A birthstone is a precious material that symbolizes the month of birth. You can see our list of Birthstones here. Gemstones have long been noticed and appreciated for their beauty and the gems have long been associated with their powers. This makes them a really significant symbol and a truly lovely gift. Gemstones have always had other associations from the Greek and Roman times when they were associated with the planets and the gods. Thus it seems a natural development for them to represent something as significant and personal as our month of birth and for the belief to arise that the stone possessed a special virtue which could transmit to those born in a particular month. To be in possession of your own birthstone is considered to have something intimately associated with your self and good luck.

Gemstones are also associated with the signs of the zodiac. You may click here to see our list of Zodiac Stones. The origin of birthstones can be traced back to the time of Moses. A biblical illustration can be found in Exodus 28, 15-30. It is said that Moses, ordered a breastplate for his brother Aaron, who was the first head priest. During religious ceremonies, the head priest used the breastplate. Moses dutifully followed the divine instructions and commissioned the making of a breastplate with 12 colors (gemstones) arranged in a particular manner. 

The command of Moses was followed and a breastplate with four rows of three gemstones each was made to represent the twelve tribes of Israel was made. With time, the significance has undergone changes. The gemstones that initially represented the twelve tribes of Israel have now come to represent the twelve months of the calendar and the twelve signs of the Zodiac. Eventually, people preferred wearing gemstones that match their stone of birth, marking the evolution of birthstones.

Originally, it is said that birthstones were worn in their appropriate month by everyone, since the powers of that gemstone were supposed to be heightened during any said month, in which case, one would have needed a full set of twelve to rotate throughout the year! Gradually, however, it became more common for people to be connected with the single stone representing the month of their birth and the characteristics and luck associated with it.