Birthstones are considered to carry special properties, from healing energy designed to release physical, mental and spiritual obstacles, to enhancing good fortune, love and strength. The symbolism behind these precious gemstones began centuries ago, with the history behind their origin almost as fascinating as the birthstones themselves.
Stemming from Biblical times, the Bible (Exodus 28:10-30) tells the story of Moses who, when arranging priestly garments for his brother Aaron, High Priest of the Hebrews, directed that the breastplate would contain 12 precious gemstones to represent the 12 tribes of Israel.
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Set in four rows of three, each of the twelve stones in the Breastplate of Aaron had the name of the tribe it represented engraved on the gemstone face. Each gemstone in this religious garment was considered to bear specific symbolism regarding the tribes and possess unique powers and qualities.
The twelve gemstones and the twelve signs of the zodiac were connected in the first century by a Romano-Jewish historian by the name of Titus Flavius Josephus.
It is believed the supernatural powers associated with gemstones are stronger when the corresponding constellation is visible in the night sky, and that the wearing of a person’s birthstone (or the gemstone associated with your zodiac sign) can heighten the symbolic powers and qualities.
In the early days, there were various combinations of gemstones used due to interpretations of the twelve gemstones contained on the Breastplate of Aaron, followed by centuries whereby the custom was to acquire all twelve gemstones and wear each one in the connecting month.
In 1912, the American National Jewelers’ Association finalised the first official list of birthstones. This list of traditional birthstones includes:
Over time, additional birthstones have been added to modern lists due to the rarity of some of the traditional gemstones.
Pearls in particular are believed to represent wisdom, perseverance and integrity. When you consider the creation process of a pearl it is easy to see why. From the tides, temperatures and pristine, nutrient rich waters that combine to make the ideal environment for an oyster to thrive, to the two-year duration to create a single pearl, during which time the oyster will coat the nucleus with layer upon layer of nacre, all the while confronting wild storms and extreme tidal activity. For anyone wearing them, pearls are known to provide calming effects, strengthen valuable relationships and build loyalty, as well as conveying a sense of safety. For Geminis and those born in June, these benefits are even more highly elevated.
The symbolism and meaning behind pearls make pearl jewellery the ideal gift, in particular for those born in June.
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