History of Birthstones

Press, 17 March 1982, Page 22

History of Birthstones

January — Garnet Red. brownish-yellow or reddish-orange crystallised mineral. History — This stone was a symbol of life to the Egyptians and a remedy for fevers in the Middle Ages. Worn as an amulet in India and Persia, the garnet was said to protect the wearer from poison, plague and fighting. February — Amethyst A quartz from the palest lilac to the deepest purple. History — Mythology says this stone inspires a love of fairness, a sense of duty, and devotion to high ideals. It was chosen from early days as one of the principal ecclesiastical rings and is still worn by bishops. This is also said to be St Valentine's favourite stone. March — Aquamarine Sky-blue or sea-green. History — The spirit of hope and promise of better things to come were once thought contained in its mystic powers. It has been known as the "stone of safety,” and the "gem of eternal youth.” In the Middle Ages soothsayers used it for fortune telling and called it the “magic mirror.” April — Diamond White with pale tints of blue, green, red, yellow, pink and brown. History — It was thought 'to be a protection against the

plague during the Middle Ages — Queen Elizabeth I wore one to guard against the infection. The stone protects the wearer from evil, according to legend, especially when worn on the left* side of the body. May — Emerald A rich velvety green. History — The stone is said to have been Venus, the goddess of love’s favourite. It has long been connected with eyesight and the Roman Emperor Nero is said to have used a sliced emerald to lengthen his vision while watching gladiators. Sailors believed that hanging an uncut emerald around their necks protected them from drowning. June — Pearl From creamy white to black, including pink, grey, yellow and mauve. History — Julius Caesar considered pearls the prized emblems of nobility and forbade women below a certain rank to wear them. In Scotland it was thought a pearl worn close to the heart kept a lover faithful. For many years the origin of pearls was unknown and it was suggested that they were the tears of angels, shed for mankind and preserved in the sea. July — Ruby From rose red to deep carnation.

History — The Hindus likened this glowing stone to an enduring fire and considered its powers so great that it could make water boil if it was placed in it. The ruby < protected the wearer from pain, drowning and rheumatism. In the thirteenth century, according to legend, the King of Siam owned a fistsized ruby which he rubbed over his face and neck each night and morning to prolong youth. When he died at 90. so the story goes, his face was unwrinkled. August — Peridot Olive green. History — This stone was said to conquer mental and physical timidity and could strengthen the nerves of its wearer. The Crusaders also treasured it on their long absences from home, to reinforce their faithfulness. September — Sapphire Usually pale blue but also found in pronounced shades of green, pink, orange, yellow and purple. History — Considered the most spiritual of gems, it represents the purity of the soul. Wearing a sapphire was once said to reject evil and attract divine favour. It was thought to influence spirits and act as a charm against wanton behaviour, promote peace between enemies and protect its owner from captivity- The Persians believed

the Earth rested on a giant sapphire whose pale blue reflection was the sky. Sorcerers honoured it more than any other stone. October — Opal Colours range from black and dark blue to clear, water white, usually with flashes of vivid colour in it. History — The opal protected against poisoned food in ancient belief. The rainbow seen in each stone was a symbol of good luck to the Romans. A touch on the forehead with this stone was said to promote a good memory. November — Topaz Yellow-gold or pale brown mineral crystal. History — In ancient times it was said to ward off epilepsy and asthma and cure insomnia. In the Middle Ages it was said a topaz placed in a bowl of boiling water would chill it in an instant. December — Turquoise Green or blue mineral substance. History - Thought to be one of the earliest stones ever mined, it was prized by the lost civilisation of ancient Mexico and worn as a jewel as long ago as 3000 B.C. by the Egyptians. Worn by Turkish and Tibetan horsemen it was said to absorb cracks or breaks during a fall.