Personalizing a Gemstone Purchase for the Holidays

It’s getting to be the season when it’s time to start thinking about holiday gift giving. While jewelry is always a very personal gift between the giver and the receiver, why not think about choosing a piece that offers further personalization when it is adorned with a birthstone such as a gemstone bracelet, earrings, necklace, ring or estate piece?

Gemstone jewelry has a long and storied history that dates back to Biblical times when a jeweled breastplate was worn by Aaron in the book of Exodus. The breastplate was donned by the high priest when he presented the names of the children of Israel. Each stone in the breastplate was a symbolic representation of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The stones on the breastplate were laid out in 4 rows with three stones in each row, and included the stones sardius, topaz, carbuncle, emerald, sapphire, diamond, liqure, agate, amethyst, beryl, onyx and jasper.

Throughout history, there have also been connections made between the stones and the twelve signs of the zodiac where each stone was believed to have healing, therapeutic or talismanic advantages. It was recommended that an individual wear the stone that corresponded to the current astrological time. For instance, during the time of Aquarius (Jan. 1 to Feb. 18) wearers were encouraged to wear garnets for protection. The garnet stone was believed to have powers to protect from snakebites and nightmares and also provide guidance in the dark. Other regions of the world also have their own symbolic gemstone talismans including the Alsoa Mythical gemstone list of the Tibetans and the Ayurvedic birthstone list used in India.

Later in 18th century Poland, gemstones were associated with the month of birth, hence the beginning of the concept of birthstones. In 1912, the National Association of Jewelers created the list of birthstones that is still used by jewelers. Today, birthstone jewelry retains its symbolic meaning with gemstone earrings used for the first ear piercing for young girls or with a birthstone ring, necklace or bracelet that’s given to mothers and grandmothers to commemorate the birthdate of a child or to celebrate grandchildren.

Birthstone List and Corresponding Zodiac Sign

Garnet: January – Aquarius (Jan. 21 – Feb. 18)

Amethyst: February – Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

Aquamarine: March – Aries (March 21-April 20)

Diamond: April – Taurus (April 21-May 21)

Emerald: May - Gemini (May 22-June 21)

Pearl, Moonstone: June – Cancer (June 22-July 22)

Ruby: July – Leo (July 23-Aug. 23)

Peridot: August – Virgo (Aug. 24-Sept. 22)

Sapphire: September – Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

Opal, Tourmaline: October – Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22)

Yellow Topaz, Citrine: November – Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

Turquoise, Tanzanite: December – Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan 20)

This holiday season, consider giving the truly personalized holiday gift of gemstone jewelry that commemorates the date of their birth. Noe’s Jewelry offers a beautiful range of gemstone pendant necklaces, gemstone bracelets, gemstone rings and gemstone earrings set in sterling silver and 14K yellow or white gold.

If you’re looking for a unique gemstone piece, don’t forget about the artisan pieces in the Estate Jewelry collection at Noe’s Jewelry in Raytown, Missouri. We have a beautiful collection of precious and semi-precious gemstone jewelry selections that are perfect for holiday gift giving, birthdays and anniversaries. Ask about our Wish List for even easier gift giving.