Mel
- Mar 20, 2019
- 2 min read

Birthstones and their origin

Updated: Aug 3, 2019

Made with intention and purpose; to be worn and treasured - this is the heart behind all of our handmade jewellery pieces.

When you purchase or gift a loved one a bespoke piece from our range you know that each item is meticulously crafted using beautiful, quality, natural gemstones and lava.

Birthstone jewellery is a beautiful keepsakes to honour the ones we love, and the ones we've lost. A precious gemstone to represent each month of the year, with each stone believed to have metaphysical/energetic properties.

Whilst the first official Birthstone list was created by the American National Jeweller's Association back in 1912, but did you know the actual origins of this list go waaaaay back. About 3,000 years back!

Described in exodus is the sacred breastplate of judgement worn by Aaron (brother of Moses) when in memorial with God.

The plate was adorned by 12 stones, which represented the 12 tribes of Egypt. These stones were 'engraved with the names of the children of Israel, 12, according to their names, like the engravings of a signet; everyone with his name shall they be according to the 12 tribes' (Exodus 28:21).

Exodus 28:17 'And thou shalt set in it settings of stones, even four rows of stones: the first row shall be a sardius, a topaz and a carbuncle. And the second row shall be an emerald, a sapphire and a diamond. And the third row a ligure, an agate and an amethyst. And the fourth row a beryl, and an onyx, and a jasper: they shall be set in gold in their inclosings.'

Later, early Christian scholars theorised that the 12 stones represented the 12 months of the year and 12 zodiac signs. And thus, birthstones were borne.

There is much conjecture as to what stones were actually in the breastplate as many gems are no longer known by their historical names, or the historical name of the gemstone may in fact refer to a completely different stone!

As there was no clear consensus on what the 12 gemstones should actually be, the ANJA decided to compile a new birthstone list in 1912. This was then updated in 2002 with the inclusion of Tanzanite, and 2016 to include Spinel.

Along the line, additional semi precious stones were added to each month, giving most two, and some three! This was to allow for birthstones to be more affordable to the general public!

And here we are today!

We're excited to announce our Birthstone collection is now available below, or here.

January

Garnet & Rose Quartz

February

Amethyst &Onyx

March

Aquamarine & Bloodstone

April

Diamond & Quartz

May

Emerald & Chrysoprase