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Many cultures have connected various precious and semi-precious gems with our dates of birth. We call these special gems birthstones, and the history of birthstones stretches as far back as the first century B.C. when Josephus, a Jewish scholar, wrote about the connection between the twelve stones in the sacred breastplate belonging to the High Priest of the Israelites. He connected these 12 stones with the 12 Tribes of Israel and ultimately our modern Gregorian calendar. However, the stones in this ornamental breastplate have little to do with the stones we associate with each month today.

Today's birthstones are partly based on birthstone traditions from Germany and Poland and partly clever advertising from the National Association of Jewelers. This American organization established an official list of monthly gemstones during their annual meeting back in 1912, but the birthstones were also listed in advertisements from Tiffany & Company in the late 19th century. America's official birthstones differ slightly from those in England, and there are also special birthstones in the Hindu religion. Some of these birth month associations are universal, such as the pearl, which is the birthstone for June in the Hindu tradition as well as in England and the United States.

There has always been a great deal of mysticism and lore surrounding gems, including the stones that are commonly birthstones. For instance, if you were born in August, your stone is a delicate green gem called the peridot. It was believed by ancient people that the peridot could help heal an assortment of serious ailments, including diseases of the liver. In addition, it was said to keep one from feeling "green with envy." Perhaps the peridot was selected as a repellent of envy due to its hue, as associating green with envy dates back many hundreds of years and was featured in at least two of Shakespeare's plays, most notably in "Othello."

Just about every birthstone and gem has a legend surrounding it, including November's gem, the citrine. Some ancient people believed that if you placed a citrine on your forehead, it would improve your psychic abilities. The citrine also was felt to enhance creativity and ward off negative energy and increase self-esteem. January's gem, the garnet, was said to fight off depression and promote good health. Soldiers fighting in the Crusades sometimes wore garnets because they believe that it was a good luck charm that ensured battlefield victories as well as preventing personal injury.

For some people, their birth month includes several different choices of stones, but several months have only one stone that is considered official. In the U.S., January, February, April, May, July, August and September have but one birthstone. In Great Britain, only January, February and October have one choice. However, in the Hindu tradition, all months are associated with one single gemstone. June and December babies seem to have the most choices, especially in the U.S., where each of these months offers three lovely gems to consider.

If you wish to purchase a piece of jewelry that features a birthstone, there are many different options. These popular gems are placed in necklaces, bracelets, earrings and even unique items such as belly rings and nose rings. One special gift that many moms love is a mother's ring and this item features the birthstones of each child in the family.