Stone Mania

In the first century, Josephus, (Yosef Ben Matityahu) a first-century Roman-Jewish historian, asserted that the twelve gemstones in the breastplate of the high priest also known as the breastplate of Aaron, represented the twelve months of the year and the twelve signs of the zodiac.  Ever since, it is generally agreed that this is where the tradition of birthstones began.

There have been many interpretations over the years regarding the exact gemstones that were set in the breastplate of the hight priest and hence different cultures around the world developed different lists of birthstones. Although the 'modern day' birthstone list is the most recent, there are many older and varied birthstone lists in existence.  Some scholars also argue that the correct way to assign birthstones is according to astrological sign and not month.

Wearing a gemstone which represents the month of your birth is commonly believed to bring good luck and/or health and superstitions and supernatural powers have long been attributed by astrologers to certain gemstones.

Some of the most common lists include the traditional birthstone list, the modern birthstone list, the mystical birthstone list which originated in Tibet and the Ayurvedic birthstone list which was part of ancient Indian medicine and Vejdic astrology.

Other commonly used birthstone lists: