Common Birth Stones
The first century Jewish historian Josephus proclaimed a connection between the twelve stones in Aaron's breastplate, the twelve months of the year and the twelve signs of the zodiac. The custom of actually wearing birthstones first gained popularity in Poland in the 15th century. It was tradition that everyone wear the birthstone of the current month as it was believed the powers of the gemstones were heightened during its month. As such, it was important for individuals to own an entire set of twelve gemstones and rotate them monthly. Often combined with modern birthstone lists, traditional birthstones are older society-based birthstones. Since many different cultures had their own list, jewelers' lists are often inconsistent over what constitutes a traditional birthstone. This list is not comprehensive. There are other birthstones also associated with each of the months, the modern and most common birthstones are marked in bold.
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JANUARY |
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FEBRUARY Modern Birthstone: Amethyst Traditional Birthstone: Amethyst Tibetan Birthstone: Bloodstone (Calcedony) Indian Birthstone: Amethyst |
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MARCH Modern Birthstone: Aquamarine Traditional Birthstone: Bloodstone. Jasper Tibetan Birthstone: Jade Indian Birthstone: Bloodstone |
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APRIL Modern Birthstone: Diamond, Zircon Traditional Birthstone: Diamond, Sapphire Tibetan Birthstone: Opal Indian Birthstone: Diamond |
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MAY Modern Birthstone: Emerald Traditional Birthstone: Emerald, Agate Tibetan Birthstone: Sapphire Indian Birthstone: Agate |
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JUNE Modern Birthstone: Pearl, Moonstone Traditional Birthstone: Alexandrite. Emerald Tibetan Birthstone: Moonstone Indian Birthstone: Pearl |
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JULY Modern Birthstone: Ruby Traditional Birthstone: Ruby, Onyx Tibetan Birthstone: Ruby Indian Birthstone: Ruby |
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AUGUST |
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SEPTEMBER Modern Birthstone: Sapphire Traditional Birthstone: Sapphire, Peridot Tibetan Birthstone: Agate Indian Birthstone: Moonstone |
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OCTOBER Modern Birthstone: Opal, Tourmaline Traditional Birthstone: Tourmaline, Aquamarine Tibetan Birthstone: Jasper Indian Birthstone: Opal |
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NOVEMEBER Modern Birthstone: Topaz, Citrine Traditional Birthstone: Citrine, Topaz Tibetan Birthstone: Pearl Indian Birthstone: Topaz |
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DECEMBER Modern Birthstone: Turquoise, Blue Topaz, Tanzanite Traditional Birthstone: Ziron, Ruby Tibetan Birthstone: Onyx Indian Birthstone: Ruby |
