Modern, Traditional, Contemporary Birthstones

There are many variations of birth stone lists and much duplication and overlap between them.  Some scholars attribute the origin of the tradition of birthstones to the Breastplate of Aaron (the brother of Moses), a religious caftan arranged with twelve gemstones that represented the twelve tribes of Israel.

There are three different birthstone tables on this page:

Click on any underlined link to see picture and a description of that birthstone.

Modern

Traditional

Mystical

Ayurvedic

Stones of the Zodiac

The Modern Birthstone list is the official birthstone list from the American National Association of Jewelers, Jewelers of America. These gemstones were officially adopted in 1912. In the US, this is the accepted list.

The Traditional Birthstone list contains older birthstones and is sometimes combined with the modern birthstone list. These stones reflect various societal traditions heralding back to the 15th century.

Mystical Birthstones are of Tibetan origin from over a thousand years ago.

The Ayurvedic birthstone list is from Ayurvedic Indian medicine - a type of medicine used for over a thousand years.

Colored gemstones evolved as talismans and amulets. They were thought to offer predictions for the future, to aid healing and they became important components in many religious practices worldwide. It is also believed that planets influence the stones and that the stones transmit powers given by the corresponding planets.

Star Signs - Table II

Sun Sign

Birthstone

Planetary Stone

Talismanic Stones

Arabic

Hebrew

Hindu

Roman

Gemstones Facts & Descriptions

Pictures of gemstones in rough and finished form.

Jewelry by Type:

Jewelry made with a particular stone: by color or by gem stone.

Handcrafted designer art jewelry catalog

Cabochons and rough
available for custom jewelry design.