Where did the birthstone tradition come from?
Most aficionados agree that the tradition originated with the biblical story concerning Aaron’s breastplate that appears in the book of Exodus, chapter 39, verses 8 through 14. Although specific stones are not named the breastplate is described as being adorned with 12 colorful stones to signify the 12 tribes of Israel. In 1912 the American National Association of Jewelers compiled a standard list of gems and semiprecious stones have been added to that list as alternatives in recent years.
