Birthstones

I love the many aspects of nature – plants, flowers, creatures, landscapes, and the features and products of the earth. Those products of the earth include gemstones. I admit to being a bit enamored of “bling,” and that includes my birthstone gem, which is the emerald. Geology fact: the emerald is a gemstone and a variety of the mineral beryl colored green by trace amounts of chromium or sometimes vanadium. Now you know, like it or not.

A very brief history of the origins of this tradition of birthstones can be traced all the way back to biblical times and the Book of Exodus. It describes the breastplate worn by Aaron, the first high priest of the Israelites, which was to be worn by all future high priests. The breastplate was adorned with 12 different stones, each representing one of the 12 tribes of Israel. This established a tradition that would last for centuries, in which people would collect all of the 12 stones to wear at one time in extravagant belts, bracelets, and other ornaments. The modern tradition of wearing one stone for their month of birth did not begin until the 16th century and originated in either Germany or Poland. This was the start of the birthstone trend we are familiar with today.

The National Association of Jewelers met in 1912 order to officially standardize the list of American birthstones and each month that they represented. This list combined various customs that had evolved over time while ensuring the stones they chose would be practical for American jewelers to sell and promote in large quantities.

We recognize today the traditional birthstones as January- garnet, which is believed to protect the wearer from injury; February – amethyst, the purple stone being the symbol of royalty; March – aquamarine, which is believed to protect seafarers; April – diamonds for strength and eternal love; May – emerald for heightened intelligence; June – pearls for honesty, purity, and wisdom; July – ruby for physicality and strength; August – peridot protects their owner during the night; September – sapphires protect the wearer from physical harm; October – opals are associated with light and magic; November – topaz is associated with healing and happiness; and December – blue topaz, which is associated with wealth.

So what does this very brief history of birthstones have to do with anything, other than the fact that I like bling? I also find gemstones fascinating in all their iterations as rings, necklaces, bracelets, tiaras and crowns (of which I have none), and general sparkle. We need the glimmer and sheen of the elements as a part of our everyday life. But wait, what if you don’t like jewels? Never fear – there are jewels of a different type all around us.

There is the jewel of family, of the connections we make with those near and dear to us. Thinking of them often brings a smile to our face, and a peace of knowing we are special to them too.

How about the gems of our friends? We all have someone who makes our day brighter, who helps pick us up when life takes and unexpected turn.

There is the beauty and energy of life itself. Most of our life is and has been one that, of course, includes some hills and valleys that leave us wanting the straight and narrow path of ease and normalcy (whatever that is). The very act of breathing is a joy that we should never minimize.

My point is that every piece and part of life is a jewel, a gem. Whether it’s the ring on your finger or the hug of the most important person in your world, there is true beauty in all that you have and all that you are. Isn’t that all that matters?