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The origin of the birthstone--denoting a specific gem to each month of the year--dates back to at least the first century. There is speculation that the twelve stones in the breastplate of the Jewish high priest may have had some bearing on the concept. Interpreters of the Bible's Book of Revelations, during the eighth and ninth centuries, began to ascribe to each of those gems attributes of the 12 apostles. Over the years, there have been many variations to this list.
Use this information to help make jewelry and gift choices for all occasions. Whichever system you choose to follow, knowing a little lore can add a lot to the experience of buying or receiving a special gem.
US Jewelers Birthstone List
January--Garnet, Rhodolite
February--Amethyst
March--Aquamarine, Bloodstone
April--Diamond
May--Emerald
June--Alexandrite, Pearl, Moonstone
July--Ruby, Carnelian
August--Peridot
September--Sapphire
October--Opal, Tourmaline
November--Topaz, Citrine
December--Blue Zircon, Turquoise, Lapis Lazuli
Anniversary Gift List
1st--Gold Jewelry
2nd--Garnet (all colors)
3rd--Pearls
4th--Blue Topaz
5th--Sapphire (all colors)
6th--Amethyst
7th--Onyx
8th--Tourmaline (all colors)
9th--Lapis Lazuli
10th--Diamond Jewelry
11th--Turquoise
12th--Jade or Agate
13th--Citrine or Moonstone
14th--Opal or Moss Agate
15th--Ruby
16th--Peridot or Topaz (all colors)
17th--Amethyst
18th--Garnet
19th--Aquamarine
20th--Emerald
21st--Iolite
22nd--Spinel (all colors)
23rd--Sapphire
24th--Tanzanite
25th--Silver Jubilee
26th--Star Sapphire 30th--Pearl Jubilee
35th--Emerald or Coral
39th--Cat's Eye
40th--Ruby
45th--Sapphire or Alexandrite
50th--Golden Jubilee
52nd--Star Ruby
55th--Alexandrite or Emerald
60th--Diamond Jubilee
65th--Star Sapphire
75th--Diamond
Gems Associated With The Signs Of The Zodiac
Sign--Color, Gem, Metal
Aries--Bright Red, Ruby, Iron
Taurus--Bright Green, Emerald, Copper
Gemini--Orange, Opal, Mercury
Cancer--Silver, Moonstone, Silver
Leo--Yellow, Precious Topaz, Gold
Virgo--Beige, Agate, Nickel
Libra--Blue-Green, Jade, Bronze
Scorpio--Dark Red, Red Garnet, Steel
Sagittarius--Deep Blue, Blue Sapphire, Tin
Capricorn--Gray, Black Diamond, Lead
Aquarius--Purple, Amethyst, Aluminum
Pisces--Iridescent Violet, Aquamarine Platinum
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Gems have long played a rich role in many cultures, religions, and mythologies. Most are probably familiar with the "official" US birthstone list, compiled by jewelers in 1912, but this is just the latest of ways that gems have been associated with lists.