Birthstones & Gemstones – What Are Birthstones and Why Are They worn?
Each month of a year, a gemstone, also called a birthstone, is presented to us in the form of a gemstone. This gemstone is said to represent that particular gemstone’s characteristics, whether it be its color clarity or hardness. Many gemstones are carefully selected and evaluated before they are used as birthstones; the precious and semi-precious stones that make up a birthstone are chosen for their clarity, color, hardness, and veining. Individual birthstones are believed to have various meanings and special properties and are often worn as jewelry to symbolize the personal traits and attributes of the wearer.
Since ancient times, gemstones have been considered to possess mystical properties. They were believed to be representative of the characteristics and powers of nature itself. For centuries, gemstones were worn as amulets to protect themselves from evil spirits and were also believed to aid in the promotion of a healthy, prosperous, and fertile child. It was also believed that gemstones could aid in the cure of sickle-cell anemia. In recent years, this conception of gemstones as magical and therapeutic objects has given way to the modern view that birthstones are simply stones assigned to each month according to their zodiac star sign.
Birthstones in February are known as February’s gemstones of love. February rings, necklaces, and bracelets are often associated with Valentine’s Day, March’s gemstones of fidelity, and wedding anniversary rings in April. The green garnet Zircon was traditionally believed to have been worn by Roman emperors to keep their blood purer and serene; this was the reason for its use as an imperial seal and to mark important official documents.
Birthstones in the March birthstone month are those with pearls’ shape. The pearl symbolizes happiness, romance, fulfillment, and success. The Greek and Roman mythology associated the pearl symbolizing virility, magic, and wisdom. The Chinese also associate the pearl with symbolizing longevity and prosperity. The May birthstone is called the diamond, which is said to stand for love, beauty, and success. Blue Topaz is the gemstone for the month of June, the color of wealth, fame, and aspiration.
Garnet is the birthstone for July and the gemstones of August and September are citrine and amethyst. September’s gemstones include Ruby, Tanzanite, and Peridot. The gemstones Citrine and Amethyst are both said to have connections to the sun and are associated with love, fire, and creativity. Garnets are also worn in October, the month for November, which represents the precious stone turquoise. Pearl is the birthstone for December and January and is often worn by those born in the new year.
Indian birthstones are divided into three sections; symbols for individualism, spirituality, and for change. Vedic stones like the pendant, the bracelet, and the ring are worn for individualism. Some of these stones like the brahminic (tribal) pendant and the shakti (forest) pendant are said to symbolize the power of nature. The citrine ring and the diamond ring are symbols of perfection. The zodiac signs are also represented in Indian stones. According to the Vedic astrology, Taurus, Sagittarius, and Capricorn are part of the sign of Taurus while Aries, Gemini, and Virgo are part of the sign of Virgo.