Since the beginning of time, people have been fascinated by colored gemstones, believed to have magical powers and the ability to bestow the wearer with specific qualities. Gemstones have for centuries been regarded as emblematic of a person’s hour and month of birth.  Far from being merely a retail jeweler’s vehicle for increasing sales, birthstones are a feature of many different cultures.

Pagan legends joined with Christian and Jewish traditions, led to the association of certain gemstones with the different months of the year, “birthstones.” There is speculation that the twelve gemstones in the great breastplate of the Jewish high priest may have granted support to this concept. In the eighth and ninth centuries, the interpreters of the Bible’s book of Revelation began to designate attributes of the twelve apostles to each of these gemstones.

Gemstones also partake of the mystery of color.  Certain colors are central not only to philosophy but also to linguistic development in different cultures.  In any culture with only two words for color, white (all colors) and black (the absence of color) are the terms chosen.  Where three words for color exist, white, black and red are selected.  And where there are five words, red, blue, white, green (or yellow) and black are chosen.  Thus, it is clear that the basic colors of red, blue and green are exceptionally important to various cultures throughout the world.

Nevertheless, colored gemstones have been used as talismans, amulets, as predictors of the future; as healers and essential elements to religious practices either pagan, Hebrew, and Christian. Hindus however, have their own interpretations of the zodiacal gems and their special powers.

Originally, the zodiac signs were regarded also as birthstones. In more recent times, gemstones of the months are according to the calendar also known as birthstones, aside from the zodiac gemstones.

Finally, precious gemstones have always been regarded as a source of “insurance value.”  The phrase “selling the family jewels” has always meant that precious gemstones are an “asset of the last resort” to be disposed of only in times of runaway inflation, economic depression, revolution or personal crisis.

Here at birthstoneindex.com, we provide detailed information on this interesting subject, as well as a list of birthstones or their alternative gemstones and zodiacal or talismanic stones. Birthstoneindex.com also offers information on the association of the color of a gemstone, with your individual personal attributes; as well as the variety of gemstones available in the most popular color groups in the market today.

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