Specifically, the breastplate was to contain 12 precious gemstones, representing the 12 tribes of Israel. In Exodus 28, Moses sets forth directions for making special garments for Aaron, the Hebrews’ High Priest and Moses’ elder brother. In Hinduism, for example, there are nine gemstones associated with the Navagraha (celestial forces including the planets, the Sun, and the Moon), known in Sanskrit as Navaratna (nine gems).Īnother origin of birthstones traces back to the book of Exodus in the Bible. What do Birthstones Mean?ĭifferent ancient cultures revered gemstones and connected them to their calendar systems, so there are different lists of birthstones and months that can have more than one gemstone.

In this graphic based on data from the American Gem Trade Association, we look deep into 12 popular birthstones. There are over 300 gemstones currently documented.Ī birthstone is a gemstone that represents a person’s period of birth-usually corresponding to the month or zodiac sign. Gemstones are minerals, rocks, or organic matter that have been chosen for their beauty, durability, and rarity, and then cut or faceted, and polished to make jewelry or other human adornments. Many cultures throughout history have revered gemstones.

Sapphire birthday month