When did birthstones start?

Answer 1

The idea of birthstones can be traced back to The Bible. In the book of Exodus, Aaron has a religious garment that displays one gem for each of the 12 tribes of Israel. Eventually this evolved into a birthstone for each month.

Answer 2

The origin of the birthstone goes back thousands of years to the time of Moses. It was at his command that the Breast Plate of the High Priest was made with the twelve colors, representing the twelve tribes of Israel, and a corresponding gemstone was attributed to each color. Over the centuries, the number twelve developed mystical proportions. There were twelve tribes of ancient Israel, twelve apostles, twelve foundation stones of the Holy City, twelve months of the year and twelve signs of the zodiac. As time passed, people wanted to own all twelve stones of the sacred Breast Plate and began wearing one gemstone set into a piece of jewelry each month and changing it as the months changed. Eventually, in a quest for individuality, people began wearing only his or her stone of birth all year, giving birth to the twelve birthstones. Each birthstone supposedly represents a magical power. Some were said to ward off evil, protect the wearer in battle, cure blindness, gout and palsy, and even immunize the wearer from drunkenness.

* http://www.kingsjewelry.com/learning_diamond_birthstones.shtml

Answer 3

The First Twelve Birthstones
Aaron, first high priest of the Hebrews, wore 12 gemstones (representing the 12 tribes of Israel) in his silver breastplate. This is when birthstones originated.

Answer 4

It is thought that birthstones originated with the Bible. In the book of Exodus, Aaron is described wearing a religious garment inlaid with a different gemstone to represent each of the twelve tribes of Israel. Over time this evolved to describe a gemstone for each month.

Answer 5

Historians think that the first written record comes from the book of Exodus in the Old Testament. Here, the breastplate of the Hebrews' high priest is described as having twelve specific gems, one for each of Israel's twelve tribes. Over time, gems with special colors became associated with the twelve signs of the zodiac, which correspond roughly with the months of the year. Each sign has its own name and its own characteristics. Those born under a particular sign are thought by some people to be influenced by that sign and to share common traits.

Answer 6

Refer to the website below in the 'Related Links' for a site with information on when Birthstones were developed.

Answer 7

birthstones were created of a tiny mineral called ACMOL

Answer 8

Birthstone originate from back in the day each month the would find a different stone which is made up of different elements and colors.