|
All
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Birthstones: The OriginsBirthstones are often the perfect gift for someone we cherish, a loving family member or a close friend, they are precious, personal and hold astrological and mythical meanings; each one is believed to own hold unique healing powers. You may know someone who owns a birthstone, perhaps you have one safely stored in your dresser, you may even be wearing one right now, but have you ever wondered where birthstones originated from?  The 12 Birthstones
Now what makes a mineral a gem is far less to do with geology and more dependent on human belief and perception. Gems are basically materials that are considered precious and valuable because of their appearance, rarity, durability or due to certain cultural beliefs. Obviously, this can vary according to location, historical period and culture.
Aaron's ceremonial breastplate is said to be the origin of birthstones; the plate held four rows of three precious stones, symbolizing the 12 tribes of Israel. "There were twelve stones, one for each of the names of the sons of Israel, each engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes." (Exodus 28:17-20). The breastplate itself was said to be square, spanning 22 cm in length and width, and the 12 stones were mounted on a gold base, but the ordering and naming of the gems has always been under much debate and varies from translation to translation. This is also partly due to the fact that gemstones at the time didn't have specific names; they were usually named by their city or country of origin. The most common naming of the breastplate stones is as follows; the first row of stones from left to right were ruby, topaz and beryl; the second row consisted of turquoise, sapphire, and emerald; the third row was made up of jacinth, agate and amethyst stone; and in the fourth row were chrysolite, onyx and jasper. If we look at the New American Standard Bible reading of the breastplate we get a list that differs in places. It describes the layout of the gemstones as follows: (Row 1) ruby, topaz, emerald; (Row 2) turquoise, sapphire, diamond; (Row 3) jacinth, agate, amethyst; (Row 4) beryl, onyx, jasper. The Modern Birthstone List was created by the American National Association of Jewelers, Jewelers of America and was officially taken up in 1912. Despite its controversy and being criticized by purists for moving and dropping some of the original gems, today it is most often seen as the definitive chart of astrological birthstones. Please click here for a list of the modern birthstones and zodiac information
Traditionally, people tended to wear their own birthstone, determined by their date of birth, with the belief that the birthstone bestowed a unique set of mental and medical advantages. However, around the mid 15th century in Poland, the wearing of birthstones gained notable popularity.
The Polish custom of wearing birthstones was somewhat different. Rather than wearing their own unique birthstone, Polish people tended to own a set of 12 birthstones. As expensive and romantic as that may seem, one set would cover each month of the year and people would wear their birthstones according to the date, regardless of their own date of birth.
About Us
Overall Rating -> 10 Beautiful selection of gems! Surprised and happy that I was able find a gem in my price range. Posted By Garnet T in January, 2023 Source: Bizrate Overall Rating -> 10 Very wide selection, plenty of accent stones to choose from. Both expensive and inexpensive gems have wide variety. Great website layout too. Posted By Jazz in July, 2022 Source: Bizrate Overall Rating -> 8 1st time buy. The experience to date has been easy. Posted By Q in December, 2022 Source: Bizrate Overall Rating -> 10 This business makes it easy to research and find all pertinent information about the individual gemstones and other information such as the recommend use (ring or pendent for example). Also it's important to know about things like hardness and durability of the gemstones. I also appreciate the history of purchases and transaction details. Just be sure to register on the website to get the best experience. Posted By Greg in January, 2023 Source: Bizrate Overall Rating -> 10 The merchant responded quickly to me questions. Wish I could afford more...haha Posted By Carolina Girl in December, 2022 Source: Bizrate Overall Rating -> 7 I love this site, I learn a lot from it. I like the selection and quality, I can't wait to use them in my work. The specimens are phenomenal. Look forward to more business from me in the future.. Posted By Ophii in January, 2023 Source: Bizrate Related Articles Medicinal Gemstones Medicinal Gemstone Information - GemSelect ... History of Birthstones The History of Birthstones ... Specific Gravity Chart Specific Gravity Chart - Gemstone Information - GemSelect ... Gemstones By Color Gemstones by Color: A Color Guide for Gemstones with Images and Details ... Planetary Gemology Planetary Gemology ... Origin of Gem Names Gemstone Names - How did your favorite gem get its name? ... December Birthstones Info December Birthstones: What are your choices? Find out in this complete guide! ... |
| STAY IN TOUCH |
| *You're signing up to receive GemSelect promotional email. |
Privacy Notice © 2005-2023 GemSelect.com all rights reserved.
Reproduction (text or graphics) without the express written consent of GemSelect.com (SETT Company Ltd.) is strictly prohibited.
1449
|
More Shapes
|
English speaking customer support only
|
|
Toll Free - USA & Canada only: |
Save Money
No shipping Fees for Additional Items!
$8.90 Worldwide Shipping
|
Update Translation
|
||||
|
||||
|
Size and Weight
|
|
Gems are always measured in Millimeter (mm) Dimensions are given as; Select gems by size, not by weight! Note: 1ct = 0.2g  |
