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The origin of the
belief that a special stone was dedicated to each month and that the
stone of the month possessed a special virtue or cure that could be
transmitted to those born in that month, goes back to at least the first
century. There is speculation that the twelve stones in the great breastplate
of the Jewish high rabbi may have had some bearing on this evolution.
In the eighth and ninth century, the interpreters of Revelation began
to ascribe to each of those stone attributes of the twelve apostles.
The Hindus, on the other hand, had their interpretation.
But whatever the
reason, one fact is clear. As G.F. Kunz points out in The Curious Lore
of Precious Stones, "there is no doubt that the owner of a ring or ornament
set with a birthstone is impressed with the idea of possessing something
more intimately associated with his or her personality than any other
stone, however beautiful or costly. The idea that birthstones possess
a certain indefinable, but none the less real significance has long
been present and still hold a spell over the minds of all who are gifted
with the touch of imagination and romance."
© Jewelry & Gems,
The Buying Guide, Antoinette L. Matlins & A.C. Bonanno 1984
Birthstone
of the Month Table
Click on
any of the birthstones in this chart to learn more about that gem.
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January
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February
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March
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April
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May
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June
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July
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August
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September
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October
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November
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December
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Magical and Curative Powers
of Birthstones
Since ancient times
colored stones have been thought to possess certain magical and curative
powers, and endow the wearer with certain abilities. For example, when
a man wore a red stone, it was believed to indicate command, nobility,
lordship and vengeance. When worn by a woman, the red stone indicated
pride, obstinacy, and haughtiness. Colored gemstones achieved extensive
use as talismans and amulets because of the magical powers associated
with them. They were used as predictors of the future, therapeutic aids,
and essential elements to many religious practices for pagan, Hebrew,
and Christian alike.
© Jewelry & Gems,
The Buying Guide, Antoinette L. Matlins & A.C. Bonanno 1984
Click
here to learn how gem stone colors have been associated with mystical
symbolism.
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