The origins of birthstones are lost in antiquity; some relate them to the twelve stones mentioned in the Old Testament, on the High Priest's ceremonial breastplate, but different cultures have their own lists. I use the modern, traditional list. Some months have several different stones that are customary.
The stones used in Solomon's Bow are synthetic birthstones. I generally don't offer natural stones, for several reasons:
Natural stones vary widely in cost; amethyst is very cheap, but if you are born in April, we're talking diamond, and a 3mm stone is close to a quarter carat.
Natural stones vary widely in durability. The natural stone for October is an Opal or Tourmaline; for June, Alexandrite or Pearl.
Month | Traditional Birthstone | Modern Birthstone |
---|---|---|
January | Garnet | Garnet |
February | Amethyst | Amethyst |
March | Bloodstone, Jasper | Aquamarine |
April | Diamond, Sapphire | Diamond |
May | Emerald, Agate | Emerald |
June | Alexandrite, Emerald | Moonstone, Pearl |
July | Ruby, Onyx | Ruby |
August | Sardonyx, Carnelian | Peridot |
September | Sapphire, Peridot | Sapphire |
October | Tourmaline, Aquamarine | Opal, Tourmaline |
November | Citrine, Topaz | Topaz, Citrine |
December | Zircon, Ruby | Turquoise, Blue Topaz |