Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Modern Birthstones - What's Yours?

April is my birth month and the traditional, modern, and Hindu birthstone charts all have Diamonds as the recognised gemstone for the month. 

I do love diamonds but I'm pretty sure I was born in the wrong month - May (Sapphire), October (Opal), or December (Tanzanite or Zircon) are much more me.  Actually February (Amethyst) would be just fine too :D

Oh well, it can't be helped, friends and family will just have to give me Diamonds!!

I've found a few interesting details about birthstones (good old Wikipedia.org) and was intrigued to learn the 'Modern' birthstone chart actually came to be in 1912 where the (American) National Association of Jewelers sought to standardise the list and officially adopted the stones shown in the 'Modern' column below.

The last change to the list was in 2002 when Tanzanite was added to December (greedy - 3 different stones!!)
Month
Traditional
Modern
Hindu
January
serpent stone
February
amethyst, hyacinth, pearl
chandrakanta
March
bloodstone, jasper
April
diamond
diamond
May
emerald, agate
June
cat's eye, turquoise, agate
moonstone, pearl (or alexandrite)
July
turquoise, onyx
August
sardonyx, carnelian, moonstone, topaz
September
October
opal, aquamarine
opal, pink tourmaline
November
topaz, pearl
topaz, citrine
December
bloodstone, ruby
turquoise, zircon, tanzanite, blue topaz

And how about this little ditty for remembering birthstones from the Traditional birthstone list.  Umm... and August, September and October babies?  I'd definately be inclined to make sure I had my birthstone on me at all times if you believe your verse!

By her who in this month (January) is born
No gem save garnets should be worn
They will ensure her constancy,
True friendship, and fidelity.


The February-born shall find
Sincerity and peace of mind,
Freedom from passion and from care,
If they an amethyst will wear.


Who in this world of ours their eyes
In March first open shall be wise,
In days of peril firm and brave,
And wear a bloodstone to their grave.


She who from April dates her years,
Diamonds shall wear, lest bitter tears
For vain repentance flow; this stone,
Emblem of innocence, is known.


Who first beholds the light of day
In spring's sweet flowery month of May
And wears an emerald all her life
Shall be a loved and happy wife.


Who comes with summer to this earth,
And owes to June her hour of birth,
With ring of agate on her hand
Can health, wealth, and long life command.


The glowing ruby shall adorn,
Those who in July are born;
Then they'll be exempt and free
From love's doubts and anxiety.


Wear a sardonyx or for thee,
No conjugal felicity;
The August-born without this stone,
`Tis said, must live unloved and lone.


A maiden born when September leaves
Are rustling in September's breeze,
A sapphire on her brow should bind
`Twill cure diseases of the mind.


October's child is born for woe,
And life's vicissitudes must know,
But lay an opal on her breast,
And hope will lull those woes to rest.


Who first comes to this world below
In drear November's fog and snow,
Should prize the topaz's amber hue,
Emblem of friends and lovers true.


If cold December gave you birth,
The month of snow and ice and mirth,
Place on your hand a turquoise blue;
Success will bless whate'er you do.

So tell me - do you own a piece of jewellery or raw piece featuring your birthstone?


13 comments:

  1. Best I get me an agate ring for health, wealth and long life! What more could a person want?

    I must say the traditional stones for June are more appealing than the modern - I love turquoise, but like you I could also be born in February and be a modern December baby. I love blue and purple stones.

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    Replies
    1. Haha Bobbie - I came across some all agate rings the other day in my internet travels - wonder where that was?!

      It is funny what 'draws' us though isn't it - I'm such a colour and feel person - if it's my colours and feels nice I'm in!

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  2. I'm a November baby (southern hemisphere spring) but have always hated the citrine - pleased to see the traditional is pearl, I like them ;)

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  3. I don't like turquoise, so never wanted one, and always felt a bit ripped off that I got that one, they don't even sparkle! But I once saw a list that said december is lapis lazuli, and I bought myself a necklace and earings

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  4. Love the ditty :-)
    I have no emeralds, I can be a bit too absent minded to own real stuff, I always loose things!

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  6. Can anyone tell me, of one guy's date of birth in 29th Feb. Which gemstone suits. Especially for girls

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  7. nice post!!loved it
    if anyone wants to know more related to related to online jewellery then check this website>>birthstones

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hindu Vedic Astrology decides the Muhurat of the day. Muhurthams are very important, even in the Modern era to increase the probability of success.

    ReplyDelete

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