The tradition of birthstones is said to have arisen from the Breastplate of Aaron, a ceremonial religious garment set with twelve gemstones, representing the twelve tribes of Israel. This also corresponded with the twelve signs of the zodiac and the twelve months of the year.  However, because ancient people did not always classify gemstones by mineral species, there is some debate about which gemstones were actually set in the breastplate and why. As a result, different cultures around the world developed different birth stone lists.  Below is the latest list for you to select the stone to match your birthdate, anniversary - or whatever!

Traditional birthstones

Often combined with modern birthstone lists, traditional birthstones are older society-based birthstones. Since many different cultures had their own list, jewelers' lists are often inconsistent over what constitutes a traditional birthstone.

Modern birthstones

In 1912, in an effort to standardize birthstones, the organization Jewelers of America officially adopted a list, shown in the "Modern" column in the table above. It is currently the most widely used list in the United States and many other locations, including Australia and Thailand.

Mystical birthstones

Mystical Birthstones are of Tibetan origin and date back over a thousand years

Ayurvedic birthstones

The Ayurvedic birthstone list is from the ancient Indian medicine and philosophy dating back to ancient India (1500 BC)

Garnet

Legend has it that this stone possesses powers that provide guidance in the night and protection from nightmares. Garnet is also traditionally given as an anniversary gift to celebrate the second year of marriage. Garnet is found in the USA, Africa, SriLanka, Brazil and India.

Amethyst

Amethyst comes in many shades, from pale lilac to dark purple. According to Greek folk legend, it is said to prevent intoxication and to have a sobering effect on those driven wild by love's passion. It is also believed to prevent baldness, improve the complexion, and provide peace, protection, and tranquility. Amethyst is traditionally given as an anniversary gift to celebrate the sixth year of marriage and can be found in Brazil, Uruguay and Zambia.

Aquamarine

The ideal colour of aquamarine is a clear, sea blue colour. The aquamarine gemstone is said to protect seafarers and is often given as a gift to those who travel overseas. A universal symbol of youth, hope, and health, its colour suggests coolness and is most popularly worn in the summer months. Aquamarine is traditionally given as an anniversary gift to celebrate the 19th year of marriage and is mainly found in Brazil, Nigeria, Zambia, Madagascar and the Ukraine.

Diamond

While the most popular diamond is clear, coloured diamonds have recently become trendy. These range in colour from yellow to red, pink, blue, or green. Coloured diamonds are often more expensive than a clear diamond due to their rarity. The ultimate symbol of love, this gemstone is considered THE perfect gift - and best friend - for any woman. The most popular gemstone for an engagement ring, a diamond is also given to celebrate the 10th and 60th years of marriage and are mined all over the world.

Emerald

One of the most highly-prized gemstones, the green colour of an emerald can range in shades. The most sought-after is a pure grass green. However, a true flawless, clear emerald is extremely rare and very difficult to find. The emerald is believed to empower the owner with good fortune, youth, and rebirth and cure ailments such as low I.Q., poor eyesight and infertility. Emeralds are traditionally given to celebrate the 20th and 35th years of marriage and are found in Colombia, Brazil, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Pearl

The only gemstone derived from the sea, pearls are available in a wide range of colours and shapes. The round, white cultured pearl remains the most common, but coloured pearls in shades from pink to black and freshwater pearls have recently become de rigeur. The pearl represents modesty, chastity, and purity and also symbolizes a happy marriage. Pearls are traditionally given to celebrate the 3rd and 30th years of marriage and are found in waters around China, Japan, the South Seas, Australia and Indonesia.

Ruby

Derived from the Latin word ìruber, rubies exist solely in the colour red. The finest colour ruby is a medium to medium-dark, vivid, red colour with a slight blue undertone. Rubies are one of the hardest natural gemstones. Second in hardness only to the diamond. Rubies are said to guarantee their owners health, wisdom, wealth, and success in love. Rubies are given to celebrate the 15th and 40th years of marriage and are are found in Burma, Thailand, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Kenya and Tanzania.

Peridot

One of the most fashionable gemstones in jewellery design today. When shopping for a Peridot, one should look for a pure, lively lime-coloured stone without any brownish or olive undertones. eridot actually forms deep inside the earth and is brought to the surface by volcanoes. Peridot symbolizes the tears of the goddess of the volcano and is often used in healing ceremonies in Hawaii and as an amulet against all evil. Peridot is traditionally given to celebrate the 16th year of marriage. This gemstone is abundant and mostly found in Arizona, China, Myanmar, and Pakistan.

Sapphire

Most famously known as the stone Prince Charles chose to use in Princess Diana's engagement ring, sapphire has become a popular alternative to the diamond engagement ring. Sapphires come in many colors such as pink, green, orange, golden yellow and the most popular - blue. It is thought that sapphires attract heavenly blessings to those who wear them. Sapphire is traditionally given to celebrate the 5th and 45th years of marriage and can be found in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, Australia, Nigeria, Kenya, China and the USA.

Opal/PinkTourmaline

Opal ranges from white to black and sparkles of every colour of the rainbow. It symbolizes hope, innocence and purity throughout the ages. Believed to banish evil spirits, opal is also believed to favour children, the theatre, amusements, friendships and feelings. Opal comes from Australia, Mexico and the USA Pink Tourmaline has recently become the jewellery industry's favourite gemstone. It comes in many shades of pink and also purple, orange and yellow. According to legend, Tourmaline promotes balance and protects its wearer from danger. Tourmaline is found in Brazil, Afghanistan, East Africa, and the USA. Opal or Pink Tourmaline is given to celebrate the 14th year of marriage.

Topaz/Citrine

Topaz is usually a warm, clear yellow colour, but can also be colourless, red, honey-brown, light green and pink. The rarest, most valuable gemstone is "Imperial"Topaz, which is fiery orange-red. Topaz is said to hold the widest range of curative powers of all gemstones. It provides strength, cools tempers, restores sanity, cures asthma, and relieves insomnia. Topaz is found in Brazil, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and China. Citrine is often used as an alternative to Topaz because it is readily available and less expensive. Citrine is said to bring vitality, health, encouragement and hope and is found in Brazil, Bolivia and Spain. Blue Topaz – which has recently become extremely fashionable - is given to celebrate the 4th year of marriage and "Imperial" topaz is given to celebrate the 23rd year.

Turquoise/Blue Topaz

The most sought-after colour of turquoise is usually a pure sky blue, but turquoise can also be any colour from blue-green to apple green. In the 16th century, the Southwest Indians used Turquoise as currency and believed that the stone could bring victory to warriors, animals to hunters, and good fortune to all who possessed it. Turquoise is traditionally given as an anniversary gift to celebrate the 11th year of marriage and can be found in Northeast Iran and the USA. In recent years, those who prefer a faceted stone have begun to use Blue Topaz as an alternative to Turquoise.