Though in each of these Usts only 

 twelve precious stones are mentioned, 

 there is nothing to indicate that their 

 use was in any way connected with the- 

 months of the year. Just when it became 

 the custom to designate each month by a 

 particular gem or how the custom origin- 

 ated is impossible to determine. The 

 custom seems to have sprung up in mod- 

 ern Europe some time during the fif- 

 teenth or sixteenth century. Whether it 

 originated in the twelve gems of Aaron's 

 breastplate as many believe, or was intro- 

 duced by astrologers from the Arabians 

 as others think, is not yet known. 



The modern practice of considering 

 the stone of each month especially ap- 

 propriate to persons bom 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 man- 

 ner w^as 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' intro- 

 duce gems which were formerly little 

 known or unattainable on account of 

 their cost, as substitutes for stones for- 

 merly prized but now held of little value. 

 Thus the precious opal now much ad- 

 mired was hardh' 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 in- 

 troduced in modern practice in quite a 

 similar way. The carnelian and chrysolite 

 by some still used for the months of Au- 

 gust 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 accord- 

 ance 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 fideHty. 



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. 



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. 



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