Wearing birthstones associated with the month of one’s birth has been a tradition for at least 4 centuries. They were once thought to have magical powers and to bring the wearer good luck. Today, they make wonderful gifts for 18th or 21st birthdays. In case you didn’t know, for at least 500 years, each month has had a particular precious stone associated with it. Though the exact links have varied somewhat over the centuries, according to modern tradition they are: garnet for January; amethyst for February; aquamarine for March; crystal quartz for April; Emerald or chrysoprase for May; pearl or moonstone for June; Ruby for July; peridot for August; sapphire for September; pink opal or tourmaline for October; citrine for November; turquoise or blue topaz for December.
When it comes to so significant a date as an 18th or 21st birthday, something so linked to one’s origins is a great way to mark and remember the occasion. The tradition of wearing birthstones is thought to date back to at least Biblical times. Exodus describes the prophet Aaron is described as wearing a breastplate inset with twelve precious stones, each representing one of the Twelve Tribes of Israel. From there, different precious stones became associated with different signs of the zodiac and, over time, this became a belief that certain precious stones were linked to certain months of the year.
The tradition of wearing birthstones arose in Poland, probably during either the fifteenth or sixteenth century. At that time it was believed that certain stones held magical powers and each birthstone’s power would become greater during their particular month. For that reason, people of the time would rotate the birthstone they wore in line with the months. Some people still follow this tradition and so invest in a full set of the twelve birthstones. Everybody wants an 18th or 21st birthday gift that carries some significance and isn’t just something that is mass-produced.
Buying birthstone jewellery as 18th or 21st gifts allows one to create something that is truly personalised. All of the fittings are made in solid Sterling silver or 9 carat gold. To add to the individual character of each piece, one can choose to have the wearer’s name or initials incorporated into the chain or added as one of a wide selection of charms. Birthstones are available fitted as ever popular rings, bracelets, pendants or larger (but still delicate) necklaces. All of these choices are available in a range of styles and designs to suit any taste.
From charm bracelets laced with a variety of luck-bringing symbols to Sterling silver rings handmade by big name designers. Of course, precious stones can be expensive, but one can still give an impressive looking gift without spending a small fortune. Birthstones can also be made by colouring Swarovski crystal. Ensure you are dealing with a reputable supplier. Some imitation birthstones can look correct, but are only made of glass and plastic. When marking an 18th or 21st birthday, one doesn’t want to be handing over what is essentially children’s play jewellery!
Reputable jewellers will ensure that even their imitation stones are of the highest quality. Once you’ve invested in that perfect 18th or 21st birthday gift, you want to make sure it lives up to all your expectations. Also make sure to ask about the jeweller’s aftercare package when buying. The best should offer a cleaning service so the lucky bearer can keep their piece looking bright without damaging it. Whether you believe in superstitions or not, birthstone gifts jewellery certainly makes a great gift for an 18th or 21st birthday. The association of a particular stone with a particular month has a particular significance.
When it comes to so significant a date as an 18th or 21st birthday, something so linked to one’s origins is a great way to mark and remember the occasion. The tradition of wearing birthstones is thought to date back to at least Biblical times. Exodus describes the prophet Aaron is described as wearing a breastplate inset with twelve precious stones, each representing one of the Twelve Tribes of Israel. From there, different precious stones became associated with different signs of the zodiac and, over time, this became a belief that certain precious stones were linked to certain months of the year.
The tradition of wearing birthstones arose in Poland, probably during either the fifteenth or sixteenth century. At that time it was believed that certain stones held magical powers and each birthstone’s power would become greater during their particular month. For that reason, people of the time would rotate the birthstone they wore in line with the months. Some people still follow this tradition and so invest in a full set of the twelve birthstones. Everybody wants an 18th or 21st birthday gift that carries some significance and isn’t just something that is mass-produced.
Buying birthstone jewellery as 18th or 21st gifts allows one to create something that is truly personalised. All of the fittings are made in solid Sterling silver or 9 carat gold. To add to the individual character of each piece, one can choose to have the wearer’s name or initials incorporated into the chain or added as one of a wide selection of charms. Birthstones are available fitted as ever popular rings, bracelets, pendants or larger (but still delicate) necklaces. All of these choices are available in a range of styles and designs to suit any taste.
From charm bracelets laced with a variety of luck-bringing symbols to Sterling silver rings handmade by big name designers. Of course, precious stones can be expensive, but one can still give an impressive looking gift without spending a small fortune. Birthstones can also be made by colouring Swarovski crystal. Ensure you are dealing with a reputable supplier. Some imitation birthstones can look correct, but are only made of glass and plastic. When marking an 18th or 21st birthday, one doesn’t want to be handing over what is essentially children’s play jewellery!
Reputable jewellers will ensure that even their imitation stones are of the highest quality. Once you’ve invested in that perfect 18th or 21st birthday gift, you want to make sure it lives up to all your expectations. Also make sure to ask about the jeweller’s aftercare package when buying. The best should offer a cleaning service so the lucky bearer can keep their piece looking bright without damaging it. Whether you believe in superstitions or not, birthstone gifts jewellery certainly makes a great gift for an 18th or 21st birthday. The association of a particular stone with a particular month has a particular significance.
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