Diamonds and Gems

Diamonds and Gems turned 1 today!

Among the earliest known links to the twelve birthstones commonly accepted in the United States was the holy breastplate of Aaron,brother of Moses, who helped lead the Israelites from Egypt; the gems affixed to the breastplate, representing the twelve tribes of Israel, are listed in chapters 28 and 39 of Exodus in the Old Testament. Wearing birthstone jewelry is a custom that began in Poland in the 1700s. By the twentieth century, various lists of birthstones, all apparently evolved from Aaron's sacred garment, had found sponsors in jewelry and gemstone trade associations. The wreath of gems represents the calendar of birthstones adopted in the United States by the National Association of Jewelers in 1912.