“Luck is not something you possess, it is something you make” has been a debatable saying for ages. Those who believe in luck would agree with the former and those who believe in hard work, and have made things happen all by themselves would believe in the latter. This then gave rise to the debate of what brings you luck, is it using a specific number, wearing a specific colour, sitting a specific somewhere or even wearing a specific stone, a birthstone?
What are birthstones?
Birthstones are gemstones that are associated with the months of the year. Each month is assigned a specific gemstone, and it is believed that wearing the gemstone of your birth month brings good luck, health, and fortune.
Here is a list of birthstones by month:
- Garnet
- Amethyst
- Aquamarine or Bloodstone
- Diamond
- Emerald
- Pearl, Alexandrite, or Moonstone
- Ruby
- Peridot or Spinel
- Sapphire
- Opal or Tourmaline
- Topaz or Citrine
- Turquoise, Tanzanite, or Zircon
Birthstones have been used for centuries as a way to connect individuals with their birth month and bring them good fortune. They are often given as gifts for special occasions, such as birthdays, anniversaries, and weddings.
Does your luck improve after you incorporate birthstones into your daily life?
The belief that wearing a birthstone can bring good luck, health, and fortune is a common belief in many cultures, but there is no scientific evidence to support this belief. The idea of birthstones is more closely tied to tradition, culture, and symbolism than to any proven effect on one’s luck.
However, wearing or carrying a piece of jewellery that features your birthstone can serve as a personal reminder of your birth month and the qualities associated with it. For example, the garnet, which is the birthstone for January, is believed to promote positive energy and creativity, while the sapphire, which is the birthstone for September, is associated with wisdom and mental clarity.
Ultimately, the benefits of wearing a birthstone will depend on the individual and their personal beliefs. Some people may find that wearing a piece of jewellery featuring their birthstone brings them a sense of connection or comfort, while others may not notice any difference at all.
What are different birthstones believed to promote?
The following are some of the common beliefs and qualities associated with each birthstone:
- (Garnet): Protection, health, and creativity.
- (Amethyst): Clarity of thought, inner strength, and peace of mind.
- (Aquamarine or Bloodstone): Courage, clarity, and positivity.
- (Diamond): Purity, strength, and endurance.
- (Emerald): Love, harmony, and balance.
- (Pearl, Alexandrite, or Moonstone): Wisdom, intuition, and emotional balance.
- (Ruby): Passion, energy, and enthusiasm.
- (Peridot or Spinel): Prosperity, happiness, and good luck.
- (Sapphire): Wisdom, truth, and mental clarity.
- (Opal or Tourmaline): Creativity, inspiration, and imagination.
- (Topaz or Citrine): Abundance, happiness, and healing.
- (Turquoise, Tanzanite, or Zircon): Communication, protection, and good fortune.
It’s important to note that these beliefs and qualities associated with each birthstone are based on cultural and historical traditions rather than scientific evidence. However, many people enjoy wearing their birthstones as a personal symbol or reminder of these qualities.
How are birthstones assigned to a person?
Birthstones are typically assigned to a person based on the month they were born in. The tradition of assigning specific gemstones to different months of the year has been around for thousands of years and can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as the Babylonians, Greeks, and Romans.
The modern list of birthstones used in Western culture was established by the National Association of Jewelers in the United States in 1912. This list was later adopted by other countries and has become the standard for identifying birthstones.
The assignment of birthstones to specific months is based on tradition, symbolism, and sometimes even superstition. The belief is that wearing the gemstone of your birth month will bring you good luck, health, and fortune.
It’s important to note that different cultures may have different birthstones assigned to different months, and some months may have multiple birthstones assigned to them. Additionally, some people may choose to wear a birthstone that is not assigned to their birth month but instead has personal meaning to them.
What perspective do different cultures share about birthstones?
Different cultures have various perspectives about birthstones, but many of them share the belief that birthstones have a special significance and are associated with good luck and positive qualities. Here are some examples:
- Ancient Greeks: The ancient Greeks believed that gemstones had special powers and associated them with different deities. For example, the garnet was believed to be associated with the goddess Persephone.
- Indian Culture: In India, the idea of wearing birthstones is tied to the practice of Ayurveda, a traditional system of medicine. Different gemstones are believed to have specific healing properties that can help balance the body and mind.
- Jewish Tradition: In Jewish tradition, each of the 12 tribes of Israel is associated with a different gemstone, which is believed to bring specific blessings and protection.
- Tibetan Culture: In Tibetan culture, gemstones are used for their healing properties and are believed to balance the body’s energies.
- Native American Culture: In Native American culture, gemstones are seen as gifts from the earth and are believed to have healing and protective powers.
In general, birthstones are widely recognized and celebrated across many different cultures, each with its own unique traditions and beliefs about their significance.
How birthstones are made and what gives them power?
Birthstones are made of a variety of minerals and gemstones, such as diamonds, emeralds, rubies, sapphires, and topaz. These gemstones are formed through natural geological processes that take millions of years to occur.
The power attributed to birthstones is largely based on cultural and symbolic associations rather than any inherent properties of the gemstones themselves. Different cultures and traditions have assigned different meanings and powers to specific gemstones, based on their colour, rarity, and historical significance.
For example, in some cultures, rubies are associated with passion and vitality, while sapphires are believed to bring wisdom and mental clarity. These associations have been passed down through generations and are deeply ingrained in many cultures.
It’s important to note that while gemstones are beautiful and valuable, there is no scientific evidence to support the idea that they have any inherent powers or abilities beyond their physical properties, such as hardness and colour. However, many people find wearing birthstones to be a meaningful and personal way to connect with their cultural heritage or express themselves through fashion and jewellery.
What are the Astronomical Alignments associated with birthstones
There are no astronomical alignments specifically associated with birthstones. However, some people believe that certain astrological events or lunar phases can enhance the power or significance of their birthstone.
For example, in Western astrology, each zodiac sign is associated with a specific set of gemstones. Some people believe that wearing these gemstones during the corresponding zodiac season can enhance their energy and bring good fortune.
Similarly, some people believe that wearing a birthstone during the month of their birth or during certain lunar phases, such as a full moon or new moon, can enhance its power and significance.
While there is no scientific evidence to support these beliefs, they are deeply ingrained in some cultures and are an important part of many people’s spiritual and personal beliefs
Celebrities who wear birthstones
Many celebrities wear birthstones, often incorporating them into their personal style or as a symbol of personal significance. Here are a few examples:
- Angelina Jolie: The actress and humanitarian was born in June, making her birthstone the pearl. She has been spotted wearing pearl jewellery on several occasions, including a pair of pearl drop earrings at the 2012 Golden Globe Awards.
- Kate Middleton: The Duchess of Cambridge was born in January, making her birthstone the garnet. She has been seen wearing a pair of garnet and diamond earrings, as well as a garnet and diamond necklace that was a gift from the Sultan of Oman.
- Katy Perry: The pop star was born in October, making her birthstone the opal. She has been known to wear opal jewellery on stage and at public appearances, including a statement opal ring at the 2016 Met Gala.
- Jennifer Lopez: The actress and singer were born in July, making her birthstone the ruby. She has been seen wearing ruby jewellery on numerous occasions, including a pair of ruby and diamond earrings at the 2019 SAG Awards.
- Blake Lively: The actress and fashion icon was born in August, making her birthstone the peridot. She has been seen wearing peridot jewellery on several occasions, including a pair of peridot and diamond earrings at the 2016 Met Gala.
These are just a few examples of how birthstones can be incorporated into personal style and fashion choices, often with sentimental or symbolic significance for the wearer.