Do You Like Your Birthstone?

Do You Like Your Birthstone?

By: Josette Shah

Have you ever wondered who created the concept of birthstones? I have.

According to IGS, the International Gem Society, birthstones date all the way back to biblical times. It wasn’t until the first century that historian Josephus believed there to be a connection between the 12 stones in Aaron’s (brother of Moses) breastplate, as described in the book of Exodus, with the 12 months of the year. In the 5th century, historian and Christian scholar St. Jerome, correlated these stones to the 12 signs of the zodiac.

Below is a list of birthstones. The modern version (used more so today) and the traditional version.

Modern and Traditional Birthstones by Month
 
Birth Month Modern Birthstones Traditional Birthstones
January Garnet Garnet
February Amethyst Amethyst
March Aquamarine Bloodstone
April Diamond Diamond
May Emerald Emerald
June Pearl, Alexandrite Pearl
July Ruby Ruby
August Peridot, Spinel Sardonyx
September Sapphire Sapphire
October Tourmaline, Opal Opal
November Golden Topaz, Citrine Topaz
December Blue Zircon, Blue Topaz, Tanzanite Turquoise, Lapis

Do You Like Your Birthstone?

I was never really excited about my January birthstone, the Red Garnet, until I discovered one of its lesser known varieties. 

Garnet is an often-underappreciated birthstone. Its variety of colors surprises people all the time. If you are like me, growing up I only knew about my birthstone’s most common color, deep red with brown undertones. It is true that this color garnet is readily available, and because of that, its price point is quite reasonable. However, I have a surprise for you. This is not Garnet’s only color. They can be found in pink, orange, black, and my favorite, green. Let me tell you about Tsavorite!

Do You Like Your Birthstone?
                                                   The Colorful World of Garnets 

Tsavorite is the rarest of the garnets. Its rich, green color is sometimes confused with emerald. Being that Tsavorite closely resembles the emerald’s color, it is often considered as the “other green stone.” Only found in Africa, it is rarer than emerald. It holds a great level of brilliance and doesn’t require artificial enhancements. It is more durable than an emerald, holding up better with regular wear.  

Do You Like Your Birthstone?

For several years, the use of green color in both jewelry and watches has skyrocketed. It is one on-trend color that doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon. The next time you visit Kerns, ask to see a few Tsavorite pieces. You, too, might be surprised at how beautiful this garnet is. And, if you have a friend or family member with a birthday in January, let them know that red garnet isn’t their only option. There is a green stone that is a game changer for all of us born the first month of the year.

Have questions? I can be reached by phone or email.

Josette Shah, Stylist.

(650)348-7557

josette@kernjewelers.com

Birthstones by Zodiac Sign
 
Sign Date Gemstone
Aquarius January 21 – February 19  Garnet
Pisces February 20 – March 20  Amethyst
Aries March 21 – April 20  Bloodstone
Taurus  April 21 – May 20  Sapphire
Gemini  May 21 – June 21  Agate
Cancer  June 22 – July 22  Emerald
Leo  July 23 – August 23  Onyx
Virgo  August 24 – September 23  Carnelian
Libra  September 24 – October 23  Peridot
Scorpio  October 24 – November 22  Beryl
Sagittarius  November 23–December 21  Topaz
Capricorn  December 22 – January 20  Ruby