May 29, 2009
Gem of the Month
Lots of people know their birthstones. Some like them – some don’t. In 1912, the National Association of Jewellers voted on a list of birthstones. I don’t know whether this list was created to serve a purpose of commercialism for the jewellers (English spelling) or because they felt the gems actually had some religious meaning or mystical power. There are various references and stories to be found that go back to the breastplate of Aaron along with biblical references to the stones.
This list has survived for almost 100 years with only a few minor additions and revisions – perhaps because new gemstones have come into popularity or because people simply wanted more choices! All of the original stones from 1912 are on the current “official” birthstone list today – either as the primary or alternate gem-of-the-month. The American Gem Trade Association & the American Gem Society endorse this list:
January – Garnet. February – Amethyst. March – Aquamarine or Bloodstone. April – Diamond. May – Emerald. June – Pearl, Moonstone, or Alexandrite. July – Ruby. August – Sardonyx or Peridot. September – Sapphire. October – Opal or Tourmaline. November – Topaz or Citrine. December – Turquoise, Zircon, or Tanzanite.
I’ll be posting more information about each of these gemstones – their care, colors, and copy cats! Sign up for the Gem-of-the-Month Club!! Dii
