Birthstones are daily reminders to celebrate your birth month all year long. Do you know what your birthstone means?
Have you ever wondered where the birthstone idea came from? Their history can be traced to the book of Exodus in the Bible, where a Hebrew high priest named Aaron was asked by God to create a breastplate with 12 gemstones, which were then set in four rows of three and mounted in gold settings. In the 5th century, Christian scholars made the connection between the 12 gems, 12 months of the year, and 12 signs of the Zodiac. There was a lot of disagreement over which stone would represent a calendar month until 1912 when Sears published an "official" list of all the birthstones and their corresponding month.January
[gallery size="large" ids="26522,26523"] Stone: Garnet Meaning: Protection Color: Dark Red During the later years of the Roman Empire, red garnets were the most popular gemstone. Garnets have a high refractive index which gives onlookers the impression that garnets were emitting light. Because of this, explorers and travelers carried garnets with them on their journeys to help light up the night skies. The gift of a garnet is a great way to let your loved ones know you want them to be safe on their journeys.February
[gallery size="large" ids="26525,26526"] Stone: Amethyst Meaning: Wisdom Color: Violet Amethysts have been engraved and set into jewelry since ancient Egypt and continue to be very popular today. According to Greek legend, in a rare moment of sobriety for Dionysus, he forged an association with avoiding intoxication. Since then, the amethyst has been associated with alcohol intolerance. We can't promise sobriety, but we hope it will inspire the wisdom not to overindulge when giving the gift of the amethyst!March
[gallery size="large" ids="26528,26527"] Stone: Aquamarine Meaning: Serenity Color: Blue or Cyan Aquamarines are a member of the Beryl family, which is usually clear. All the colors are caused by impurities, and the blue in aquamarine comes from iron deposits. Many sailors would bring this gemstone on their voyages for a variety of calming purposes. It is thought that the aquamarine could help with a good night's sleep by keeping the stone under their pillow or keeping away poisons or bad food by carrying the stone in their pocket. Aquamarines are believed to inspire harmony, which makes it a great gift for new brides.April
[gallery size="large" ids="26529,26530"] Stone: Diamond Meaning: Strength Color: Clear Diamonds have been admired for centuries, and today it's the most widely known stone to be given as part of an engagement ring. Throughout history, the diamond has symbolized eternal and lasting love. You already know how tough diamonds are, but did you know it is 58 times harder than anything in nature and it can only be cut by another diamond?May
[gallery size="large" ids="26531,26532"] Stone: Emerald Meaning: Hope Color: Dark Green Emeralds are named after the Latin words "esmaralda" and "esmaraldus," which translates to green gem. This beautiful gemstone inspires thoughts of springtime and renewal, which makes for a great gift for someone who needs a reminder of starting a new chapter in their life.June
[gallery size="large" ids="26533,26534"] Stone: Alexandrite Meaning: Love Color: Variable Alexandrites were first discovered in the 19th Century. They are typically a transparent yellow-green until polarized light shines through, causing it to explode into a variety of colors ranging from red to dark purple or orange, depending on which direction the light is shining. The gift of this birthstone is a wonderful way of expressing your love -- literally and figuratively.July
[gallery size="large" ids="26536,26537"] Stone: Ruby Meaning: Vitality Color: Red Ruby is a stone of nobility and considered the most magnificent of all gemstones. Ancients believed the ruby surpassed all other gemstones in virtue, and it was valued even more than diamonds. Throughout history, the ruby has always been a talisman of passion, protection, and prosperity.August
[gallery size="large" ids="26538,26539"] Stone: Peridot Meaning: Beauty Color: Olive Green Peridot is recognized by its brilliant lime green glow and dates back as far as the second millennium B.C. Ancient Egyptians called the peridot "gem of the sun" because they believed it protected its wearer from terrors of the night. Today, the gift of a peridot indicates that the recipient lights up a room.September
[gallery size="large" ids="26540,26541"] Stone: Sapphire Meaning: Truth Color: Blue Sapphire has been popular since the Middle Ages, and back then the celestial blue color of this gem symbolized heaven. This gem became a symbol of royal love in 1981 when Britain's Prince Charles gave Lady Diana a 12-carat blue sapphire engagement ring. Prince William gave this ring to Catherine Middleton in 2010.October
[gallery size="large" ids="26542,26543"] Stone: Tourmaline Meaning: Healing Color: Pinkish Red Tourmaline is the technicolored dream of all gems because there isn't any other stone with a greater range of color. One of this gem's most impressive traits is its ability to become electrically charged through heat and through pressure. When charged, tourmaline morphs into a magnet by oscillating and by attracting or repelling particles of dust. Many people believe tourmaline can shield against radiation, pollutants, toxins, and negative thoughts.November
Stone: Citrine
Meaning: Joy
Color: Dark Yellow
This gemstone is one of the rarest varieties of quartz found in nature, and it is the second-most popular variety of quartz. It is said that golden gems are more attractive because they channel the power of the sun and all the positivity that comes with it. Citrines are believed to improve your mood and help you appreciate your surroundings more. This is quite appropriate for the month that includes Thanksgiving. Giving a citrine as a gift is a great way to tell someone that they radiate joy and that you experience their joy.
December
Stone: Turquoise
Meaning: Friendship
Color: Turquoise
These opaque blue-green gems have been highly valued for thousands of years by many cultures. In Turkish tradition, the gift of a turquoise was supposed to give you the ability to make friends more easily. The only catch was that in order to acquire this super power you need to have a friend who would give you a turquoise.
Birthstones come in all sizes and colors. More important than the size and color is the meaning behind every stone. We've given you the meaning of the gemstones, but we hope your own meanings are more powerful than ours!
What does your birthstone mean to you? Share your comments below!
