 irthstones have been around in one form or another nearly as long as people have. Most gem historians believe our ancestors regarded gems as sacred gifts from the heavens. Some people theorize that the earliest associations between gemstones and months of the year evolved from the twelve stones mentioned in the Bible as being on the breastplate of the high priest, while others attribute the development of the birthstones to the Twelve Apostles. Still other religions have produced quite different beliefs.
Needless to say, all of this created quite a controversy as the world of gemstones began to develop. Better means of gem identification, more modern interpretations of various religious writings, and various transformations in the world have all played a pivotal role in the evolution of the birthstone. Finally, in 1912, in an effort to resolve this issue, the |
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American National Retail Jewelers' Association adopted a list of so-called accepted birthstones. (Other groups have issued their own lists since then.) We have designated these gems "traditional birthstones."
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However, many different cultures and religions have held to their own beliefs and traditions right up to the present, and we support them wholeheartedly. We feel that too often in the hustle and bustle of our modern world, we put aside traditions and compromise our beliefs just so we can fit in with the rest of society. This in itself is a shame.
Therefore, we have decided to honor every alternative birthstone we could find, in the hope of keeping all the traditions alive. You will find some gems listed several times; though this seems to be a contradiction, remember that the various different lists that inspired this one alternative list evolved over many hundreds or thousands of years. Only for the sake of reference, the gems on this second list are classified as "nontraditional birthstones." This is in no way intended to relegate these gems to a secondary status. We feel that when a governing body decides to establish a tradition, it shouldn't be at the expense of other people's beliefs. Feel free to accept the ones you want. |
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Nontraditional Birthstones |
| January |
Coral, Emerald, Hyacinth, Rose Quartz, Sapphire, and Serpentine |
| February |
Diamond, Garnet, Hyacinth, Kunzite, Onyx, Pearl, and Topaz |
| March |
Aquamarine, Hematite, Hyacinth, Jasper, and Topaz |
| April |
Coral, Moonstone, Pearl, Quartz Crystal, White Sapphire, and Zircon |
| May |
Agate, Carnelian, Chrysoprase, Garnet, Jade, and Tourmaline |
| June |
Agate, Alexandrite, Emerald, Moonstone, Sapphire, and Turquoise |
| July |
Carnelian, Diamond, Green Sapphire, Onyx, Pearl, Sardonyx, and Turquoise |
| August |
Alexandrite, Aventurine Quartz, Carnelian, Emerald, Green Topaz, Moonstone, Peridot, and Zircon |
| September |
Blue Zircon, Emerald, Lapis Lazuli, Peridot, Sardonyx, and Topaz |
| October |
Aquamarine, Coral, Garnet, Diamond, Morganite, Moonstone, Pink Sapphire, Pink Topaz, Pink Tourmaline, and Pink Zircon |
| November |
Amber, Citrine, Coral, Heliodor, Pearl, Peridot, and Sapphire |
| December |
Bloodstone, Blue Apatite, Blue Topaz, Blue Zircon, Chrysoprase, Hematite, Lapis Lazuli, Ruby, and Star Sapphire |
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