The Gregorian Birthstone Poems: A 19th-Century Legacy of Gemstone Lore

The Gregorian Birthstone Poems represent a fascinating intersection of history, culture, and commerce within the world of gemology. This series of twelve anonymous verses, each attributing a specific gemstone to a month of the year, was published by Tiffany & Co. in 1870. While the poems themselves are a relatively modern creation, they formalized and popularized an ancient tradition of associating gemstones with birth months, creating a memorable framework that continues to influence birthstone lists and cultural perceptions today. The poems are more than mere marketing tools; they are a poetic snapshot of the gemological and symbolic beliefs of the 19th century, offering a unique lens through which to view the enduring significance of these precious stones. This article will explore the origins of these poems, the gemstones they celebrate, their historical and cultural context, and their lasting impact on the tradition of birthstones.

Origins and Historical Context

The formalized association of gemstones with specific months began to take shape in the 1500s, but it was the publication of the "Gregorian Birthstone Poems" by Tiffany & Co. in 1870 that truly solidified a standardized, albeit evolving, system. These poems, of unknown authorship, provided a memorable and accessible way to connect individuals with the gemstones corresponding to their birth month. Tiffany’s initiative was, in part, a marketing strategy to promote birthstone jewelry as ideal gifts for birthdays and anniversaries, but it also tapped into a much older tradition.

The roots of birthstone associations extend back to ancient civilizations. The Breastplate of Aaron, as described in the Book of Exodus in the Bible, featured twelve gemstones representing the twelve tribes of Israel. This ancient artifact is often cited as a foundational influence on the concept of birthstones. Later, in the 1st century AD, the historian Josephus made a connection between the twelve stones of the breastplate and the twelve signs of the zodiac, a link that was further developed by scholars in the 5th and 6th centuries. The modern concept of a specific birthstone for each month, however, is largely a product of 19th-century commercial and cultural forces.

Tiffany & Co.'s 1870 pamphlet was not the first attempt to list birthstones, but it was the most influential in popularizing the concept for a broad audience. The poem's title, "Gregorian," is not explained in the sources, but it seems to allude to an older era, matching the poetical form, which is deliberately antiquated. In keeping with its supposed antiquity, it had no attribution, and seems not to have been copyrighted. This strategy lent the poems an air of historical authority, making them seem like a rediscovered tradition rather than a modern marketing creation.

The Poems and Their Gemstones

The Gregorian poems are a series of twelve short verses, each four lines long, that attribute one magically lucky birthstone to each month of the year. The poems are preserved in several online sources, and their content reveals a mix of gemological assignment and symbolic promise. The following table summarizes the gemstones assigned to each month according to the poems, along with the key promises or qualities associated with them.

The poems provide a direct link between the gemstone and a specific outcome for the wearer. For example, the January poem states, "By her who in this month (January) is born / No gem save garnets should be worn; / They will ensure her constancy, / True friendship, and fidelity." Similarly, the May poem promises that a woman born in May who wears an emerald "Shall be a loved and a loving wife." This direct attribution of magical or beneficial properties to the stones was a powerful marketing tool, as it gave each gemstone a personal and protective significance.

It is important to note that the gemstone assignments in the 1870 poems do not always align with modern birthstone lists. For instance, the poem for August assigns the sardonyx, while modern lists often include peridot. The poem for November is not explicitly detailed in the provided sources, though other sources indicate that both topaz and citrine have been associated with November, with citrine sometimes substituting for topaz for economic reasons. The evolution of these lists highlights the dynamic nature of birthstone traditions, influenced by cultural trends, economic considerations, and the availability of gemstones.

Gemological Properties of the Featured Stones

While the provided sources focus primarily on the historical and cultural aspects of the poems, they do mention specific gemstones, allowing for a discussion of their gemological properties based on the stones named in the poems. The following are key properties for some of the primary gemstones featured in the Gregorian poems.

Garnet (January): Garnet is not a single mineral but a group of silicate minerals. While most famously known for its deep red hue, garnets occur in a wide range of colors, with the exception of blue. The garnet family includes almandine, pyrope, spessartine, grossular, andradite, and uvarovite. On the Mohs scale of hardness, garnets typically range from 6.5 to 7.5, making them durable enough for everyday jewelry. Their refractive index varies depending on the variety, but they generally exhibit strong brilliance and fire when properly cut.

Amethyst (February): Amethyst is a variety of quartz, known for its purple color, which ranges from light lavender to deep violet. Its chemical composition is silicon dioxide (SiO₂), and it has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively durable. The color of amethyst is due to trace amounts of iron and natural irradiation. It is pleochroic, meaning it can show different shades of purple when viewed from different angles. The sources do not mention its refractive index, but as a member of the quartz family, it typically has a refractive index of approximately 1.54-1.55.

Bloodstone (March): Bloodstone is a dark green chalcedony (a variety of quartz) with distinctive red inclusions of iron oxide or jasper, which resemble drops of blood. It has a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. Its chemical composition is also silicon dioxide (SiO₂). Bloodstone is often used for cameos and intaglios due to its contrasting colors and relative hardness.

Diamond (April): Diamond is composed of pure carbon in a cubic crystal structure. It is the hardest known natural material, scoring a 10 on the Mohs scale. Its exceptional hardness is due to its strong covalent bonds. Diamond has a high refractive index of 2.417, which contributes to its brilliant sparkle. It is also highly dispersive, meaning it splits white light into its spectral colors, creating fire. Diamond is chemically inert and resistant to most acids, making it one of the most durable gemstones.

Emerald (May): Emerald is a green variety of beryl, with its color coming from trace amounts of chromium and sometimes vanadium. Its chemical formula is Be₃Al₂(SiO₃)₆. On the Mohs scale, beryl has a hardness of 7.5 to 8, but emeralds are often heavily included, which can affect their durability. Emeralds typically have a refractive index of 1.57-1.58. They are known for their "jardin" (French for garden), which refers to the internal inclusions that are characteristic of natural emeralds.

Agate (June): Agate is a variety of chalcedony, characterized by its fine grain and banding of different colors. It is composed of silicon dioxide (SiO₂) and has a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. Agates are known for their translucency and can be found in a wide array of colors and patterns, often enhanced through dyeing or heat treatment.

Ruby (July): Ruby is the red variety of corundum, with its color derived from trace amounts of chromium. Its chemical formula is Al₂O₃. Corundum has a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, making ruby one of the hardest gemstones after diamond. It has a refractive index of approximately 1.76-1.77. The most prized rubies exhibit a vivid, pure red with a slight bluish undertone, often described as "pigeon's blood."

Sardonyx (August): Sardonyx is a variety of onyx, which is a banded chalcedony. It features alternating layers of sard (a reddish-brown chalcedony) and onyx (a black or dark brown chalcedony). Like other chalcedony varieties, it has a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale and a chemical composition of silicon dioxide (SiO₂). Sardonyx has been used for centuries in cameos and intaglios due to its distinct banding and durability.

Sapphire (September): Sapphire is the blue variety of corundum, though it can occur in other colors (except red, which is ruby). Its chemical formula is Al₂O₃, and it shares the same hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale as ruby. The blue color of sapphire is typically due to trace amounts of iron and titanium. It has a refractive index of approximately 1.76-1.77. Sapphires are known for their excellent hardness and durability, making them suitable for all types of jewelry.

Opal (October): Opal is a hydrated amorphous form of silica (SiO₂·nH₂O). Unlike most gemstones, opal lacks a crystalline structure. It is known for its "play-of-color," a phenomenon where flashes of spectral colors appear as the stone is moved, caused by the diffraction of light by its internal structure of silica spheres. Opal has a hardness of 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively soft and susceptible to scratching. It is also sensitive to temperature changes and can crack if dried out, requiring careful handling and storage.

Topaz (November): Topaz is a silicate mineral of aluminum and fluorine with the chemical formula Al₂SiO₄(F,OH)₂. It has a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, making it a durable gemstone. Topaz occurs in a variety of colors, including colorless, blue, pink, and yellow. The blue variety is often enhanced by irradiation and heat treatment. Its refractive index is approximately 1.61-1.63.

Turquoise (December): Turquoise is an opaque, blue-to-green mineral that is a hydrated phosphate of copper and aluminum, with the chemical formula CuAl₆(PO₄)₄(OH)₈·4H₂O. It has a hardness of 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively soft. Turquoise is often found in veins or nodules and is prized for its unique color, which ranges from sky blue to greenish blue. It is frequently treated with wax or oil to enhance its color and durability.

Symbolism and Cultural Significance

The Gregorian poems are rich in symbolism, attributing specific qualities and powers to each gemstone. This symbolism is not arbitrary; it often reflects historical beliefs about the stones' properties, their colors, or their associations with celestial bodies and deities.

Garnet (January): The garnet's promise of "constancy, true friendship, and fidelity" likely stems from its deep red color, which has long been associated with love and passion. In ancient times, garnets were believed to protect travelers and guide them safely through the night, a symbol of steadfastness and loyalty.

Amethyst (February): Amethyst's association with "sincerity, peace of mind, and freedom from passion and care" aligns with its historical use as a stone of sobriety and clarity. In ancient Greece, amethyst was believed to prevent intoxication, and its name comes from the Greek word "amethystos," meaning "not drunk." This symbolism of clarity and control over one's passions fits the poem's promise.

Bloodstone (March): The bloodstone's connection to wisdom, firmness, and bravery is linked to its name and appearance. Historically, it was believed to have healing properties, particularly for blood-related ailments. Its use as a talisman for courage in battle is well-documented, making the poem's promise of bravery in peril a natural extension of its lore.

Diamond (April): The diamond, as the "emblem of innocence," reflects its pure, unblemished nature. Its exceptional hardness and clarity have long made it a symbol of eternal love and invincibility. The poem's warning against "bitter tears for vain repentance" suggests the diamond's role as a guardian of one's true, innocent self.

Emerald (May): The promise that an emerald-wearer "shall be a loved and a loving wife" connects the stone's vibrant green color to themes of fertility, rebirth, and love. In ancient Rome, emeralds were associated with Venus, the goddess of love. Its lush green hue evokes the freshness of spring and the promise of new beginnings.

Agate (June): Agate's promise of "health, wealth, and long life" may stem from its historical use as a protective talisman. Agates were believed to ward off evil and bring good fortune. Their banded patterns, which often resemble landscapes or abstract designs, were thought to hold mystical properties that could influence the wearer's well-being.

Ruby (July): The ruby's promise of freedom from "love's doubts and anxiety" is directly tied to its passionate red color. As the "king of gems," ruby has been associated with power, passion, and protection. Its fiery hue is believed to ignite the heart and dispel uncertainty in matters of love.

Sardonyx (August): The promise of "conjugal felicity" for sardonyx wearers highlights its historical use as a stone of marriage and partnership. Sardonyx, with its alternating layers of red and black, was believed to promote harmony and stability in relationships, making it a popular choice for wedding rings and other marital jewelry in ancient times.

Sapphire (September): The sapphire's promise to "cure diseases of the mind" reflects its long-standing association with wisdom and mental clarity. In the Middle Ages, sapphires were believed to protect the wearer from envy and harm and to bring peace of mind. The deep blue of the sapphire is often associated with the heavens and divine wisdom.

Opal (October): The opal's promise of "hope" and respite from woes aligns with its play-of-color, which seems to capture the light of a thousand different gems. This phenomenon has led to opal being associated with creativity, inspiration, and the ability to see the positive in life. However, opal's symbolism is complex; it has also been considered unlucky in some cultures, though the poem focuses solely on its hopeful aspect.

Topaz (November): While the specific poem for November is not provided in the sources, topaz has historically been associated with strength, intelligence, and good fortune. Its warm, golden hues are often linked to the sun and its life-giving energy. In some traditions, topaz is believed to promote healing and dispel sadness.

Turquoise (December): Turquoise, often associated with December in modern lists, has been prized for thousands of years for its protective qualities. It was believed to ward off evil and bring good fortune. Its blue-green color is reminiscent of water and sky, symbolizing tranquility, protection, and spiritual grounding.

The Evolution and Modern Legacy

The Gregorian poems, while influential, are not the final word on birthstones. Over time, birthstone lists have evolved, influenced by cultural shifts, economic factors, and the discovery of new gemstones. For example, the modern list for August includes peridot, a gemstone not mentioned in the Gregorian poems. Similarly, November's list often includes both topaz and citrine, with citrine sometimes being used as a more affordable alternative to topaz.

The desire to make birthstone jewelry accessible to a wider range of consumers has played a significant role in these substitutions. The Gregorian poems, with their specific assignments, reflect the gemstone market and cultural values of the 19th century. Today, while many still adhere to the traditional stones, others choose based on personal preference, modern lists, or even alternative systems like the ancient Hindu or Ayurvedic birthstone lists.

Despite these changes, the Gregorian poems have left an indelible mark on the tradition of birthstones. They provided a standardized, memorable framework that helped popularize the concept of birthstone jewelry. The poems' romantic and symbolic language continues to resonate, offering a personalized connection to gemstones that goes beyond mere aesthetics.

Care and Cleaning

Understanding the gemological properties of each stone is essential for proper care and cleaning. The hardness and durability of a gemstone determine how it should be handled, stored, and cleaned.

• Hard Stones (Mohs 7-10): Diamond, ruby, and sapphire are among the hardest gemstones. They can be cleaned with warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush. They are resistant to most chemicals but should be protected from sharp blows, as they can still chip if struck at the right angle.
• Medium-Hard Stones (Mohs 6-7): Garnet, amethyst, agate, and sardonyx fall into this category. They are durable enough for regular wear but should be protected from scratches and harsh chemicals. Cleaning with a soft cloth and mild detergent is recommended.
• Softer Stones (Mohs 5-6): Opal and turquoise are relatively soft and require special care. They should be cleaned with a soft, damp cloth and should never be exposed to extreme temperatures, chemicals, or prolonged water immersion, as they can crack or lose their luster. Opal, in particular, should be stored in a soft, slightly damp cloth to prevent dehydration.
• Special Considerations: Emeralds, while hard, are often heavily included and can be brittle. They should be cleaned gently and protected from hard impacts. Diamonds, while hard, can attract grease and oil, which may require professional cleaning to restore their brilliance.

Conclusion

The Gregorian Birthstone Poems of 1870 are a unique and enduring artifact in the history of gemology. They represent a pivotal moment when ancient traditions of birthstone associations were formalized and popularized through a blend of marketing savvy and cultural storytelling. While the poems are a product of their time, reflecting the gemstone market and beliefs of the 19th century, they have successfully bridged the gap between historical lore and modern practice. The poems offer more than just a list of gemstones; they provide a narrative of hope, protection, and personal significance that continues to captivate gemstone enthusiasts, jewelry buyers, and students of gemology. In an age of mass production and digital commerce, the romantic verses of the Gregorian poems serve as a reminder of the deep, human desire for meaning and connection that gemstones have inspired for centuries. Their legacy is a testament to the timeless appeal of these natural treasures and the stories we tell about them.

Sources

1. Lululily Jewelry Blog - Gregorian Birthstone Poems
2. Your Wate and Fate - The Tiffany Birthstone Poem
3. Birthstones Guru - A Legacy in Verse: Exploring the Tradition of Gregorian Birthstone Poems
4. Charmsoflight - Birthstones of the Gregorian Calendar