What are the official birthstones by month?

The official birthstones by month are as follows:
January: Garnet
February: Amethyst
March: Aquamarine and Bloodstone
April: Diamond
May: Emerald
June: Pearl and Alexandrite
July: Ruby
August: Peridot and Spinel
September: Sapphire
October: Opal and Tourmaline
November: Citrine and Yellow Topaz
December: Turquoise, Zircon, and Tanzanite

These birthstones have been officially recognized by various organizations, including the Gemological Institute of America

The list has been standardized since the early 20th century, but there are still some variations and modifications to the original list. Birthstones are often used in jewelry and are believed to have healing powers and therapeutic influences

They are also used as a purchasing and marketing aid, as they facilitate the sale and purchase of many jewelry items.

what is the history behind assigning birthstones to months

The history of assigning birthstones to months can be traced back thousands of years, with the earliest written example found in the Bible’s book of Exodus. The breastplate of Aaron, worn by high priests, had twelve gemstones set in it, symbolizing the twelve sons of Jacob and their descendants. This biblical reference is considered the first example of birthstone jewelry.

The concept of birthstones evolved over time and became associated with specific months. In the 16th century, Poland was the birthplace of the so-called “traditional birthstones,” which assigned a special stone to each month of the year.

The current practice of assigning a gemstone to each month and wearing only the stone associated with your birth month evolved between the 16th and 18th centuries. However, some months have many birthstones due to variations in historical and cultural interpretations.

The modern list of birthstones was established by the National Association of Jewelers (now known as Jewelers of America) in 1912, which standardized the list used today. The list has been modified several times since then, with the latest addition being tanzanite as a birthstone for December in 2002.

Birthstones are believed to bring good luck, health, and protection to the person who wears them, and their meanings and properties have evolved over time. They have become a popular choice for jewelry, offering a unique way to personalize style and express individuality.

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