Birthstone by month and Rasi

Birthstones are gemstones that are associated with each month of the year. They are believed to possess metaphysical properties that can bring luck, protection, and healing to the wearer. Different countries have different birthstone lists. They may even be titled ancient, traditional and modern depending on the ascertained preciousness and the availability of the stone in that country. Practically speaking, these lists makes it convenient for jewellers to make and sell push presents, mother’s rings and mother’s day jewellery.

The Breastplate of Judgment

According to the Book of Exodus (28:15-30), Aaron, the brother of Moses and the first High Priest of the Israelites is said to have worn a ‘Hoshen‘. Known as the ‘Breastplate of Judgement,’ this square shape accessory had four rows of three gemstones each. It was believed to aid him in receiving divine guidance and judgment from God during religious rituals and consultations. Each of these gemstones was engraved with the name of one of the tribes of Israel. Together, they symbolize the unity and cohesion of the twelve tribes under the leadership of Aaron as the High Priest.

Jewish historian Flavius Josephus linked the twelve stones in the breastplate with the twelve months of the year making them the earliest known version of a birthstone list.

Birthstone by month

According to the Gemmological Institute of America, here is a list of birthstones month wise. I have written about some of these gemstones in the past. I will be writing about the rest in the future.

1. January – Garnet
2. February – Amethyst
3. March – Aquamarine or Bloodstone (Heliotrope)
4. April – Diamond
5. May – Emerald
6. June – Pearl, Alexandrite, or Moonstone
7. July – Ruby
8. August – Peridot, Spinel or Sardonyx
9. September – Sapphire
10. October – Opal or Tourmaline
11. November – Topaz or Citrine
12. December – Turquoise, Zircon, or Tanzanite

Birthstone by Rasi

In India, birthstones are connected to the rasi/rashi (moon sign) under which you are born. While the collective Navaratna jewellery which is worn to appease nine planetary entities at once, the Rasi kal or rashi ratna (gemstones pertaining to a particular rasi/rashi), are worn as finger rings to receive favourable cosmic vibrations. Unlike the western lists, here only seven gemstones are used to represent the 12 signs. Hessonite and Cat’s eye that represent Rahu and Ketu from the navaratna list are not included. I have listed both Hindi (H) and Tamil (T) names for the gemstones here.

1. Mesha (Aries) – Coral (Moonga – H, Pavazham – T)
2. Vrishabha (Taurus) – Diamond (Heera – H, Vairam – T)
3. Mithuna (Gemini) – Emerald (Panna – H, Maragatham – T)
4. Karka (Cancer) – Pearl (Moti – H, Muthu – T)
5. Simha (Leo) – Ruby (Manik- H, Manikkam – T)
6. Kanya (Virgo) – Emerald (Panna – H, Maragatham – T)
7. Tulam (Libra) – Diamond (Heera – H, Vairam – T)
8. Vrishchika (Scorpio) – Coral (Moonga – H, Pavazham – T)
9. Dhanus (Sagittarius) – Yellow Sapphire (Pukhraj – H, Kanaka Pushparagam – T)
10. Makara (Capricorn) – Blue Sapphire (Neelam – H,T)
11. Kumbha (Aquarius) – Blue Sapphire (Neelam – H,T)
12. Meena (Pisces) – (Pukhraj – H, Kanaka Pushparagam – T)

It is interesting to note that there are additional lists (upa ratna – secondary gemstones) in India as well.

Birthstone jewellery

Birthstones, offer several personalistion options in jewellery. Individually, they can be worn as finger rings, bracelets or pendants. Mother’s jewellery is often made by setting the birthstones of the child/children alongside that of the parents. When a month has multiple gemstones assigned, they can be combined in a single design, just like the peridot and spinel earrings that I have shown above.

I have used diamonds along with other gemstones, in my design generation of rasi rings in the third image in this post. However, if astrologers and gemmologists are to be believed then the rings stop being rasi rings, the moment a secondary stone is added to the primary stone meant for that rasi. While they remain a piece of beautiful jewellery, they lose their amuletic properties and may at times cause trouble for the wearer due to clash of vibrations.

Mimicking birthstones

If you love the colour of the birthstones, which are not meant for your month or rasi and would want to wear them without bringing any trouble to yourself, then you can use simulants or imitation stones. Simulants are stones that mimic the look of gemstones but do not poses any of their metaphysical properties as their chemical composition is significantly different from the original.

Here is an in-depth tutorial by Little Windows on how to mimic the look of birthstones using Resin. This idea can be used to make return gifts, bridesmaid’s gifts and even jewellery for yourself. You can make both cabochons and faceted beads depending on the mould that you have.

Birthstones signify connection to one’s birth month and/or rasi, and are cherished gifts for birthdays and anniversaries. They can also be used to commemorate important events, achievements or just to make and wear sparkly jewellery. Like we need an excuse for that!

I hope you find it interesting

Cheers