The origin of birthstones

Birthstone for January

Ever wondered where birthstones started?

For the answer we have to go back in time, to the 13th century to be exact.

Alfonso X the Learned (1221 – 1284 AD) composed the first major work on astrology and gemstones to demonstrate the connection of gemstones to celestial bodies. He used astrological tables based on Arabic translations, which became the standard of Europe. 

Alfonso classed gems by colour and placed each under the twelve zodiac signs. In an extensively illustrated work, he examined the properties, uses and medicinal virtues for each stone and paid particular attention on how these virtues were influenced by the planets and stars.

To this day, his writings serve as a model for the connection between gems and astrological signs.

Enough history – let’s get to the birthstone for January: the garnet.

Also known as the stone for love and healing, the red garnet has been used in jewellery for centuries and remains popular in modern times. With a hardness of 6.5 to 7.5 on the MOHS scale, garnet is suitable for wearing every day. The rich red to dark red colour adds warmth and depth to any metal used for jewellery, be it yellow or rose gold or sterling silver.