A birthstone is any gemstone assigned to a specific month of the year and represents the month in which someone was born. The tradition of having stones to represent each month can be traced back to ancient times, and even more specifically, Germany during the mid 16th century. However, the birthstones we’re familiar with today were determined in 1912 by the National Association of Jewelers, although additions have been made since then. For example, the stone tanzanite was added to December alongside zircon and turquoise in 2002.
The popularization of birthstones can be attributed mostly to the notion that these gemstones possess great powers. From allowing the wearer to channel peace, to bringing luck and protecting against nightmares, these precious stones have played a part in people’s lives for centuries. Jewelry with birthstones can make for a great birthday gift for obvious reasons! Not only is the lore appealing, but the varied colors of these gems can make for unique & vibrant jewelry. If you have any questions about birthstones, or would like to see some jewelry featuring these precious gems, stop by Shelton Jewelers today!