

In 1912 the National Association of Jewelers solidified the practice in the United States. The modern variation we know today came about in the 18th century in Poland whereby Jewish gem traders marketed selling each gemstone based on a person’s birth month. Initially, the thinking was that each person would own all 12 birthstones and wear each gem on the corresponding month. Jerome, are credited with associating the 12 breastplate gems with the 12 signs of the zodiac. How did these breastplate gems turn into the birthstones we all know today? Stepping forward to the 1st and 5th century AD two scholars, Flavius Josephus and St. "There were twelve stones, one for each of the names of the sons of Israel, each engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes." (Exodus 28:17-20) This specific breastplate was adorned with the following gems: emerald, sapphire, diamond, topaz, carbuncle, sardius, agate, ligure, amethyst, onyx, jasper, and beryl. The breastplate was inlaid with 12 gemstones that each represented the twelve tribes of Israel at the time.

Before you buy, always ask if it is treated and by what method. The September birthstone is relatively hard, ranking 9 on the Mohs scale. Kashmir and Sri Lanka are historically important sources for the September birthstone. Sapphires wear by medieval kings, who believes that the gemstone would protect them from their enemies. The Apple Watch features lab-created sapphire glass in its screen.ĭeep blue sapphire associates with royalty. This makes it a great choice for rings and other mountings subject to daily wear.īecause of this hardness, sapphire also has industrial uses. It has excellent toughness and no cleavage, which is a tendency to break when struck. Likewise, the September birthstone reputed to have healing powers as well. For countless centuries, sapphire adorned royalty and the robes of the clergy. The September birthstone traditionally symbolizes sincerity, truth, faithfulness and nobility. In the Middle Ages, the gem believes to protect those close to you from harm and also represents loyalty and trust. The rarest type of sapphire is a pinkish orange variety famous as padparadscha, a name that comes from the Sanskrit word for lotus flower. Sapphire, is most desired in its pure, rich blue color but is present in almost every color including pink, yellow, and green.
