|
BIRTHSTONE LISTS AND
OTHER LISTS
Gems have long played a
rich role in many cultures, religions, and mythologies.
Most are probably familiar with the "official"
US birthstone list, compiled by jewelers in 1912,
but this is just the latest of ways that gems
have been associated with lists.
Centuries before jewelers
were thinking about gems commercially, astrologers
were ascribing heavenly associations to them,
Hindus were connecting them to the energy centers
of the body. The origin of the birthstone--denoting
a specific gem to each month of the year--dates
back to at least the first century. There is speculation
that the twelve stones in the breastplate of the
Jewish high priest may have had some bearing on
the concept. Interpreters of the Bible's Book
of Revelations, during the eighth and ninth centuries,
began to ascribe to each of those gems attributes
of the 12 apostles. Over the years, there have
been many variations to this list.
Use this information to
help make jewelry and gift choices for all occasions.
Whichever system you choose to follow, knowing
a little lore can add a lot to the experience
of buying or receiving a special gem.
BASICS
OF GEMS | AQUAMARINES
| EMERALD
| GARNET
| PERIDOT
| RUBY
| TANZANITE
| SAPPHIRE
| TOURMALINE
| TURQUOISE
| UNDERSTANDING
GEMS | CARING
FOR YOUR GEMS | COLOR
ALTERNATIVES | BIRTHSTONES
AND OTHER LISTS
|
