Birthstones

Yes?

Well, not quite.

There's no single list of birthstones, there have been numerous different ones over the centuries. Different cultures asigned diferent properties to the different gems. They also used different classification systems - today we tend to classify them according to mineral type, this wasn't always the case.

To make things even more complex, not all lists of birthstones relate directly to month. Other systems are also found - for example, a lot of people like to assign stones according to the signs of the Zodiac. It's also possible to assign stones to individual days of the week.

Even though the relationship between stones and dates goes back many centuries, the idea of wearing one's personal birth stone seems more recent, probably only becoming popular around the 18th century.

Today the most common birthstone list is that adopted by the American national association of jewelers - Jewelers of America - in 1912. Although this was based on the traditional associations it was partly influenced by commercial factors, with stones selected for their colour and availablity as well as symbolism. This is often referred to as the "official" birthstone chart:

Why stop at birth stones? Why not use the appropriate stone or crystal to represent other special occasions such as marriages or other anniversaries. Something to consider next time you're stuck for a gift to buy.

And, of course, there are colour coordinated clothes and accessories. The appeal of the birthstone gem along with associated clothing etc seems near universal - even that ultimate fashion icon Barbie has fallen funder its spell!