BIRTHSTONES: TRADITION AND TRANSITION

Gem-marketing strategies focus heavi-ly on personal dates and events in the lives of potential buyers—weddings, engagements, anniversaries, graduations and birthdays. Regarding the latter, birthstones—gemstones symbolically related to one’s birth month—are a major marketing tool.

- BY STEVE VOYNICK

The appeal of birthstones is largely vested in the beauty of the stones themselves. But also important are the stones’ rich history, ancient traditions, and unique personal connection. Although the word “birthstone” dates only to the early 20th century, the origin of the concept of birthstone is rooted in antiquity.

THE BIBLICAL BREASTPLATE

Most historians agree that the practice of relating gemstones to specific events and beliefs originated in the 15th century B.C. when stones were thought to possess mystical powers of protection and power. These assumptions were embodied in the biblical breastplate of Aaron, the high priest of the Israelites. A symbol of divine guidance, this sacred, golden breastplate is described in the Old Testament's Book of Exodus as being set with 12 different gemstones, each engraved with the name of one of the 12 tribes of Israel.

The precise identity of the breastplate stones has been lost over centuries of biblical translation, but recent research suggests that they were carnelian, peridot, turquoise, garnet, lapis lazuli, chrysoprase, amber, agate, amethyst, yellow chalcedony, aquamarine and onyx.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE NUMBER 12

The number 12 has biblical significance for both Christians and Jews as a symbol of God's power. The New Testament’s Book of Revelation, compiled during the 1st century C.E., states that God would build the New Jerusalem upon 12 foundation stones, each set with a different gemstone engraved with the name of one of Christ's 12 apostles.