THE BIRTHSTONE TRADITION
The precise origins of birthstones, and the associating of particular gemstones with specific months of the calendar, has been lost in the mists of time. However, we would all agree with the opinion that it’s a charming and beautiful practice, which brings a touch of sparkle and magic to any birthday; and whether set in a pendant or other item of jewelry, gifts of birthstones are gorgeously thoughtful presents that would bring a smile to anybody’s face.
At our workshop, we just love the concept of birthstones, in a wide range of items of stunningly made jewelry.
THE ORIGINS OF BIRTHSTONES
The myths and legends surrounding the origins of birthstones are varied and fascinating, with many different people believing different stories depending upon their cultural background. To this day, people claim that crystals and gemstones possess sacred energies and healing powers, and the wearing of particular gemstones on particular dates enhances their power and potency.
One of the most enduring origin legends for all of this comes from Josephus, the Jewish historian from whom we get much of our 1st century history regarding Jesus and his contemporaries. Josephus claimed that there were 12 gemstones adorning the breastplate of the high priest Aaron, each of which represented the twelve tribes of Israel, and which also corresponded with the signs of the zodiac and the months of the year.
There are similar accounts coming from the Zoroastrian traditions of what is now Iran, and India too has a set of twelve birthstones which also relate to the movements of the heavens. Whatever the true origin of this intriguing tradition, all over the world people began ascribing qualities and characteristics to different gemstones, and also connected them to a month of the year.
These gemstones ended up being talismanic, bringing protection, luck or other such magical properties to the wearer.
This set of traditions continued in a fairly ramshackle manner for centuries, until the 1900s, when jewellers were keen to establish a more solid list based on more than simple oral tradition. As such, in 1912, the American National Association of Jewellers sat around a table and drew up the definitive birthstone list, giving each month of the year at least one gemstone.
Interestingly, this list was originally created with commercial intentions - the idea was to promote the giving of gemstone jewelry as a birthday present - but it quickly became picked up worldwide, and started a significance and mythology all of its own, with many people unaware that the list we use today only dates back a hundred years.
Whether you have faith in the mystic power of gemstones, want to associate with a millennia-old set of traditions, or simply love the idea of having a gemstone assigned to you at birth, birthstones make for wonderful items to add a sense of delight to anyone’s jewelry collection.
Whether you’re looking for a classic gemstone pendant, a birthstone ring or something else associated with birthstone jewelry, at our workshop, we are confident we have the range to suit all your desires, as well as something which perfectly fits your budget and personal preferences, too.
Just get in touch, and give our approachable team the chance to take you through our incredible collection!