Birthstones and their associated months vary across cultures. Ayurveda, the Indian health tradition, has its own prescribed gemstones. Tibetan Buddhism attributes sacred, energising properties to another set of stones.
It's not only babies and magpies that love shiny things. Since the beginning of time, people across cultures have been charmed and fascinated by the glow of gemstones, attributing mystic powers to them.
Historically, certain gemstones have been linked with the months of the year. Scholars say the Old Testament contains the first recorded instance of the importance of gemstones, Exodus 28: 15-30 has precise instructions for making the Breastplate of Aaron, high priest of the Hebrews. This ritual garment was set with twelve gemstones, representing the tribes of Israel, the Zodiac signs and the months of year, each numbering twelve.
Sometime during the fifteenth century, people in Poland would wear a stone associated with a particular month, in the belief that the stone's powers were at their maximum during that time. Ideally, therefore, a person needed to possess a collection of twelve gemstones, rotating them through the months.
In most English-speaking countries, people wear gemstones associated with their birth month. Some opt for stones assigned to their Zodiac sun sign. Still others pick a stone linked with the weekday on which they were born or one that's considered lucky if worn on a certain day.
Whether or not one believes in gem power, the gift of a birthstone always makes its recipient feel special.
