Birds and Nature Vol. 11 No. 5 [May 1902]

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:

Garnet. – Insures Power, Grace and Victory to the wearer.

Amethyst. – Deep Love; prevents Intoxication.

Bloodstone. – Courage and Wisdom.

Diamond. – Purity; Preserves Peace, Prevents Storms.

Emerald. – Immortality, Conquers Sin and Trial.