Where Do Birthstones Come From?

Although the tradition of wearing birthstone jewelry is relatively modern, the existence of birthstones themselves dates back to the first century. This is when historians began to connect the twelve months of the year, the twelve zodiac signs, and the twelve stones decorating Aaron, the first high priest of the Israelites’, breastplate. The modern practice of wearing birthstone jewelry is believed to have started somewhere in 16th century Germany or Poland. 

The name of January’s birthstone, garnet, comes from the Latin word for seed, granatum, as the stone resembles a pomegranate seed. Due to this comparison, garnet is also frequently associated with Persephone, the mythological woman whom the Greek god, Hades, lured into the underworld with pomegranate seeds. Roman nobles also used garnet to seal documents, and Egyptian pharaohs favored garnet necklaces. 

Today, garnet jewelry is still known as a symbol of commitment to both love and friendship. January birthstone jewelry is believed to possess the power to strengthen various internal organs and bodily systems, as well as boost your energy. 

A gold ring with a central garnet gemstone and other multicolored stones around it
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Amethyst, February’s birthstone, has captured people’s attention for thousands of years. The ancient Greeks thought that amethyst jewelry could protect against drunkenness, and in the past the Hebrews believed that you would be protected from harm if amethyst appeared in your dreams. And truly, this enchanting purple stone is one of dreams.  

Nowadays, those who believe in the spiritual power of crystals associate February birthstone jewelry with relief from stress and anxiety.

A trio of purple amethyst rings with loose amethyst stones in the background
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March is the first of several months with more than one official birthstone. The original March birthstone was bloodstone, which the ancient Babylonians used to aid clairvoyant abilities and make seals and amulets. Though aquamarine is the modern variant, this March birthstone's jewelry also has an intriguing history - in the past, sailors wore it for protection and during the Middle Ages some thought it would protect you from poison.

In our present time, bloodstone symbolizes vitality, strength, courage, creativity and motivation - a combination that is hard to compete with. However, aquamarine jewelry also has many special, positive meanings attached to it, including youth, tranquility, trust and the ability to let go.

A silver aquamarine ring
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The sole April birthstone, diamond, has a history as incredible as the stone itself and its luxurious reputation today. The ancient Greeks said that these gems were the tears of the gods, and people long ago in India believed they were created when rocks were struck by lightning.

April's birthstone jewelry is not only the most coveted of accessories - the gem is also by far the most popular choice for engagement rings. Perhaps this is why diamond jewelry is associated today with faithful love, dependability, purity and innocence. 

A gold ring with a large cluster of small diamond gems on it
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Emerald, the birthstone for May, has historical attachments all over the world and is particularly associated with women. Just to name a few examples, the Muisca people of Colombia believed emeralds could improve fertility, the Egyptians thought they made childbirth easier, and the Romans often linked this gem to Venus, the goddess of love.

Today, the various meanings of May birthstone jewelry include prosperity, growth and rebirth and the ability to predict the future. The stones of emerald jewelry even have their own nickname: “the stone of successful love.”

A silver emerald ring
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If you thought two was a lot, June has managed to accumulate three birthstones, each with their own unique mythology. Pearl is heavily featured in Chinese and Japanese history - the former believed that dragons had pearls between their teeth, and the latter thought that pearls were mermaid tears. Alexandrite is supposedly named for the Russian tsar Alexander II because it was discovered on his birthday and was also the official stone of the tsardom. Finally, ancient Hindus said that moonstone gems were solid pieces of moonbeam. 

In the present day, June birthstone jewelry has just as many symbolic meanings as it did in the past. Pearl jewelry symbolizes faith, innocence, integrity and loyalty, and is believed to have soothing properties. Alexandrite jewelry may attract wealth and good luck, and moonstone jewelry represents wisdom, hope and inspiration, new beginnings and the feminine energy.

A silver baroque pearl ring in a pink box surrounded by flowers and pink ribbon
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July, on the other hand, has just one birthstone, and it is indeed deserving of such a spotlight. July birthstone jewelry has always been closely linked to royalty - for example, during ancient times, Hindus offered rubies to their god, Krishna, for the purpose of being reincarnated as rulers. Ruby also frequently appears in royal jewelry around the world. 

The modern meanings of deep red ruby jewelry include passion and protection from harm. 

A gold ruby ring
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The month of August is another big month for birthstones with peridot, sardonyx and spinel. Peridot was thought to be the tears of the Hawaiian goddess Pele. Roman soldiers carved the gods Mars or Hercules into sardonyx for courage and strength in battle. Spinel has a history of being mistaken for ruby in royal jewelry. 

When it comes to the meanings and properties attributed to August birthstone jewelry, peridot jewelry symbolizes joy, playfulness and good fortune. Sardonyx is said to be a grounding force and to promote strength and courage, and spinel jewelry is a gem of revitalization. 

A gold peridot ring with white gems on two sides
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The sapphire, the centerpiece of September birthstone jewelry, is yet another stone with a mention in Greek mythology. Helen of Troy, the mythological figure whose beauty instigated a war, was said to have gotten her beauty from a sapphire that she owned. The ancient Persians also believed that the earth rested atop a massive sapphire that was reflected by the blue sky.

Nowadays, some people think that sapphire jewelry can protect from harm and envy and promote trust, faithfulness, sincerity, hope, wisdom, peace and focus - high expectations for one gemstone! 

A gold sapphire halo ring
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October is another of the dual-birthstone months. Romans associated opal with love and hope, while Australian aborigines believed the stones were produced by their creator treading upon the ground. The Egyptians proposed that tourmaline stones come in so many colors because it passed through a rainbow.

October birthstone jewelry still has many postive connotations. Now, opal jewelry is thought to help with eyesight, and it remains a symbol of passionate love, purity, hope and truth. Tourmaline jewelry, on the other hand, is said to heal and protect one from negative emotions and energy, as well as reconcile relationships.

A silver opal ring sitting in a white dish
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The gems of November birthstone jewelry are often confused with each other, but despite their similar color, have totally different mineral and spiritual properties attributed to them. While citrine was widely used to decorate Scottish weaponry and was popular in the Art Deco era, topaz was a symbol of the Egyptian sun god, Ra. 

In the present, people attribute the powers of calming anger, bestowing warmth and happiness, and fulfilling desires to citrine jewelry. Topaz jewelry is associated with health and money because of its gold color, and it also may promote inner awareness, joy, strength and confidence.

A gold-plated citrine ring
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December, the last month of the year, has the most birthstones of all the months with lapis lazuli, turquoise, tanzanite, topaz and zircon. One thing that ties all December birthstone jewelry together is that everything features various shades of blue.

Lapis lazuli is one of the oldest gems to appear in legend, associated with the Sumerian goddess of love. Turquoise has been important to Native Americans for many years. They use the stone to commune with spirits and symbolize the god of the sky. The Tanzanian Maasai tribe attributes tanzanite to an incident of lightning striking the ground and transforming the rocks into the blue gem. In ancient times, topaz was thought to change color if placed near food or drink with poison in it. Finally, zircon was significant in the Middle Ages, as some believed it could help with sleep and protect against evil.

Today, lapis lazuli jewelry is thought to maintain healthy friendships, while turquoise jewelry is symbolic of wisdom, tranquility and good luck. Tanzanite jewelry represents the heart and intellect and working together, as well as transforming into the best version of yourself. Blue topaz jewelry is said to attract love and reveal deception, and blue zircon jewelry is believed to emanate a grounding and guiding force.  

A tanzanite halo ring
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Erin McIntyre

Erin is an April baby herself, but she enjoyed researching the mythology of every month’s birthstones and, of course, picking out all of the images (the theme was rings if you couldn’t tell).  

Read more about Erin on her author page

Amanda Phillips and Kennedee Ford contributed to this article.

Erin McIntyre
Author