Find Your Birthstone Rings

The wearing of birthstone rings is believed to bring good luck as well as help fight off any evil presence and certain disorders. This belief is said to go back to the first century and has been significant in many different cultures.

Jewish High Priests wore twelve jewels in their breastplate and these powerful associations with precious stones may have originated there.

Exodus 39:10-14 describes the breastplate of Aaron:

10 And they set in it four rows of stones: a row with a sardius, a topaz, and an emerald was the first row; 11 the second row, a turquoise, a sapphire, and a diamond; 12 the third row, a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst; 13 the fourth row, a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper. They were enclosed in settings of gold in their mountings. 14 There were twelve stones according to the names of the sons of Israel: according to their names, engraved like a signet, each one with its own name according to the twelve tribes. (Taken from the New King James Version).

Some of the meanings attached to the birthstone rings are romantic, some are practical, while others are downright bizarre. Still, it's an excuse to wear precious gems!

Every month of the year is assigned its own gem, and each stone symbolizes different qualities.

There have been many different sets of birthstone rings used throughout history and in different cultures, but in 1912 the American national association of jewelers, Jewelers of America, officially adopted a list, which is currently the most widely used in the US and many other countries, including Australia and Thailand. Some alternates have been adopted to be a less expensive substitute.

January
We start at the beginning of the year, and the January gem is the burgundy red Garnet. These birthstone rings are significant to Christians who believe it symbolizes the crucifixion of Christ. People in medieval times thought its powers could stop bleeding and help inflammatory illnesses. Rose Quartz is the alternative.

February
If you're born in February, you should be wearing the purple Amethyst birth stone, which is the protector of soldiers and hunters. It's also supposed to make you more intelligent! The Onyx acts as a substitute.

March
Born in March? Then the Aquamarine, symbolizing happiness and understanding is your birthstone ring. It's traditional to present it to new brides to make them faithful and true. It's also good for hiccups! You may also wear Red Jasper (or "bloodstone") as an alternative.

April
Consider yourself lucky if you're born in April because that means Diamonds. These birthstone rings signify purity, eternal love and faith. You could always pretend you were born in the fourth month of the year! You may also choose Rock Crystal as a substitute.

May
May is represented by the green Emerald, symbolizing fidelity and goodness. It's supposed to help memory and can be used to predict the future. Alternatively, the Chrysoprase may also be worn.

June
The Pearl is the birtstone ring for June, which is the only non-mineral, and stands for beauty and chastity. People living in the 13th century thought it could cure mental illness and broken hearts. The alternate birthstone is Alexandrite or Moonstone.

July
If you're born in July, then you need to wear a Ruby ring. This gem stone signifies passion, devotion and good health. You may also consider wearing Jade instead.

August
The birthstone ring for August is the Peridot, which stands for dignity and success. It also helps dreams to become real. Aventurine, sardonyx and sapphire have been considered as alternative birthstones.

September
The month of September is represented by the Blue Sapphire, standing for prosperity and sincerity. These are also the birthstone rings you should be wearing if you suffer from ulcers or a cold. Alternatively you may wear Lapis lazuli.

October
The Opal is October's birthstone ring. This precious stone is considered to have magical powers and symbolizes beauty and happiness. Pink Tourmaline is the alternate birthstone.

November
The yellow or golden Topaz is your gemstone if you're born in the eleventh month. These November birthstone rings is believed to dispel enchantment and improve eyesight. The Romans also thought it was handy to sniff out poisons. Citrine (lemon colored) or Turquoise may also be worn.

December
Finally, the month of December brings us to the Blue Zircon. In the middle ages, this prized stone is supposed to aid sleep, bring prosperity, as well as promote honor and wisdom. Blue Topaz, Turquoise, and Tanzanite have been added as substitute birth stones.

It's interesting to know about the meanings behind the precious gems, and the significance that past civilizations gave to them. Although we may not pay much attention to mystical symbols as we go about our daily lives, we can still appreciate birthstone rings and their beauty.

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