Some experts believe that birthstones can be traced back to the Bible. In Exodus 28, Moses sets forth directions for making special garments for Aaron, the High Priest of the Hebrews. Specifically, the breastplate was to contain twelve precious gemstones, representing the twelve tribes of Israel.

In the Hebrew Bible version, a different gemstone is listed for each of the twelve tribes of Israel. They are, in the 1st row, carnelian, chrysolite (peridot), and emerald; in the 2nd row, turquoise, sapphire, and amethyst; in the 3rd row, jacinth (red zircon), agate, and crystal; in the 4th row, beryl (aquamarine), lapis lazuli, and jasper.

In the Christian Bible version they are in the 1st row, Sardius(Carnelian), Topaz, Carbuncle (Garnet); in the 2nd row, Emerald, Sapphire, Diamond, 3rd row is Ligure (Lapis Lazuli), Agate, Amethyst, and 4th row is Beryl (Aquamarine) Onyx, and Jasper.

The first century Jewish historian Josephus believed there was a connection between the twelve stones in Aaron's breastplate (signifying the tribes of Israel, as described in the Book of Exodus), the twelve months of the year, and the twelve signs of the zodiac.

We don't know who is right - but we love the Hoshen stones breastplate.