their beauty but also on account of their virtues, as transmitters of good luck and to avert misfortune. The association of Gems with power, civil and religious adds to the mystery in the history of birthstones.
The history of birthstones involves the lives of many historical figures as Precious Stones are seen as signs of power, wealth and luxury. The history of birthstones and precious jewels have therefore played an important part in the lives of the great, not only on account of their beauty but because they contained the equivalent to a large sum of money and in times of danger could easily be concealed and carried from place to place.