry-like shape of garnet crystals.
Garnets have been used as jewelry and adornments dating back to the Bronze Age. In ancient times, garnets were set into rings, necklaces, brooches, and worn as talismans. Bohemia (now part of the Czech Republic) became an important source of garnet gemstones in Medieval times. Garnets were also used abundantly in the decorative cloisonné jewels of the Byzantine Empire between 300-600 AD.
The folklore around garnet says it is a stone of health and energy. It was thought to cure illnesses of the blood and encourage overall vitality. Garnet jewelry has been given as gifts between friends to demonstrate lasting affection. During the Victorian era, garnet symbolized true friendship and trust.
February – Amethyst
Amethyst is February’s purple birthstone. The name comes from the Ancient Greek word “amethystos” meaning sober. There is a Greek myth that the god Dionysus had become intoxicated. The goddess Diana turned a maiden into a statue of pure crystal to protect her from Dionysus. The god wept tears of wine over the maiden, dyeing the crystalline statue purple.
Amethysts are found mainly in Uruguay, Brazil, and Zambia. Other sources include the United States, Mexico, Canada, Russia, India, and Sri Lanka. Amethysts were hugely popular in ancient times. They adorned royalty and were worn as amulets. Ancient Greeks believed amethyst could prevent drunkenness, so drinking vessels were often carved from the gem.
During the Middle Ages, Christians wore amethyst crosses to symbolize piety. Bishops often wore amethyst jewelry and carried amethyst relics. Amethyst was believed to encourage celibacy and symbolize royalty, and was the official gemstone of English monarchs. Queen Catherine the Great adorned an entire room in her palace with amethyst decor.
March – Aquamarine
The luminous pale blue aquamarine is the birthstone of March. Aquamarine comes from the Latin words for water (aqua) and sea (mare). The name reflects the crystal blue color and oceanic tones of aquamarine. The stone was believed to protect sailors, bring good luck at sea, and ensure a safe voyage.
Aquamarine deposits have been found in Brazil, Zambia, Pakistan, and Mozambique. Beryls were mined in Egypt as early as 1500 BC. Roman naturalist Pliny described aquamarine beryl as having lovely blue-green shades. Aquamarine became popular during the 18th and 19th centuries. Many antique aquamarine jewelry pieces date from this time.
In folklore, aquamarine was thought to bring good fortune, youth, love and happiness. Due to its blue tones, it was considered the most appropriate gem for a bride to wear on her wedding day. Aquamarine was also believed to enhance courage, self-expression, and intelligence. Some legends say aquamarine was the treasure of mermaids, with the power to keep sailors safe.
April – Diamond
Diamond is April’s glittering transparent gem. The word diamond comes from the Greek word “adamas” meaning invincible. Diamonds have been highly valued in society for their rarity, brilliance, and hardness. Demand for diamonds spiked in the 20th century after De Beers marketing campaigns promoted diamonds for engagement rings.
Diamonds are formed under immense heat and pressure about 90 miles under the earth’s surface. Volcanic eruptions then push the diamonds closer to the surface. Significant diamond deposits are found in Africa, India, Russia, Canada, and Australia. The earliest diamonds were mined in India over 5000 years ago.
In ancient times, diamonds were believed to have healing powers. Romans thought diamonds granted strength, invincibility, bravery and courage. During the Middle Ages, diamonds were believed to possess beauty and strength against toxins and poisons. Royalty coveted diamonds as symbols of power, prestige and wealth. Today, diamonds carry associations of commitment, fidelity, and everlasting love.
May – Emerald
Lush green emerald is the birthstone for May. Emerald gets its vivid green colors from traces of chromium and vanadium. The word comes from the Greek “smaragdos” meaning green stone. emeralds have been treasured dating back to ancient Egypt, where they adorned Pharaohs and were entombed with mummies.
The earliest known emerald mines were located in Egypt near the Red Sea. Cleopatra was known for her love of emeralds. She owned an elaborate emerald collection, frequently gifting emeralds carved in her likeness. Emeralds were also coveted by Incan and Aztec civilizations in South America. Colombian emeralds are now considered the world’s finest.
According to legend, emerald has the power to foretell the future and reveal truth. The stone was believed to sharpen intelligence, improve memory, and grant foresight. Emerald was also thought to cure illnesses and protect against spells. Due to its lush green color, it became associated with fertility, rebirth, and the beauty of Spring.
June – Pearl
Cultured pearl is the iridescent birthstone of June. Unlike other stones, pearls are organic gems formed within mollusks when irritants get lodged in their shells. Natural pearls are very rare, so most pearls in jewelry are cultivated by surgically implanting beads into oysters.
Pearls have been worn as adornment for centuries. In Roman times, pearls symbolized nobility and wealth. Women wore pearls to denote status. During the Middle Ages, royal attire was decorated with pearls. Pearls were also popular during the Renaissance. Portraits of Queen Elizabeth I usually depict her covered in pearls from head to toe!
In gemstone folklore, pearls represent purity, integrity, and faith. They were thought to attract good fortune and protection. Since they come from the sea, pearls were considered sacred among many cultures. Hindu tradition links pearls with the moon. The Chinese associated pearls with wisdom. Today, pearls retain associations of beauty, glamour, and purity.
July – Ruby
Ruby, July’s birthstone, is one of the four precious gemstones along with sapphire, emerald, and diamond. Rubies range from pinkish to blood-red due to traces of chromium. The word ruby comes from the Latin “ruber” meaning red.
Burma historically produced the world’s finest rubies. Today, significant ruby deposits are also found in Thailand, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Tanzania, and Mozambique. Rubies were revered in ancient Sanskrit writings. Hindus believed rubies represented the sun. Burmese warriors possessed rubies to make them invincible in battle.
Medieval Europeans wore rubies to guarantee health, love, wisdom, and success. Ruby rings signified passion and undying love. Blood-red rubies were also thought to grant peace of mind and protect your health. Ruby slippers play a key role in The Wizard of Oz, granting Dorothy the power to return home.
August – Peridot
August’s verdant yellow-green birthstone peridot symbolizes strength. Peridot is an ancient gemstone, with deposits found on Hawaii’s volcanoes and in Egyptian tombs dating back to 1500 BC. Peridot jewelry was worn by Cleopatra and showed up in medieval churches.
The striking green color comes from the composition of the mineral olivine. Large deposits are found in China, Burma, Hawaii USA, and Norway. Peridot was believed to hold magical powers and healing properties. It cured depression, apathy, and brought good luck. Peridot also protects against nightmares and evil, promoting harmony through change.
Ancient Hawaiians coveted peridot, believing it symbolized the tears of the volcano goddess Pele. Egyptian priests believed peridot stones came from celestial bodies and signified the sun. Some legends say peridot instills power, influence, and is the gift of the sun.
September – Sapphire
Sapphire is September’s birthstone. Trace amounts of iron and titanium give sapphire its vivid blue hue. Sapphires also naturally occur in pink, yellow, green, orange, and purple colors. Black sapphires are so dark they absorb nearly all light.
For centuries, blue sapphires were the gem of royalty. The world’s largest deposits are in Sri Lanka, Kashmir, Burma, Thailand, Australia and Cambodia. Sapphires adorned priests and kings in the ancient civilizations of Egypt, Greece and Rome. British royals have fashioned some of the most famous sapphires into engagement rings.
In folklore, sapphires provide insight, perception and inner peace. They were thought to preserve chastity, reveal lies, and protect from fraud. Sapphires symbolized nobility, virtue, good fortune, and wise judgment. Medieval clergy wore sapphires to remind themselves of heaven and holiness.
October – Opal
Fiery opal is October’s birthstone, known for its shimmering play of color. Opals contain up to 30% water and must be protected from drying out or they lose their iridescence. The name opal comes from the Greek word “opallios” and the Latin word “opalus,” meaning “precious stone.”
95% of the world’s opals originate from Australia, especially South Australia, New South Wales and Queensland. Opal deposits are also found in Brazil, Mexico, the United States, and Slovakia. Queen Victoria adored opals and gave them as gifts, sparking popularity in the Victorian era.
Ancient Romans associated opals with hope, innocence and purity. Arabs believed opals fell from the sky during lightning storms. The Egyptians used opals for luck and protection. Europeans wore opals to ward off evil, aid vision, and gain foresight. Opals are also thought to clarify emotions, amplify personality traits, and mirror the psyche.
November – Topaz
Golden brown topaz is November’s birthstone. Blue topaz is highly popular due to enhancement treatments. Topaz occurs in yellow, orange, red, pink, violet, blue, green, and even clear crystals. Significant topaz deposits are located in Brazil, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and China.
According to myth, a topaz mounted in gold will drive away depression, cowardice, fear, and nightmares. The ancient Greeks believed topaz gave them strength. In the Middle Ages, topaz was said to cool tempers and ensure faithfulness. Buddhists hold topaz sacred and believe it promotes goodwill and empathy.
The Egyptians mined topaz on St. John’s Island around 1200 BC. Greeks and Romans wore topaz amulets and associated topaz with the sun god Ra. Blue topaz was rumored to cure insomnia, asthma and hemorrhages. During the Renaissance, topaz was thought to focus the mind, bring wisdom and dispel enchantments.
December – Turquoise
Sky blue turquoise represents December. Turquoise has been prized for over 7,000 years, first by ancient Egyptians and Aztecs. King Tut’s funeral mask was decorated with turquoise, while Aztecs adorned themselves with turquoise jewelry. Deposits have been found in the Sinai Peninsula, France, Vietnam, and the USA.
Native Americans have long used turquoise in spiritual rituals and practices. Apaches believed turquoise helped warriors and horses run faster. Navajos thought turquoise brought luck and health. Hopis attributed life-giving qualities to the sky blue mineral. The Ancients associated turquoise with fertility, friendship, honesty, wisdom, luck and immortality.
In Persia, turquoise was thought to assure protection, make waters safe to drink, and attract benevolent spirits. Turquoise rings came to symbolize fidelity. Christian nobility wore turquoise to signify heaven, and turquoise gravestones signified eternal life.
Conclusion
The tradition of birthstones is an intriguing one, with origins dating back thousands of years and unique folklore tied to each individual gem. While some of the myths and legends surrounding birthstones may be more fanciful, they provide a colorful backstory to how these special gems came to represent each month and take on cultural meaning.
Wearing or gifting a birthstone allows you to connect to an ancient history, as each jewel carries with it a legacy of symbolism, powers, and beauty unique to its composition and story. Birthstones make meaningful gifts that can be passed down and remembered for generations. Exploring the rich narratives behind each birthstone gives us a window into the mystique behind these timeless treasures from the earth.
