Japan's birthstones revised for the first time in 63 years 10 new gemstones added, total 29 stones
The newly added June birthstone "Alexandrite" Rattanapon Muanpimthong(c)123RF.COM
On December 20th, the National Jewelry Wholesalers Association (Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo) announced that it had reviewed Japan's birthstones for the first time in 63 years and added 10 new gemstones. With this addition, the total number of birthstones in Japan has increased to 29. [Table] What is your birthstone? Here is the 2021 revised list of "Japan's Birthstones" The following 10 gemstones have been added this time. February: Chrysoberyl Cat's Eye March: Bloodstone/Iolite April: Morganite June: Alexandrite July: Sphene August: Spinel September: Kunzite December: Tanzanite/Zircon So far, the birthstone has been January Garnet , February Amethyst, March Aquamarine, Coral, April Diamond, May Emerald, Jade, June Pearl, Moonstone, July Ruby, August Peridot, Sardonyx, September Sapphire, October Opal, Tourmaline, 11 19 stones of lunar topaz, citrine, december turquoise and lapis lazuli. As an additional reason, the union explained, "Because there are various birthstone lists in Japan, and consumers are confused, the industry's first priority was to unify birthstones." In addition, he said that the jewelry industry has also suffered greatly due to the spread of the new coronavirus infection, saying, "We hope that the revision of birthstones will expand the range of choices for consumers and increase their interest in jewelry. I also have a wish." ■ Established for the first time in Japan in 1958 Birthstones are like talismans that bring good luck to those who wear the stone of their birth month. It is said that its origin dates back to the New Testament, and that it may have originated from the 12 gems placed in the Temple of Revelation, but there are various theories. Japan's birthstones were established in 1958 for the first time by the National Jewelers' Cooperative Association, based on those determined by the American Jewelers' Association (now Jewelers of America). In this revision, along with adding the current birthstones of Jewelers of America, as Japanese originals, chrysoberyl cat's eye in February, iolite in March, morganite in April, sphene in July, and September Added 5 Kunzite stones. “Until now, we were only able to choose single-colored gemstones, but now we have more color variations and more choices,” says the association. "I'm curious about the price of gems that are added as birthstones." “The market is a balance between supply and demand, so what you want will be more expensive,” said an official in the jewelry industry. (Maidona News, Kaoru Kanai)
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