| The birthstones originate from the episode that | | | | birth stones that we now commonly know of. |
| took place in ancient history of the Jews. | | | | When the commanders had the breastplate it |
| Gemstones were actually produced in the Asian | | | | was easy for them to communicate with God. |
| continent and it was the Jews who took the | | | | They could simply turn to him for suggestions, for |
| gems into the European world when they traveled | | | | good luck and for their future course of action. |
| there. | | | | God was felt closer and gradually common people |
| The old Exodus that is the book of Jews explains | | | | also began regarding the breastplate as a blessing |
| the entire concept of the breastplate of Aaron or | | | | and divine image and influence upon their lives. |
| the breastplate of the high priest. The verses | | | | A time came when these stones actually started |
| explain that in the olden times when there was | | | | having great influence upon the people. When they |
| the high priest and he had twelve sons. Who | | | | wore the stones on the breastplate like diamonds, |
| were naturally his descendants and they | | | | topaz, ruby, sapphire, beryl, emerald etc they |
| commanded 12 different tribes of that time. | | | | were blessed in many ways not acknowledged by |
| Aaron was inspired by God, not merely inspired | | | | common man. These stones had strange healing |
| but he was ordered by God to make a | | | | powers and weak people took refuge in them |
| breastplate. He gave Aaron all the details about it. | | | | and wore them for strength. Some stones were |
| He was ordered to insert various precious stones | | | | said to increase livelihood, other stones purified |
| that numbered 12 on it. These stones were to | | | | blood, cured diseases, safeguarded people from |
| bear the names of each of the 12 descendants | | | | evil. Some stones were even said to have power |
| of the high priest. When this breastplate was | | | | to bring peace and tranquility and increase wisdom |
| finally made the high priest wore it over his ephod | | | | in people. One of the stones gave courage and so |
| which actually is a dress worn by the high priest. | | | | on. |
| When he wore that on his breast the 12 | | | | However with the passage of time the stones in |
| commanders could communicate with God | | | | the breastplate have been fabricated as some |
| through that plate. Each of them asked a question | | | | others but there is original proof to remove any |
| from God and the stones shone one by one and | | | | fabrications that may come forth. The breastplate |
| together they formulated the answer by God. | | | | however, is a source of heavenly blessings in the |
| This breastplate has been the bases of the 12 | | | | temples to this very day. |