How Birthstones Came to Be

Where the idea of Birthstones came from is mixed in historical accounts. Some people think it came from the significance of a Breast Plate worn by Aaron. Aaron was the brother of Moses and the story of the plate can be read in Exodus 28:15-20. The breast Plate consisted of twelve stones. What the stones where varies by the translation. Each of the twelve stones represented one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The stones where to have the names of the twelve tribes carved on them arranged in four rows of three stones.



Exodus 28:13
And thou shalt make settings of gold; 14 and two chains of pure gold; of plaited thread shalt thou make them, of wreathen work; and thou shalt put the wreathen chains on the settings. 15 And thou shalt make a breastplate of judgment, the work of the skilful workman; like the work of the ephod thou shalt make it: of gold, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, shalt thou make it. 16 Four-square it shall be and double: a span shall be the length thereof, and a span the breadth thereof. 17 And thou shalt set in it settings of stones, four rows of stones: a row of carnelian, topaz, and smaragd shall be the first row 18 and the second row a carbuncle, a sapphire, and an emerald; 19 and the third row a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst; 20 and the fourth row a beryl, and an onyx, and a jasper; they shall be inclosed in gold in their settings. 21 And the stones shall be according to the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names; like the engravings of a signet, every one according to his name, they shall be for the twelve tribes.



This is just one of the many translations that can be found. The stones that are mentioned in this translation look different from what we consider the Modern Birthstones are today. Below are examples of what the stones look like if the translation is correct:

The current Modern Birthstones have been developed by the Jewelry Industry over the years. The industry has put in place these stones as stone trends come and go. Also the industry selected stones for there durability. Below are pictured the current Birthstones that most people use today:

Also different cultures have different types of stones that are recognized as Birthstones. Below are seven different lists of Birthstones:

*Click on image for larger viewing.

The Jury is still out on where birthstones have come from, and how they came about many theories and educated guesses, but no real proof. As you can tell from the list you can pretty much pick whatever stone you want and say it is your birthstone. Just like picking your favorite color or ice cream flavor pick what looks good to you, or what looks best with your coloring.

All the very best,
Shara Elaine Smith, G.G.

Sources:
http://www.mechon-mamre.org/
http://bible.cc/exodus/28-15.htm
www.about-birthstones.com/breastplate_of_aaron.html
www.rocksandminerals4u.com/birthstone.html
www.eifiles.ch/js-en.htm
http://www.cswnet.com/

Photo credits:
Agate Image
http://bluestonegemstudio.wordpress.com/
Jasper Image
http://en.wikivisual.com/