There is a lot to say about gemstones, but let us start with birthstones, which are widely used in jewellery.
birthstones
Did you know that each month of the year is associated with a stone
and that each stone echoes a symbol, virtue or character trait?
The history of birthstones
The modern list dates from 1912.
In 1913, in The Curious Lore of Precious Stones, mineralogist and collector George Frederick Kunz traced the history of this ancient tradition.
The Old Testament describes the breastplate of the high priest Aaron, set with 12 stones engraved with the names of the 12 tribes of Israel; the New Testament, the 12 foundation stones of the heavenly Jerusalem.
In Antiquity, Flavius Josephus and later Saint Jerome linked these 12 stones to the 12 months of the year.
The custom of wearing one's birthstone probably appeared later, between the 17th and 18th centuries.
Whether or not you believe the legends, exploring birthstones is a fascinating experience.
Birthstones by month
Find out what makes your birthstone a symbol of your best qualities by clicking on the month of your birth below.
January: Garnet
February: Amethyst
March: Aquamarine
April: Diamond
May: Emerald
June: Moonstone
July: Ruby
August: Peridot
September: Sapphire
October: Tourmaline and Opal
December: Tanzanite