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In the dazzling world of colorful gemstones, there are long-held beliefs and stories that each type of gem is connected to the wearer's birth month. This has given rise to the globally popular culture of "Birthstones."
More than just beautiful jewelry, birthstones are symbols of identity, well-wishes, and meaningful good luck charms.
The Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association (TGJTA) invites you to embark on a marvelous journey into the world of birthstones to find the gem that is truly yours.
The concept of birthstones can be traced back thousands of years. It is believed to be linked to the "Breastplate of Aaron," the High Priest of the Israelites, as recorded in the Bible. This breastplate was adorned with 12 gemstones, representing the 12 Tribes of Israel. Historians in the first century CE connected these 12 gems to the 12 months of the year and the 12 signs of the Zodiac. Eventually, it became a custom for people to wear their birthstone for good fortune.
Across various cultures around the world, there are different legends and beliefs surrounding the power of these gems. However, what remains constant is the recognition of the unique beauty and inherent power hidden within each stone.
Symbol: Loyalty, Friendship, and Trust
Story: With a history spanning millennia, Garnets were used as jewelry by Pharaohs in ancient Egypt and were popular among Roman nobles. Ancient travelers often carried a Garnet as a talisman for protection and guidance in the dark. It is believed that wearers of Garnet receive protection from harm and enhanced vitality.
Symbol: Sincerity, Wisdom, and Peace
Story: This beloved purple gemstone was favored by royalty and clergy in the past. Ancient Greeks believed Amethyst could prevent intoxication (the word "Amethyst" comes from the Greek Amethystos, meaning "not drunk"). Legend says that the god Dionysus (God of Wine) cursed a maiden named Amethyst, turning her into clear crystal. Regretting his actions, he poured wine over the stone, turning it purple. Amethyst is believed to promote a calm mind, focus, and bring true love.
Symbol: Courage, Serenity, and Communication
Story: The name "Aquamarine" comes from the Latin meaning "water of the sea," reflecting its beautiful, clear blue color. In the past, sailors believed Aquamarine was the treasure of mermaids and would bring good luck and protect them from dangers at sea. It is believed to reduce stress, calm the mind, and strengthen relationships.
Symbol: Eternal Love, Strength, and Purity
Story: The Diamond is the hardest substance on Earth and has long been a symbol of unending love. Ancient Greeks believed Diamonds were fragments of stars that fell to Earth or the tears of the gods, while Romans believed Cupid's arrows were tipped with Diamonds. Wearing a Diamond is thought to bring courage, victory, and long-lasting relationships.
Symbol: Fertility, Rebirth, and Love
Story: The Emerald was a precious gem particularly adored by Queen Cleopatra. Legends recount its ability to grant the power of foresight and help the wearer speak the truth. Emeralds are also a symbol of spring, bringing new life and hope. It is believed that wearing an Emerald heals the heart and brings fidelity to a relationship.
Pearl - Symbol: Purity, Elegance, and Wisdom
Story: The Pearl is the only organic gemstone created by a living creature. Ancient Greek mythology holds that Pearls were the tears of joy of the goddess Aphrodite (Goddess of Love). Pearls represent gentleness and perfection, enhancing charm and promoting a gentle spirit in the wearer.
Alexandrite - Symbol: Good Fortune, Balance, and Love
Story: An astonishing gem, Alexandrite changes color depending on the light (green in natural light and red in incandescent light). It was first discovered in Russia and named in honor of Tsar Alexander II. It is believed to be a lucky gem that helps create balance between the physical and spiritual worlds.
Symbol: Love, Passion, and Power
Story: The Ruby is hailed as the "King of Gems," called Ratnaraj in ancient Sanskrit. Warriors of old would embed Rubies beneath their skin for invincibility. It is believed that the Ruby represents the Sun, possessing the power to protect the wearer from evil and bringing success, wealth, and passionate love.
Symbol: Strength, Protection, and Prosperity
Story: Peridot, sometimes called the "Evening Emerald," because its olive-green color still glows even in dim light. Ancient Egyptians called it the "Gem of the Sun" and believed it could dispel darkness and evil. Peridot is a symbol of new beginnings, helping to alleviate stress, anger, and jealousy.
Symbol: Truth, Nobility, and Wisdom
Story: Blue Sapphire has been popular among royalty and clergy for centuries, believed to be a symbol of the heavens and divine favor. Ancient kings believed Sapphires protected them from harm and envy. It is also thought to calm the mind, promote focus, and bring good luck and fidelity.
Opal - Symbol: Hope, Creativity, and Purity
Story: Opal is famous for its magnificent play-of-color, resembling a rainbow. Arabic legends say that Opals fell from the sky during lightning flashes, and Bedouins believed Opals held the lightning inside. Opal is a gem that boosts imagination and inspiration.
Tourmaline - Symbol: Healing, Balance, and Love
Story: Tourmaline has the widest range of colors. Ancient Egyptian legend says that Tourmaline traveled along a rainbow as it rose from the Earth's core, thus gathering all its colors. It is believed to be a gem that helps balance the body and mind, and attracts love and understanding.
Topaz - Symbol: Love, Affection, and Strength
Story: Golden-yellow Topaz is the best known. Ancient Greeks believed Topaz provided power and strength to the wearer. During the Renaissance, people believed Topaz could break black magic and quell anger.
Citrine - Symbol: Joy, Abundance, and Positivity
Story: Citrine is a vibrant yellow quartz gem. It is believed to be the "Success Stone" or "Merchant's Stone," as it is thought to attract wealth and prosperity to business. Citrine also helps dispel negative energy and draw in positive energy.
Turquoise - Symbol: Good Fortune, Protection, and Health
Story: Turquoise is one of the oldest gemstones used by humans for adornment. Native Americans believed it was a sacred stone connecting the sky and the ground, and could protect the wearer from danger.
Tanzanite - Symbol: Transformation, Wisdom, and Truth
Story: First discovered in Tanzania, it has the unique characteristic of displaying three different shades (blue, violet, and reddish-brown) depending on the viewing angle. It is a gem associated with positive change and self-realization.
Zircon - Symbol: Wisdom, Honor, and Wealth
Story: Zircon is a beautiful, diamond-like sparkling gem that comes in various colors. In the Middle Ages, it was believed that Zircon helped ensure restful sleep, drove away evil spirits, and brought prosperity.
Selecting a birthstone isn't limited to your birth month alone. There are several ways to find the perfect gem that holds special meaning for you:
Choose by Birth Month (The Traditional Choice): The simplest and most popular method is choosing the gem corresponding to your birth month. This honors a long-standing tradition and is an excellent way to start collecting meaningful jewelry.
Choose by Desired Meaning and Power (Meaning & Intention): Read the stories and meanings of each gem. Perhaps you weren't born in July, but you want to enhance the power of love and passion—choosing to wear a Ruby is a great option. Or, if you are starting new projects and need creativity, an Opal might be your answer.
Choose by Favorite or Auspicious Color (Color & Personal Preference): A gem's beauty is the first thing that attracts. Don't hesitate to choose a gem you feel a "connection" with purely because of its color. Furthermore, according to Thai belief, the "Maha Thaksa principle" links gem colors to birth days (Sunday-Monday) to enhance different aspects of life, such as career, finance, and love—an interesting alternative for choosing your personal gem.
Choose by Zodiac Sign (Zodiac Signs): Western astrology also pairs gemstones with different star signs, which can sometimes differ from the traditional birthstones. For instance, Leo might be best suited to Peridot, or Virgo to Sapphire.
Choose by Feeling and Intuition (Intuition): Ultimately, the gem that is most right for you is the one you feel the strongest connection with. Browse and touch different stones. The piece that catches your eye and makes you feel good when you wear it might just be your true gem.
Birthstones are more than just accessories; they are a bridge connecting past stories, beliefs, and your own identity. The Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association sincerely hopes that this article inspires you to discover a special gem that will not only add a sparkle of beauty but also bestow positive energy and meaning upon your life every day.
Master the Rapaport Price List, the global diamond benchmark. Learn how to read the grid (Carat, Color, Clarity) and understand market discounts (the 'Back') for professional diamond trading.
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