Birthstone Charts – Modern, Official or Traditional??

There are a variety of Birthstone Charts as you may have already discovered!

There are different charts by era (traditional v modern), by country (eg. Polish, Italian), by culture (eg. Arabic, Hebrew), or by Zodiac sign (eg. astrological, planetary).

Some birthstone charts have more than one gemstone per month or list secondary or alternative gemstones.

Sometimes even the same chart type, for example a Traditional Birthstone Chart, can differ from source to source.

These birthstone by month charts are designed by Monthly Birthstones and are free to download for your own personal use. They are high resolution A4 pdf documents suitable for printing.

See also our handy Birthday Symbols and Signs Chart listing the following symbols per month:

• Official Birthstones
• Alternative Birthstones
• Birthstone Colors
• Birth Flowers
• Zodiac Signs

What is a Birthstone Chart?

A birthstone chart is a visual representation that showcases the birthstones associated with each month of the year. These charts are a popular and convenient way to identify which gemstone corresponds to a specific birth month.

By referring to a birthstone chart, individuals can easily discover their designated birthstone based on their birth month. This information holds significance in various cultural beliefs and traditions, as different gemstones are believed to bring luck, protection, and positive energy to those born in specific months.

Whether you're exploring the concept of birthstones for personal interest or gift-giving purposes for a special mother's ring, a birthstones chart serves as a valuable reference tool to understand the symbolic meanings and associations attributed to each gemstone linked with different months of the year.

Traditional Birthstones Chart

A traditional birthstones chart is a fascinating guide that assigns specific gemstones to each month of the year based on historical and cultural traditions. These traditional birthstones hold symbolic meanings and are believed to bring luck, protection, and healing properties to individuals born in their corresponding months.

Consulting a traditional birthstones chart can add a personal touch to gift-giving or jewelry selection, as each gemstone is thought to resonate with the characteristics and traits of those born in that month. Understanding the significance of these traditional birthstones can deepen one's connection to their birth month and enhance the meaning behind wearing or gifting jewelry embedded with these precious stones.

History of Birthstones

Birthstones have a long and fascinating history, dating back thousands of years. The concept of birthstones can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, who believed that each gemstone held special powers and properties that were associated with the month of a person's birth.

In the Book of Exodus, there is mention of a breastplate worn by Aaron, the first high priest of the Israelites. This breastplate was adorned with 12 different stones, each representing one of the 12 tribes of Israel. These stones were believed to possess great powers and had the ability to reveal people’s destinies. The exact gems used in Aaron’s breastplate are somewhat uncertain due to the naming conventions of minerals at the time, which were based on color rather than chemical composition.

Approximately 500 years after Aaron's breastplate, the historian Josephus believed there was a connection between the 12 stones in the breastplate, the 12 months of the year, and the 12 zodiac signs. In the 5th century, St. Jerome, referencing Josephus, encouraged Christians to use these stones. This established a tradition where people would collect all 12 stones to wear them in belts, bracelets, and other ornaments. By the 8th and 9th centuries, a new trend emerged. People would own a collection of jewels but only wear a single stone during their birth month, as they believed it had heightened powers. This practice likely originated from eastern traditions that associated birthstones with protection and special abilities.

The modern list of birthstones that we are familiar with today likely originated in Poland or Germany in the 16th century. The list was standardized in 1912 by the American National Retail Jewelers Association (now known as Jewelers of America). This list assigns a specific gemstone to each month of the year, with each stone believed to bring luck, protection, and other benefits to those born in that month.

Throughout history, birthstones have been used for various purposes, including jewelry adornment, healing practices, and astrological significance. Today, birthstones continue to hold cultural significance and are cherished as meaningful gifts for birthdays and other special occasions.

Source: https://www.gemsociety.org/article/history-of-birthstones/