Birthstone
Regarding the birthday stone:
The legend and tradition of Birthstone can be traced back to ancient civilizations, blending religion, astrology, mythology, and commercial factors, gradually evolving into today’s system of 12 months corresponding to gemstones. The concept of the birthday stone may have been first related to the breastplate of Aaron, the high priest, recorded in the Book of Exodus of the Bible. This breastplate is adorned with 12 precious stones, representing the 12 tribes of Israel. Later, these gems were associated with the Zodiac Signs, forming an early concept of “guardian stones”.
The Jewish historian Josephus first proposed the connection between the 12 gems in the Bible and the 12 months of the year or the twelve zodiac signs in the 1st century.
Christian literature from the 5th to 8th centuries further endowed gemstones with religious significance, believing that wearing gemstones corresponding to the month can receive God’s blessings.
18th century Poland: Jewish Community’s “Birthday Stone List” Polish Jewish merchants may have been the first to assign specific gems to months as talismans or commemorations.
In 1912, the United States: Standardization Promotion The Jewelers of America officially established the 12-month birthstone list with the aim of unifying commercial standards and promoting jewelry sales. After multiple revisions (such as 1952 and 2016), new gemstones such as tanzanite were added.
1、Garnet represents loyalty, friendship, and vitality in January
2、Amethyst in February represents calmness, wisdom, and sincerity
3、Aquamarine represents courage, tranquility, and happiness in March
4、April Diamond represents eternity, purity, and resilience
5、May Emerald represents hope, rebirth, and prosperity
6、June Pearl represents purity, humility, and happiness (also known as Alexander turning stone)
7、July Ruby represents passion, love, and power
8、Peridot in August represents harmony, good luck, and protection
9、Sapphire in September represents wisdom, truth, and nobility
10、Tourmaline represents creativity and balance in October
11、Topaz represents friendship and confidence in November
12、December Tanzanite represents uniqueness and transformation
1. Garnet – January Birthday Stone
Symbolic significance: loyalty, vitality, protection, regeneration Color: Deep red is the most common, but there are also green, orange, purple, etc. Hardness: 6.5-7.5 (Mohs hardness) Main production areas: India, Sri Lanka, Brazil, United States, Madagascar, Tanzania
The name “Garnet” comes from the Latin word “granatus” (meaning “seed like”), as garnet crystals often exhibit a shape and color similar to pomegranate seeds.
Historical legend: In ancient Greek mythology, garnet was considered the gemstone of Persephone, the goddess of the underworld, symbolizing rebirth and vitality.
Medieval European knights wore garnet guards, believing that they could stop bleeding, avoid disasters, and bring courage on the battlefield.
The ancient Egyptian pharaohs embedded garnet in their jewelry as a talisman for rebirth after death.
Talisman and Faith:
Hinduism believes that garnet can activate the underwater chakra and enhance vitality.
Nordic warriors set garnet on their weapons, symbolizing strength and victory.
Energy:
Helps restore energy and is suitable for long-term fatigue sufferers to wear.
Traditionally, it is believed to promote love loyalty and is suitable as a token of affection for couples.
2. Amethyst – February Birthday Stone
Symbolic significance: wisdom, calmness, spirituality, protection Color: light purple to deep purple, possibly with red or blue Tone hardness: 7 (Mohs hardness) Main production areas: Brazil, Uruguay, Zambia, South Korea, Russia
The name Amethyst comes from:
Greek “Amethystos” (not drunk): The ancient Greeks believed that amethyst could prevent drunkenness and even drank from amethyst glasses.
Mythical story: Dionysus cursed humanity in anger, and the young girl Amethystos was turned into a crystal statue. Dionysus regretted spilling wine and stained the amethyst, hence the name “Amethyst”.
The History and Culture of Amethyst:
Ancient Egypt: Used as a talisman, carved scarab beetles or statues.
In medieval Europe, bishops wore amethyst rings as a symbol of piety, which Christianity called the ‘Stone of Bishops’.
Eastern culture: Buddhism regards it as the “Bodhisattva Stone”, which can enhance the effectiveness of meditation.
Amethyst energy:
Western mysticism: Corresponding to the “top wheel”, enhancing intuition and spiritual power. Used to resist negative energy, placed under the pillow to aid sleep.
Feng Shui Function: Placed in the study to enhance concentration or accumulate wealth.
Maintenance and precautions:
Avoid high temperature/exposure to sunlight: May cause fading (long-term exposure may cause yellowing).
Cleaning method: Use a soft bristled brush and mild soapy water to clean, do not use an ultrasonic cleaner.
Taboo: Avoid contact with perfumes and cosmetics to prevent corrosion. In metaphysics, it is recommended to regularly “demagnetize” (purify with moonlight or flowing water).
3. Hailanbao – March Birthday Stone
Symbolic significance: courage, tranquility, hope, eternal love Color: light blue to deep blue-green, preferably “Santa Maria blue” Hardness: 7.5-8 (Mohs hardness) Main production areas: Brazil, Madagascar, Nigeria, Pakistan, China Xinjiang Sea Blue Treasure Name source: Latin “Aqua Marina”: meaning “seawater”, named after its clear color like a tropical ocean.
The navigator’s protective stone: The ancient Romans believed that the Blue Sea Treasure could bless sailors’ safety and resist the wrath of the sea god Poseidon.
Hailanbao Historical Culture:
Medieval Europe: Symbolizing “marital happiness”, the bride wears it to pray for her husband’s loyalty.
Royal Treasures:
Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom was once gifted a set of aquamarine treasures (a gift from the Brazilian government in 1953).
The Russian Empire once used aquamarine to make royal jewelry, which is now housed in the Hermitage Museum.
The ancient Greeks believed that aquamarine was a “mermaid gemstone” formed by the solidification of underwater treasures.
Hailanbao Energy and Metaphysics:
Western spirituality: Corresponding to the “throat chakra”, enhancing communication and expression abilities. Known as the ‘Brave Stone’, it helps overcome the fear of public speaking.
Feng Shui Function: Placed in a study or office to enhance calm decision-making ability.
Hailanbao maintenance and precautions
Avoid collision: Although the hardness is high, the toughness is average. Do not mix with hard objects such as diamonds.
Cleaning method: Ultrasonic cleaning is usually safe, but for gemstones with cracks, it is recommended to wipe them with a soft cloth.
Avoid high temperatures: Long term exposure to sunlight may cause fading (especially for gemstones that have been heat-treated).
4. Diamond – April Birthday Stone
Symbolism: Eternal, pure, powerful, faithful love Color: colorless to colorful (yellow, pink, blue, green, etc.) Hardness: 10 (Mohs hardness, the hardest mineral in nature) Main origin: Russia, Botswana, Canada, Australia, South Africa
Diamond name source:
The Greek word “Adamas” means “unconquerable” and describes its extreme hardness.
Vajra “in Sanskrit means” thunder and lightning “, and ancient Indians believed that diamonds were weapons crafted by gods.
Diamond History and Culture:
Ancient India (4th century BC): Diamonds were first mined and only worn by the royal family, believed to enhance courage.
European Royal Family: In 1477, Archduke Maximilian of Austria proposed with a diamond ring, creating the tradition of diamond wedding rings.
Louis IX of France stipulated that only the king could wear diamonds, symbolizing supreme power.
Modern symbolism: In 1947, De Beers’ advertising slogan “A Diamond is Forever” solidified its position as a symbol of love.
Diamond maintenance and precautions:
Cleaning method: Ultrasonic cleaning (only applicable to uncracked diamonds). Wipe with warm water and neutral detergent soft brush.
Avoid contact: oil stains (affecting fire color), severe collisions (although hard but brittle).
Storage suggestion: Store separately to prevent scratching other gemstones.
5. Emerald – May Birthday Stone
Symbolic significance: hope, rebirth, eternal love, wisdom Color: emerald green to blue-green (chromium/vanadium coloring) Hardness: 7.5-8 (Mohs hardness), but high brittleness Main production areas: Colombia, Zambia, Brazil, Afghanistan, Ethiopia
Origin of emerald name:
Smaragdos “in ancient Greek means” green gemstone “and later evolved into the Latin word” Esmeralda “.
Inca mythology: refers to emerald as the “tears of the goddess”, symbolizing life and harvest.
Ancestral Green History and Culture:
Cleopatra, the Egyptian queen, is obsessed with emeralds and monopolizes the mining area of the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt.
Spanish colonial period: In the 16th century, a large amount of emeralds were plundered from Colombia, and European royal families went crazy about it.
Eastern culture: The Mughal Empire in India carved scriptures with emeralds (such as the “Taj Mahal emerald”).
In the Qing Dynasty, it was called “emerald”, and Empress Dowager Cixi once owned emerald court beads.
In the 16th century, Spaniards believed that emerald could detoxify and used it to test food (if it turned black, it was toxic).
The largest engraved emerald “Devonshire Emerald” weighs 1383 carats and is currently preserved at the Natural History Museum in London.
The Energy of Emeralds and Metaphysics
Western spirituality: corresponds to the “heart chakra”, promoting emotional healing and compassion. The ancient Romans believed that it could relieve eye fatigue (by relaxing by gazing at emeralds).
Feng Shui Function: Placed in the southeast to attract wealth or as a gift to entrepreneurs, symbolizing “breaking through the soil and rebirth”.
Emerald care and precautions:
Avoid collision: High brittleness, avoid placing with hard objects.
Cleaning method: Dip a soft cloth in warm water and wipe. Do not use ultrasonic or steam cleaning (oil may seep out).
Avoid high temperatures/chemicals: causing oil to dry up or corrode the surface.
6. Pearl – June Birthday Stone
Symbolic significance: purity, wisdom, completeness, wealth Type: natural pearls&cultured pearls (seawater/freshwater) Hardness: 2.5-4.5 (Mohs hardness, easy to wear) Main production areas: Japan, Australia, China, French Polynesia
Pearls hold a sacred position in both Eastern and Western cultures
China: The Book of Documents records that “pearls and jade are the top coins”, symbolizing power and wealth. Empress Dowager Cixi was buried with pearls in her mouth and wearing a pearl mesh shirt (later stolen).
Europe: The Romans believed that pearls were the condensation of dew at the birth of Venus. Elizabeth I was obsessed with pearls and often wore multi-layered pearl necklaces in her portraits.
India: The ancient book “Abhidharma Veda” states that pearls can “bestow longevity and light”.
Pearl Historical Events:
The 16th century ‘Pearl Fever’: Spanish colonizers plundered pearls in the Americas that were comparable to gold.
In 1893, Yukiyoshi Mikimoto of Japan invented the technique of artificial pearl farming, which revolutionized the jewelry industry.
Energy and Metaphysics
Traditional Chinese Medicine theory: Pearl powder can calm the mind and whiten the skin.
Feng Shui Function: Wear a pearl necklace to balance “water energy” and stabilize emotions. Place financial positions to attract benefactors.
Maintenance and Precautions
Avoid contact: sweat, perfume, cosmetics (corroding the calcium carbonate layer). High temperature drying (causing cracking).
Cleaning method: Wipe with a velvet cloth and store separately to avoid friction. Re string the thread every 2-3 years (to prevent the thread from aging and breaking).
7. Ruby – July Birthday Stone
Symbolic significance: passion, courage, vitality, the stone of kings Color: Pigeon Blood is the top grade, followed by purple red and pink Hardness: 9 (Mohs hardness, second only to diamonds) Main production areas: Myanmar, Mozambique, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Madagascar
The name Ruby comes from:
Latin “Ruber” means “red”, and in ancient Indian Sanskrit it was called “Ratnaraj” (King of Gems).
The Bible records that ruby is the most precious of the 12 precious stones created by God.
Ruby History and Culture:
Eastern Dynasty: The Burmese king believed that rubies could bring invincible power and were embedded in armor. During the Qing Dynasty in China, first-class officials wore rubies (later replaced by red corals) as their top attire.
European royal family: The “Black Prince Ruby” (actually a red spinel) on the crown of the British Empire was mistakenly identified as 600 years old.
Queen Mary of France is obsessed with rubies, and her necklace was sold for 30 million euros in 2018.
Ruby Energy and Metaphysics
Indian Ayurveda believes that rubies can enhance the ‘solar plexus’ and improve blood circulation.
Western astrology: corresponding to Leo, enhancing leadership and creativity.
Maintenance and Precautions
Cleaning method: Ultrasonic cleaning (limited to non cracked gemstones), or using a soft bristled brush and mild soapy water.
Avoid contact: high temperature (may cause crack expansion), strong acid (corrodes surface).
Storage suggestion: Store separately to prevent scratching other gemstones.
8. Olivine – August Birthday Stone
Symbolic significance: harmony, happiness, protection, exorcism Color: yellow green to olive green (iron element coloring) Hardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs hardness, scratch resistant) Main production areas: Arizona, USA, Jilin, China, Pakistan, Egypt
The name olivine comes from:
Arabic “Faridat” means “gemstone”, later evolved into English “Peridot”.
Ancient Egyptian “Sun Stone”: The golden mask of Pharaoh Tutankhamun is inlaid with olivine, symbolizing the blessing of the sun god “Ra”.
Historical Culture:
In ancient Rome, it was called “Twilight Emerald” because it still shone brightly in the firelight.
Hawaiian legend: The tears of the volcano goddess Pele turned into olivine, which the locals regarded as a talisman.
Medieval Europe: Used as a church artifact believed to dispel dark forces.
Energy and Metaphysics:
Western spirituality: corresponds to the ‘heart chakra’, helping to release negative emotions. Known as the ‘Dream Stone’, placing it under the pillow can prevent nightmares.
Feng Shui Function: Placed in the southeast of the home to attract wealth or as a gift to newlyweds, symbolizing “harmony”.
Maintenance and precautions:
Avoid collision: Low hardness, easily scratched by diamonds and sapphires.
Cleaning method: Wipe with warm water and a soft cloth, avoid ultrasonic cleaning (which may cause cracks to expand).
Avoid high temperatures: Long term exposure to sunlight may cause fading.
9. Sapphire – September Birthday Stone
Symbolic significance: Wisdom, truth, nobility, the stone of heaven Color: Blue is the main color (iron/titanium), but there are also pink, yellow, orange, etc. (collectively referred to as “colored sapphires”) Hardness: 9 (Mohs hardness, second only to diamonds) Main production areas: Kashmir, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Australia
The name of sapphire comes from:
Greek “Sappheiros”: originally referring to lapis lazuli, later specifically referring to blue corundum
Sanskrit “Sanipriya” means “the beloved gemstone of Saturn” and was used as a talisman in ancient Indian astrology
Historical Culture:
Persian legend: The Earth sits on a giant sapphire, and its reflection creates a blue sky
European royal family: Princess Diana’s 12 carat sapphire engagement ring (now worn by Kate)
Tsar Alexander II of Russia used sapphires as a symbol of ‘divine monarchy’
Religious significance:
Christianity represents’ divine truth ‘, and the Jewish high priest’s robe is adorned with sapphires
One of the Seven Treasures of Buddhism, known as “Vailing Glass”, helps to achieve enlightenment
Energy and Metaphysics:
Astrology: Corresponding to Saturn, enhancing self-discipline and foresight. Traditional ‘stone of scholars’, enhancing focus
Feng Shui Function: Placing Sapphire Wenchang Pagoda in the Study Room Helps with Learning
Maintenance and precautions:
Cleaning method: Ultrasonic cleaning (only applicable to non cracked gemstones). Soft bristle brush+diluted detergent for warm water cleaning
Avoid contact: high temperature (may cause discoloration), acidic and alkaline substances (corroding surfaces)
10. Tourmaline – October Birthday Stone
Symbolic significance: freedom, creativity, balance, warding off evil and protecting oneself * * Color: the most abundant colored gemstone in nature (including 15+colors) Hardness: 7-7.5 (Mohs hardness) Main production areas: Brazil, Afghanistan, Nigeria, United States, Xinjiang, China
The name of tourmaline comes from:
Turmali “in Sinhalese means” mixed gemstone “, and early caravans collectively referred to various colored tourmalines under this name
Egyptian legend: Tourmaline grows from the center of the earth towards the sun, absorbing all colors of the rainbow
Historical Culture:
In the Qing Dynasty of China, Empress Dowager Cixi was obsessed with watermelon and tourmaline, which was used for pillows and court beads. It is now preserved in the Palace Museum and was once used by second-class officials wearing flower feathers
European Renaissance: Dutch use tourmaline to clean cigarette ash and discover its thermoelectric properties (also known as “ash absorbing stone”)
During the Brazilian colonial period, the Portuguese crown was adorned with a 164 carat “rose red tourmaline”
Energy and Metaphysics
Chakra theory: Black tourmaline corresponds to the underwater chakra (absorbing negative energy), while pink tourmaline enhances the heart chakra (attracting peach blossoms)
Feng Shui Function: Electric stone (black tourmaline) fragments are spread under the door to ward off evil spirits
Maintenance and Precautions
Avoid collision: Medium hardness, easily scratched by diamonds
Cleaning method: Wipe with a soft cloth, avoid ultrasonic cleaning (which may cause cracks to expand)
Avoid high temperatures: Long term exposure to sunlight may cause fading
11. Topaz – November Birthday Stone
Symbolic significance: Light of friendship, confidence, wealth, wisdom Color: colorless, blue, pink, orange (imperial topa), purple, etc. Hardness: 8 (Mohs hardness) Main production areas: Brazil, Russia, United States, Sri Lanka, Xinjiang, China
The name Topaz comes from:
Sanskrit “Tapas” means “flame”, as some topaz stones appear hot orange red in color
Topazios Island in the Red Sea (now known as Zabajad Island): In ancient Rome, the olivine on the island was mistakenly referred to as topaz, and the name is still used today
Historical Culture:
European royal family: The Portuguese crown is set with 1680 carats of “Braganza diamonds” (later proven to be colorless topaz), and Russian Tsar Paul I decorated his scepter with topaz
Eastern culture: Hinduism believes that topaz can enhance the “third eye” insight. In the Qing Dynasty of China, it was called “yellow crystal” and was worn by fifth grade officials
Energy and Metaphysics:
Western mysticism: The blue topaz corresponds to the “throat wheel”, enhancing communication. The imperial topaz attracts wealth and is called the “merchant stone”. Medieval Europe believed that topaz could calm anger
Feng Shui Function: Placing topaz balls in the office helps with career development
Maintenance and precautions:
Avoid collision: Although the hardness is high, the cleavage is developed and it is easy to crack along a specific direction
Cleaning method: Soft bristled brush+mild soapy water, avoid steam cleaning
Storage suggestion: Store separately to prevent friction with other gemstones
12. Tanzanite – December Birthday Stone
Symbolic significance: Transformation, spirituality, luxury, soul of Africa * * Color: mainly blue purple (with tricolor), top grade is “Royal Blue” Hardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs hardness, scratch resistant) Unique origin: Merarani mining area in Tanzania (the only commercial origin in the world)
The name Tanzanite comes from
Discovery location name: Discovered in Tanzania in 1967, Tiffany&Co. was named after the country’s name and promoted globally
Legend of the Maasai people: Lightning struck the grassland and ignited a blue crystal, which the indigenous people regarded as the “stone of divine blessing”
Major historical events
In 1968, Tiffany designated Tanzanite as the most significant gemstone discovery of the 20th century
In 2002, it was officially listed as a December birthday stone by the American Gemological Association (AGTA)
In 2010, the Tanzanian government banned the export of raw stones and forced domestic cutting to increase added value
The culture of Tanzanite:
Film and television endorsement: The prototype of “Heart of the Ocean” in Titanic was a blue diamond, but it was replaced with Tanzanite during the promotion period in 1997
Celebrity effect: Sharon Stone wears a Tanzanite necklace to attend the Oscars, Kate Middleton loves Tanzanite earrings
Maintenance and wearing taboos
Vulnerability warning: avoid ultrasonic cleaning/steam cleaning, and avoid touching perfume/cosmetics (corrosive coating)
Daily care: Dry wipe with a soft cloth and store separately in a velvet box