Birthstones and monthstones

(you can click the picture to get to its descriptive page)

Birthstones and monthstones

Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu and Buddhist traditions mingled with Pagan legends led to the association of certain stones with different months, astrological signs, Tribes of Israel and Apostles but also with healing powers for social, physological, metaphysical and even medical conditions. Not that we necessarily promote or believe such claims, but we think they can make for an interesting conversation.

In the 18th century the relationship of stones with months was popularized but it was based mainly on the colours of the stones. Owing to the fact that several stones have the same colours, confusion resulted, so that in 1937 the National Association of Goldsmiths of Great Britain established a uniform list (with some alternatives for the more costly stones).

January:	garnet
February:	amethyst
March:	aquamarine and jasper
April:	diamond and rock crystal
May:	emerald and chrysoprase
June:	pearl and moonstone
July:	ruby, cornelian and onyx
August:	peridot and sardonyx
September:	sapphire and lapis lazuli
October:	opal and tourmaline
November:	topaz and citrine
December:	turquoise

See also our:
deeper information on birth and monthstones
extensive antique jewelry glossary
antique jewelry style overview