Birthstones

A Georgian Birthstone Poem

In 1870 Tiffany & Co sought to make the birthstone tradition more popular by marketing jewellery to customers based on their birth month.

They published a pamphlet with the following Gregorian birthstone poem :

By her who were January was born,
No gem save Garnets should be worn,
They will ensure her constancy,
True friendship, and fidelity.

The February born shall find,
Sincerity and peace of mind,
Freedom from passion and from care,
If they an Amethyst will wear.

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 (Aquamarine) to their grave.

She who from April dates her years,
Diamonds shall wear, lest bitter tears,
For vain repentance flow; this stone,
Emblem of innocence, is known.

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.

Who comes with summer to this earth,
And owes to June her hour of birth,
With ring of Pearl on her hand,
Can health, wealth, and long life command.

The glowing Ruby shall adorn,
Those who in July are born,
Then they’ll be exempt and free,
From love’s doubts and anxiety.

Wear a Peridot or for thee,
No conjugal felicity,
The August-born without this stone,
'Tis said, must live unloved and lone.

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’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.

Who first comes to this world below,
In drear November’s fog and snow,
Should prize the Topaz‘s amber hue,
Emblem of friends and lovers true.

If cold December gave you birth,
The month of snow and ice and mirth,
Place on your hand a Turquoise blue,
Success will bless whate’er you do.