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ANTIQUES PEEK by Jessica Kosinski
ANTIQUES PEEK

Birthday Bling

ave you ever received or purchased jewelry that featured your astrology, were not considered to be in line with Christianity. As a
birthstone? The tradition of birthstones incorporated in rings, result, those who continued dabbling in astrology and other banned
Hnecklaces, and other jewelry seems like one that has been practices had to hide their activities. Therefore, the popularity of
around forever. That’s why most of us don’t even question it. However, gemstones representing zodiac signs waned during that period.
like everything else, there is an origin story associated with birthstones.
Let’s take a peek at how the association between gemstones and birth The Revival of Gemstones & Birthstones
months came about and why they are still popular today. The end of the Middle Ages led to certain changes in thinking.
Gradually, those practicing astrology came out of hiding,
and over time the association of gemstones to the zodiac
made a comeback. Following that, it took another couple
of centuries before birthstones were associated with specific
months instead of zodiac signs. That change first took
place in the 18th century in Poland.

The Creation of the Birthstone List We Know Today
The list of birthstones that is popular and almost
universally used among jewelers today originated right here
in the United States. The National Association of
Jewelers established this in 1912, so it is relatively new.
Interestingly, even though there are 12 months in the year,
Victorian brooch featuring oval January birthstone (garnet) on rolled gold bar there are more than 12 gemstones on the list. August,
pin c. 1880s-1910s selling for $60 online October, and November each have two. December also

Gemstones and the Bible
Gemstones once had different meanings from
those we know today. The Bible mentions their use
as representations of the tribes of Israel. There were
12 tribes, and Aaron (elder brother to Moses) had a
breastplate designed to represent them all using a
unique gem to symbolize each one as he helped
Moses lead the Israelites from Egypt.
While indicative of birthplaces or origin points of
the tribes, they had nothing to do with the particular
birth months of their people.

Gemstones/Birthstones and Astrology
In the 1st century AD, gemstones were first
associated with the stars through astrology, according
to historians. Soon, certain gemstones began to
represent sections of the year corresponding to each
zodiac sign. People also began to view gemstones
resenting their zodiac signs as being lucky. As a
result, their popularity grew, but not for long.

The Impact of Religious Oppression on
Gemstones/Birthstones in the Middle Ages Early promotional card for birthstones featured at the local jeweler
The “Middle Ages” refers to the period from the
5th century to the 15th century. During that time, Christianity was the had two, until 2002 when a third was added. Today, the December
major religion in Europe. Certain beliefs and practices, including birthstones are turquoise, blue zircon, and tanzanite. Tanzanite is the
2002 addition.
In the early days of gemstones representing origins or birth periods,
the stones were often thought to be magical or lucky. Today, some
people still view them as good luck charms.
However, in the case of tanzanite, there is no long-ago basis for that.
The reason it was added to the list as a December birthstone in 2002 is
simply to help jewelers sell more products, according to the American
Gem Trade Association.

The Different Meanings Associated with Birthstones
For those who do believe birthstones are lucky, magical, or other-
wise beneficial, each one has different meanings. For example, the ruby
A grouping of typical vintage birthstone rings is the birthstone of July. It was often said to keep evil at bay. Similarly,
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30 Journal of Antiques and Collectibles