Birthstones Of The Year: History, Meaning & Modern Traditions

Birthstone jewellery has long been cherished as a thoughtful and personal gift, marking birthdays, milestones, and meaningful moments. But where did the tradition of birthstones actually begin, and how did we arrive at the list we recognise today?

The Origins of Birthstones

The history of birthstones stretches back thousands of years, with roots often traced to biblical times. In the Book of Exodus (28:15–21), Moses describes a ceremonial breastplate worn by Aaron, the High Priest. This breastplate was set with twelve gemstones, representing the Twelve Tribes of Israel, and was believed to hold great spiritual significance. The stones were thought to originate from the throne of God itself.

Later scholars made further connections. In the 1st century, Flavius Josephus observed that the twelve stones corresponded to the twelve months of the year and the zodiac signs. This idea was echoed by St Jerome in the 5th century. At the time, gemstones were believed to offer protective or therapeutic benefits when worn during their associated astrological period.

Early Christians acknowledged the association between gemstones and the months of the year, although they generally rejected the belief that the stones possessed supernatural powers.

Birthstones Spread Across Europe

During the 18th century, Jewish gem traders travelling across Europe helped popularise the idea of birthstones. The tradition became particularly established in Poland and Germany before spreading more widely across the continent. Over time, specific stones became increasingly associated with particular birth months.

How Were Birthstones Chosen?

The gemstones on Aaron’s breastplate were identified only by descriptions of colour and appearance. They are generally thought to have included stones such as carnelian, chrysolite, beryl, jacinth, agate, amethyst, topaz, onyx and jasper.

As centuries passed, these stones gradually evolved into the birthstones assigned to each month.

A major turning point came in 1912, when the National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) in the United States formalised a standard list of birthstones. Their aim was to create a practical, modern list that balanced tradition with availability for contemporary jewellers. As a result, the final selection carried little religious meaning and focused instead on colour, durability, and accessibility.

While the list has remained largely unchanged for over a century, occasional additions have been made. One notable example is Tanzanite, which was added as a December birthstone in 2002. Some months, such as June and December, now have several accepted birthstones.

Traditional, Modern & Alternative Birthstones

There are now three commonly referenced birthstone lists:

• Traditional birthstones, shaped over many centuries

• Modern birthstones, standardised in 1912

• Alternative birthstones, offering additional choice and variety

Many people choose between traditional and modern stones, while alternative birthstones allow for personal taste, symbolism, colour preference, or availability.