For centuries, cultures around the world have believed that certain gemstones hold special powers and can protect, heal, or even connect the wearer to something greater. But what is the origin of birthstones, and how did these sacred stones become the personalized jewelry we wear today?

The history of birthstones weaves through ancient texts, royal traditions, and astrological beliefs. What began as spiritual symbolism evolved into the modern birthstone charts we recognize now. Still, many wonder: Is there a history behind your birthstone that explains its connection to your birth month? Why were specific stones chosen? And which finger to wear birthstone ring on—does it follow tradition or come down to personal choice?

In this blog, we’ll explore how birthstones went from talismans to treasured keepsakes, uncovering the myths, meanings, and cultural roots that shaped today’s traditions.

Ancient Origins

The history of birthstones spans thousands of years, with roots in religion, astrology, and ancient beliefs about protection and healing. While we now link specific gems to birth months, their earliest associations were deeply spiritual, connected to divine power, celestial forces, and medicinal practices. 

Here’s how those beliefs took shape across cultures.

The Biblical Connection 

One of the earliest known links between gemstones and symbolism appears in the Book of Exodus. High priest Aaron is described as wearing a breastplate adorned with twelve stones, each representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Though these gems—like sapphire, emerald, and topaz—were not assigned to birth months, they laid the groundwork for future traditions.

Centuries later, Jewish historian Josephus and early Christian writers began drawing connections between the twelve stones, the zodiac signs, and the calendar months. Their interpretations helped answer the question: What is the origin of birthstones?

Eastern Traditions

In India, Hindu astrology developed the Navaratna system—nine sacred gemstones aligned with celestial bodies (such as ruby for the Sun and pearl for the Moon). Rather than following birth months, wearers chose stones based on planetary influence, often to bring balance, luck, or good health.

Ancient Persian and Babylonian cultures also connected gems to zodiac signs, believing the stones carried cosmic energy. These ideas spread through trade routes and influenced Greek and Roman thought, shaping the early framework of birthstone meaning in the West.

Medieval Europe 

By the Middle Ages, Europeans began wearing specific stones as protective charms. Garnet (now associated with January) was believed to protect against poisoning, while aquamarine (March) was thought to keep sailors safe at sea.

Gems were sometimes inscribed with symbols or scripture, especially by clergy and nobility, blurring the line between ornament and spiritual armor. These practices helped shape the idea that birthstones could be beautiful and meaningful.

Shift to Contemporary Birthstone Associations

The idea of wearing a gem tied to your birth month became clearer in the 18th century, particularly in Poland, where Jewish gem traders helped popularize the concept.

By 1912, the American National Retail Jewelers Association (now Jewelers of America) released an official birthstone list. This standardized the stones we commonly associate with each month today, marking a major turning point in the history of birthstones and making personalized gemstone jewelry more accessible than ever.

Birthstone Symbolism & Myths

Beyond their historical origins, birthstones have gathered rich layers of symbolism and myth. Over centuries, cultures around the world assigned spiritual and emotional meaning to each gem, shaping how we view them today. Is there a history behind your birthstone? These cultural stories show how deeply these stones have been woven into human belief and tradition.

Egyptian & Mesopotamian Lore

In the earliest civilizations, gemstones were more than ornamental—they were believed to carry divine power. Ancient Egyptians buried loved ones with lapis lazuli (a modern December stone), calling it “a fragment of the night sky,” meant to guide souls in the afterlife. In Mesopotamia, hematite (an alternate stone for March) was carved into cylinder seals believed to hold prophetic abilities.

Emeralds (May) were famously favored by Cleopatra, who viewed them as symbols of youth and fertility. Her obsession helped cement emerald’s reputation for renewal—a theme that persists in modern interpretations.

Greek and Roman Myths

In ancient Greece and Rome, myths were used to explain a gemstone’s origin or power. Amethyst (February) comes from the Greek word amethystos, meaning “not drunken.” A legend tells of Dionysus’ tears staining quartz to create a stone that could ward off intoxication.

Bloodstone (March) was carried by Roman soldiers, often carved with the image of Mars, to offer strength in battle. And diamonds (April) were believed to be fragments of fallen stars. Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder famously claimed that only goat’s blood could break them—a myth that lingered well into the Middle Ages.

Eastern Traditions of Astral Energy & Healing

In Eastern cultures, gemstones were often tied to health and spiritual energy. In Ayurvedic medicine, rubies (July) were thought to stimulate the heart chakra, while Tibetan healers used turquoise (December) to aid lung health. Hindu texts recommended sapphires (September) for enhanced intuition, though they warned that flawed stones could bring misfortune.

Chinese royalty believed jade could protect the body after death, so much so that emperors were buried in jade suits. This belief in stone as a protector was shared globally, from Mayan jade masks to Viking amber talismans.

Medieval Europe 

During the Middle Ages, gemstones were often used medicinally. Sapphires were crushed and mixed with milk to treat eye infections, while topaz (November) was worn to prevent insomnia. Pearls (June), dissolved in vinegar, were—though dubiously—believed to treat madness.

Not all beliefs were purely medicinal. Emeralds were said to shatter in the presence of infidelity, making them a favored gem among the nobility for testing a spouse’s faithfulness.

Modern Symbolism

Though science has dismissed many of the old medicinal claims, the symbolic meanings behind birthstones remain. Alexandrite (June), named after Tsar Alexander II, changes from green in daylight to red under candlelight. Its color-shifting quality has come to represent balance, loyalty, and transformation.

Opal (October), once feared as unlucky after a villain wore it in an 1829 novel, has since been redeemed. Today, it’s seen as a stone of creativity and emotional expression.

These enduring legends remind us that birthstones are more than decorations—they’re symbols shaped by thousands of years of belief, meaning, and storytelling. But how did they become the standardized system we know today?

Evolution to Modern Meaning

Birthstones have come a long way from ancient talismans to personal keepsakes. While early cultures valued them for protection and power, today, we appreciate them for their beauty, symbolism, and personal meaning. This shift reflects the broader transformation in the history of birthstones, from spiritual objects to meaningful, everyday jewelry.

Industrialization Democratizes Birthstones

Until the 19th century, gemstones were primarily reserved for royalty and the wealthy. That changed with advancements in mining, gem-cutting, and mass production. These innovations made birthstone jewelry available to a broader audience:

• Victorian Era: Birthstones became popular as sentimental gifts, especially in mourning rings and lockets. Today, many of these pieces are considered heirlooms and can be dated using vintage ring identification guides. 

• Art Nouveau & Art Deco: Designers incorporated birthstones into stylish, wearable art, shifting the focus from superstition to aesthetics. 

This period marked a turning point when birthstones became more about individuality than ritual—an important moment in answering what is the origin of birthstones as we know them now.

Science Challenges Ancient Beliefs

As modern gemology emerged, many traditional healing claims were debunked. Yet, the emotional appeal of birthstones endured:

• Psychological Connection: People kept associating gems with identity, memory, and self-expression. 

• Revised Lists: The Jewelers of America updated birthstone lists (e.g., adding tanzanite for December in 2002), reflecting cultural shifts over esoteric traditions.

Why Some Months Have Multiple Stones

Originally, each month had a single assigned gem. Over time, additional birthstones were introduced for several reasons—primarily to offer more affordable or widely available options, and to reflect growing diversity in personal taste.

• June now includes pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone.

• August expanded beyond peridot to include spinel and sardonyx.

This flexibility allows people to choose a stone that suits their style, budget, or symbolic preferences, further evolving the tradition from rigid assignment to personal meaning.

How to Wear Birthstones Historically vs. Now

The way we wear birthstones has transformed dramatically from ancient rituals to modern self-expression. Where once strict traditions dictated their placement and purpose, today's wearers enjoy creative freedom while still honoring these gems' rich heritage.

Historical Wearing Customs

In ancient and medieval times, birthstones weren't merely decorative; they functioned as spiritual armor. People carefully selected:

• Which hand to wear rings: Most cultures preferred the left hand, believed to be closer to the heart and more receptive to a stone's protective energies

• Specific fingers: The ring finger was thought to connect directly to veins leading to the heart (vena amoris)

• Metals mattered: Gold represented solar deities, while silver connected to lunar goddesses

These practices weren't arbitrary; they stemmed from complex belief systems about energy channels and celestial influences.

Modern Interpretations

Today, birthstone wearing has shed most of its mystical rules while retaining symbolic meaning. Contemporary trends include:

• Stacking rings: Combining birthstones with other meaningful gems

• Right-hand statements: Breaking from traditional left-hand placement

• Mixed-metal settings: Blending gold, silver, and rose gold for personal style

The only "rule" that remains is choosing what feels meaningful to you. Some still prefer traditional placements for sentimental reasons, while others treat birthstones as fashionable accents.

From rigid traditions to creative self-expression, birthstone wearing continues to evolve. For vintage wedding rings, many couples now incorporate both partners’ birthstones alongside traditional diamonds. In the next section, we'll uncover some surprising controversies and little-known facts about these precious gems.

Controversies & Fun Facts

Birthstones may seem like a well-established tradition, but their history is filled with debates, changes, and little-known trivia. From disputed origins to modern revisions, these sought-after gems hold more secrets than you might expect: 

The Great Birthstone Debate

Not everyone agrees on which stones belong to which months. The modern list we use today has undergone multiple revisions, sparking controversy among gemologists and historians:

• Ruby’s Solo Reign: For centuries, ruby stood alone as July’s birthstone until spinel was added in 2016, angering traditionalists. 

• December’s Identity Crisis: Tanzanite’s 2002 addition alongside turquoise and zircon led to confusion, especially since many mistake zircon for cheap cubic zirconia.

• Lost Gems of the Past: Some months originally had different stones. For example, bloodstone was March’s primary gem before aquamarine took over. 

Even now, organizations like the British National Association of Goldsmiths (NAG) use slightly different lists, proving that birthstone assignments aren’t set in stone.

Myths that Shaped History

Birthstone lore is a mix of fact and fiction, with some beliefs persisting for millennia: 

• The Alexandrite Illusion: This rare June stone’s color-changing property was once considered magical, and some believed it could predict danger.

• Pearls and Tears: Ancient Chinese lore claimed pearls formed from dragon tears, while Vikings associated them with Freya, the goddess of love.

• Sapphire Superstitions: Medieval Europeans thought sapphires could detect infidelity; if the stone darkened, it meant a lover was unfaithful.

Vintage celebrity jewelry also frequently highlighted birthstones; Elizabeth Taylor’s alexandrite collection or Jackie Kennedy’s moonstone brooch became cultural touchstones.

Modern Misconceptions

Traditional views of birthstones persist in many cultures, while the modern age has introduced new interpretations and misunderstandings of them. Let’s get to know some of the contemporary misbeliefs and how perceptions vary across the globe:

• “All Diamonds are April’s Birthstone” – Traditionally, diamonds have been celebrated as April's birthstone, but some argue that white topaz or quartz should be affordable alternatives.  

• “Your Birthstone Must Match Your Month” – Many now choose stones based on personal resonance rather than birth dates.  

• “Birthstones Have Universal Meanings” – Birthstone interpretations vary by culture. For instance, opals symbolize hope in the West but bad luck in some Asian traditions.  

These controversies show that birthstones are more than pretty gems; they are a living tradition still evolving today. Next, let’s find out how different cultures around the world interpret birthstones in their own ways. 

Global Birthstone Variations

Cultures worldwide have developed their own fascinating systems for associating gems with birth, astrology, and spiritual protection, in contrast to Western culture, which follows the modern birthstone calendar. These traditions reveal how geography, religion, and local beliefs shaped unique interpretations of birthstones.

Asian Zodiac Systems

Eastern cultures often link gemstones to lunar calendars and zodiac animals rather than months:

• In Chinese tradition, jade has been revered for over 5,000 years as the ultimate protective stone, with different colors recommended based on one’s zodiac sign.

• Japanese astrology assigns specific crystals to zodiac animals: tiger-eyes for those born in the Year of the Tiger, or serpentine for Snake years. 

• Vedic astrology in India uses the nine gems (Navaratna) system, where stones like ruby and pearl are chosen based on planetary positions at birth. 

Middle Eastern & African Traditions

Ancient trade routes created unique stone associations, particularly: 

• Persian scholars believed each month had a ruling gemstone that changed based on celestial movements. 

• Egyptian birth charts used lapis lazuli and carnelian based on the Nile flooding seasons. 

• Maasai warriors in East Africa traditionally wore red garnets to symbolize protection and vitality. 

Native American & Indigenous Systems

Many indigenous cultures connect stones to natural elements rather than birth dates:

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• Lakota tribes used turquoise in coming-of-age ceremonies

• Inuit traditions valued labradorite as a stone of the Northern Lights

• Aztec and Maya cultures associated jade with life and fertility, often carving it into birth amulets

Scientific Perspectives: Decoding Birthstones Through Modern Gemology

Ancient cultures attributed mystical powers to birthstones, but modern science reveals equally fascinating truths about these treasured gems. Cutting-edge mineralogy and geology have transformed our understanding of what makes each birthstone truly unique: 

The Mineral Reality Behind the “Magic”

Contemporary gemologists classify birthstones with precise scientific criteria, including:

• Crystal Structures: Rubies and sapphires are both corundum (Al₂O₃) - their colors come from trace elements like chromium (red) or iron (blue)

• Organic Exceptions: June's pearl and August's peridot represent opposite ends of the spectrum, as one is formed by mollusks, the other by volcanic eruptions

• Hardness Variations: The Mohs scale explains why diamond (10) withstands daily wear while opal (5.5-6.5) requires protective settings

Treatment Technologies

Most modern birthstones undergo accepted enhancements, such as heat treatment, which improves sapphire clarity and amethyst color stability. Irradiation creates deeper tones in topaz and diamonds, and fracture filling is commonly applied to emeralds to minimize visible inclusions. These processes continue ancient traditions of "perfecting" nature's creations, but with transparent disclosure requirements.

Why Some Stones Defy Classification

Birthstone lists contain several scientific exceptions. Tanzanite, for example, is exceptionally rare, found only in Tanzania, and displays pleochroism, causing its color to shift from violet to blue. Alexandrite presents an optical illusion due to chromium atoms absorbing light differently under various sources. Also, pearls are unique as the only birthstones formed by living organisms, specifically mollusks.

From their geological origins to cultural transformations, birthstones have journeyed through time as scientific marvels and personal treasures. As we conclude, let’s reflect on why these gems continue to captivate us while bridging ancient wisdom with modern meaning.

Start Your Birthstone Journey with Us! 

Historically, people have worn gemstones for protection, power, and self-expression. What kings once treasured, you can now wear as personal jewelry. 

Rubies guarded warriors, now they mark July birthdays. Pearls symbolized tears of the moon; today, they're June's heirloom gems. These stones connect us across time while letting you create new meaning. Will your birthstone honor family? Celebrate you? Whatever you choose, you're continuing a story older than history itself.

Explore our curated collection to find your perfect birthstone or book an appointment with our gem specialists. We’re here to help you select stones that combine beauty and significance seamlessly. Your chapter in this timeless tradition starts today!