  From the earliest times and among all peoples there seem to have been sentiments and superstitions connected with gems. The ancient use of gems is proved by their being found in the oldest tombs of Egypt and by their mention in the earliest books of the Bible, and no less ancient seem to be the mystic properties and powers ascribed to them. Not only was the power of driving away evil spirits and producing all sorts of “luck” long attributed to them, but as late as the beginning of the eighteenth century reputable physicians were accustomed to mix fragments of them in their medicines and to use them as charms. The study of the uses of gems in this way forms a subject of much interest, but we may confine ourselves here simply to the custom which made a particular gem appropriate to a corresponding month of the year. The first arrangement of gems into a group of twelve of which we have any record is that in the Book of Exodus. Here in the twenty-eighth chapter, verses 17-19, are prescribed in order, twelve precious stones, which shall be set in the breastplate of the High Priest. The list is repeated in the thirty-ninth chapter of the same book, verses 10-12. In the context it is prescribed that the stones shall be set in four rows and that upon them shall be engraved the names of the Children of Israel, one for each stone. As to the particular stones as they are known to the modern world, which are indicated by the Hebrew words, authorities differ, but in the authorized version of the Bible they are given as follows: Sardius, topaz, carbuncle, Emerald, sapphire, diamond, Ligure, agate, amethyst, Beryl, onyx, jasper. It is not probable, however, that these names indicate in each case the corresponding stones of modern usage. Thus it is quite unlikely that the Hebrews could have engraved a name upon the diamond even if they could have obtained one of sufficient size. Again, the words emerald and carbuncle are undoubtedly interchanged in the above list and the ancient topaz is known to have been the modern chrysolite. In the revised version the word jacinth is substituted for ligure and amber is given as a marginal rendering for the same. There are also given marginal renderings for others of the gems, as follows: ruby for sardius, emerald for carbuncle, carbuncle for emerald, sardonyx for diamond, chalcedony for beryl, and beryl for onyx. The modern equivalents of the terms recognized by secret orders which use them in symbolism are: Carnelian, chrysolite, emerald, Ruby, lapis-lazuli, onyx, Sapphire, agate, amethyst, Topaz, beryl, jasper. Two lists of precious stones quite similar to those of the Book of Exodus are given in other places in the Bible, one in Ezekiel 28:13, where “every precious stone” is said to have been the covering of the King of Tyre, and again in Revelation 21:19-20, where twelve different precious stones are mentioned as garnishing the foundations of the wall of the Holy City. The names and order of these in Ezekiel are, in the authorized version, as follows: Sardius, topaz, diamond, Beryl, onyx, jasper, Sapphire, emerald, carbuncle. To these the Septuagint adds the following: Chrysolite, ligure, agate. The revised version gives marginally, ruby for sardius, carbuncle for emerald, and emerald for carbuncle. In Revelation the list as given in the authorized version reads as follows— Jasper, sapphire, chalcedony, Emerald, sardonyx, sardius, Chrysolite, beryl, topaz, Chrysoprase, jacinth, amethyst. The marginal renderings give lapis-lazuli for sapphire and sapphire for jacinth. BIRTH STONES.
Though in each of these lists only twelve precious stones are mentioned, there is nothing to indicate that their use was in any way connected with the months of the year. Just when it became the custom to designate each month by a particular gem or how the custom originated is impossible to determine. The custom seems to have sprung up in modern Europe some time during the fifteenth or sixteenth century. Whether it originated in the twelve gems of Aaron’s breastplate as many believe, or was introduced by astrologers from the Arabians as others think, is not yet known. The modern practice of considering the stone of each month especially appropriate to persons born in that month is probably still more recent in its origin. In former times gems could be possessed only by rulers or the very wealthy, so that their general use in the above manner was not possible. But now that nearly every one can own a gem of some kind the possession of “birth stones” and the attachment of special sentiments to them has become common. The custom is a pretty one, and is to be commended, for the stones are imperishable and the sentiments ascribed to them represent the accumulated traditions of many ages, races and peoples. As to the particular stone which is to be considered appropriate to each month usages differ. Such differences have doubtless arisen from the desire to introduce gems which were formerly little known or unattainable on account of their cost, as substitutes for stones formerly prized but now held of little value. Thus the precious opal now much admired was hardly known in former times. By some it is now used as the birth stone of the month of October, while others retain the beryl. The diamond has been introduced in modern practice in quite a similar way. The carnelian and chrysolite by some still used for the months of August and September are stones held of little worth at present, and hence others are usually substituted. The particular order and kind of stones adopted in the accompanying plate is given in accordance with some verses quoted in a pamphlet first published by Tiffany & Company, of New York, in 1870. The author of the verses is not known, nor is it known by just what authority these gems were chosen. The choice, however, seems as satisfactory as could be made. Some of the verses have been quoted in previous numbers of this magazine, but they may here be given entire: JANUARY.By her who in this month is born, No gems save garnets should be worn; They will insure her constancy, True friendship and fidelity. FEBRUARY.The February-born shall find Sincerity and peace of mind, Freedom from passion and from care, If they an amethyst will wear. MARCH.Who in this world of ours their eyes In March first open shall be wise, In days of peril firm and brave, And wear a bloodstone to their grave. APRIL.She who from April dates her years, Diamonds shall wear, lest bitter tears For vain repentance flow. This stone Emblem of innocence is known. MAY.Who first beholds the light of day In spring’s sweet flowery month of May, And wears an emerald all her life, Shall be a loved and happy wife. JUNE.Who comes with summer to this earth, And owes to June her hour of birth, With ring of agate on her hand Can health, wealth and long life command. JULY.The glowing ruby shall adorn Those who in July are born; Then they’ll be exempt and free From love’s doubts and anxiety. AUGUST.Wear a sardonyx, or for thee No conjugal felicity; The August-born without this stone, ’Tis said, must live unloved and lone. SEPTEMBER.A maiden born when September leaves Are rustling in September’s breeze, A sapphire on her brow should bind— ’Twill cure diseases of the mind. OCTOBER.October’s child is born for woe, And life’s vicissitudes must know; But lay an opal on her breast, And hope will lull those woes to rest. NOVEMBER.Who first comes to this world below With drear November’s fog and snow, Should prize the topaz’ amber hue— Emblem of friends and lovers true. DECEMBER.If cold December gave you birth, The month of snow and ice and mirth, Place on your hand a turquois blue: Success will bless whate’er you do. The sentiments further ascribed to the above gems are, as given in a pamphlet by Mr. George F. Kunz and published by Tiffany & Company, in 1892, the following:
Oliver Cummings Farrington. |
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