Thus, the Breastplate represented all the 12 tribes of Israel. Then they mounted four rows of precious stones on it. So in 1912, the American National Jewelers’ Association compiled a new birthstone list. The Urim and Thummim were placed in the breastplate, perhaps in a bag or pouch. It was worn by the High Priest of Israelites, from Aaron to his sons. Next you can see that 4 stones are mentioned in the bible only 3 times, 2 stones are mentioned 4 times, 1 stone is mentioned 7 times and finally 2 stones are mentioned a total of 11 times. The gems were arranged in four rows and three columns.7. Although birthstones have religious origins, modern day tradition dictates that the stones are assigned according to birth month. Exodus 28:17-20 states, "There were twelve stones, one for each of the names of the sons of Israel, each engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes." Accessibility Statement, Join our mailing list below to download a Clearly, this was confusing. Different stones … Used to communicate with God, the Breastplate was originally worn by Aaron, elder brother of Moses. Although jacinth or hyacinth is named as one of the gemstones of the breastplate of Aaron, its gemological identity is uncertain. The part where Bible explains crystals is in Exodus where God commands to create a breastplate of judgment with 12 gemstones representing the 12 tribes. The name jacinth, or hyacinth, is now applied to the orange-red and red-brown varieties of zircon. It was worn by the High Priest of the Israelites. Gemporia uses cookies to give you a great web experience. Next you can see that 4 stones are mentioned in the bible only 3 times, 2 stones are mentioned 4 times, 1 stone is mentioned 7 times and finally 2 stones are mentioned a total of 11 times. These are simulated stones, not real stones. The list of gemstones in the Breastplate varies in every version of Exodus. Home » Learning Center » Gemology » Questions About Gems and Jewelry » What Were the Gemstones of the Breastplate of Aaron? Exodus 28:15–30 describes Aaron’s high priestly breastplate, upon which 12 stones were used to represent the 12 tribes of Israel. It contained the ‘Urim’ and ‘Thummim’, two stones used to determine God’s will. The Ephod was the apron and the Breastplate was the square metallic piece attached to the EPHOD and contained 12 precious and semi-precious stones arranged in rows and columns. “Sapphire” in the Mediterranean and Middle East in biblical times was almost always what we now refer to as lapis lazuli. Then mount four rows of precious stones on it. amethyst In Exodus 28:19, 'the ligure, agate, and amethyst' signify the spiritual love of good, or the internal good of the spiritual kingdom. In fact, the King James Version of the Bible contains an astonishing 1,704 references to gemstones. Wearing your birthstone is said to enhance the mystical and healing powers of the gem itself. Each of the stones had the name of a tribe of Israel engraved on it. This recreation is based on the Hebrew. See what’s inside…, • Discover the 17 practical steps to gemstone identification (even if you’re just getting started with gemology), • Learn how you can use specific tools to gather data, make observations & arrive at an accurate ID. This is Row 3 of the list of 12 stones. The breast-plate was covered by 12 stones. Security: As an employee-owned trust we don’t answer to external shareholders. The twelve precious stones with which the breastplate was decorated contained the names of the twelve tribes; each name being fully engraved on one stone, in order that, when the high priest came before Him, God might be mindful … All rights reserved. The pure blue colors and excellent durability of this gem-quality member of…, The modern August birthstone, peridot has been prized as a jewelry stone since ancient times. Which are the 12 Crystals on the Breastplate? The classical hyacinthus was generally referred to as blue. The stone known as ‘Sapphir’ in the original Hebrew was said to contain specks of gold. (Exodus 28:17-21, KJV) Each translation uses different words for the stones of the Ephod.   |   This priestly breastplate was sacred. Together we’ve been entertained and inspired by the world of gemstones and jewellery and made many friends along the way. The part where Bible explains crystals is in Exodus where God commands to create a breastplate of judgment with 12 gemstones representing the 12 tribes. This gemstone has been prized for its bright, blue color and used for inlay…, Few gems have held our attention over millennia as well as sapphire. The Breastplate was to be suspended by two chains of pure gold coming from the golden ouches, or sockets, In which the onyx stones of the shoulders were. And the stones shall be with the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names, like the engravings of a signet; every one with his name shall they be according to the twelve tribes. 2021 Most famously, perhaps, is Amethyst’s supposed ability to protect from drunkenness. Its radiance was like a most precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal. A common question I am hearing these days is: What about those stones on the Breastplate? And thou shalt put the two stones upon the shoulder-pieces of the ephod, to be stones of memorial for the children of Israel ; and Aharon shall bear their names before Hashem upon his two shoulders for a memorial. In these cases, the name apparently refers to a deep yellow gem, possibly our zircon. In fact, it is only really since the work of Georgius Agricola (1494-1555) that gemstones have begun to be properly understood. Hebrew Bible. It is also known as the Priestly Breastplate, or the Breastplate of Judgement. They are, in the 1st row, carnelian, chrysolite, and emerald; in the 2nd row, turquoise, sapphire, and amethyst; in the 3rd row, jacinth, agate, and crystal; in the 4th row, beryl, lapis lazuli, and jasper. Scholar Josephus realized that the number twelve has huge significance. In Exodus 28:15-21, the breastplate of Aaron is described in great detail. On the front of the breastplate were fastened twelve precious stones in four rows of three. Gemstones of Aaron's Breastplate: Simulated Stones - Gemstones of Aaron's Breastplate: Simulated stones is a recreation of what the stones of Aaron's Breastplate mentioned in Exodus 28:15-21 probably looked like. Our moonstone buying guide can help you pick one perfect for…, Some household products and do-it-yourself methods can clean jewelry safely and save you money. On top of the Ephod there is the square breastplate, with the twelve precious stones. In this sculpture in the Santa Maria del Rosario Church in Venice, Italy, Aaron is depicted wearing the priestly breastplate with the gems arranged in four rows of three. 2. ‘Jacinth’ or ‘Hyacinth’ usually referred to Yellow Zircon. ‘Carbuncle’ was used in the Bible for all red gems, particularly Garnets, but it could also be used for coal or charcoal! I’m fascinated by the gemstones of the breastplate of Aaron as well as the foundation stones of the New Testament. We thank you for your continued to support and wish you and your loved ones the best of health as you stay safe. There’s a reason you don’t hear a lot about those Breastplate stones. It was worn by the High Priest of the Israelites. If you are happy for us to do so, please continue to use this site. It was worn by the High Priest of Israelites, from Aaron to his sons. Zircon is a natural, magnificent, and underrated gemstone that has been worn and treasured since ancient times.…, Although many gems show a cat’s eye effect, when the term “cat’s eye” is used alone, it always refers to the rare gemstone chrysoberyl.…, Mermaid sapphires are the rarest type of teal sapphires. We now call this gem Lapis Lazuli and know the flecks of gold are actually iron pyrite, also known as ‘fool’s gold’. In Exodus 28:15-21, the breastplate of Aaron is described in great detail. These 12 stones also symbolized the 12 months of the year and the 12 signs of the zodiac. It is a unique linen garment that has four rows of three stones each of which represents a tribe of Israel. Learn more. On the High Priest’s Breastplate were 12 stones with the 12 tribes of the sons of Israel written on them. Descriptions of gemstones from the Bible are always difficult to interpret, since there was scant scientific understanding of mineral composition until much later. You will lose your personalization settings if you close this window. Aaron's ceremonial breastplate held four rows of three stones each. The twelve stones in the breastplate of the ancient Hebrew high priest can now be identified, with the corresponding tribes of Israel. Learn the basics you’ll need to evaluate one of the most popular…, What ruby and sapphire grading tools does a novice gemologist need? For our community of passionate collectors, Gemporia is a source of comfort and joy and has been for many years. around the world who are all stake-holders in the global gemstone community is an on-going concern. We want to ensure that as safely as possible, we can make sure we are here for all of us for many years to come. On each of these stones were engraved the name of one of the tribes of Israel: The Breastplate was a religious garment set with twelve gemstones that represented the twelve tribes of Israel. Gem-stones are used in this example, the exact color of the stones is not known since stones can vary greatly in their colors. Privacy Policy Join our mailing list below to download a FREE gem ID checklist tutorial. Learn how to get started with the International Gem Society’s guide to gemstone identification. The uppermost holy garment is apron-like and is called the Ephod. A common question I am hearing these days is: What about those stones on the Breastplate? See what’s inside…. “Zircon Octahedral Crystal” by candiru is licensed under CC By 2.0. Exodus 28:17-20 states, "There were twelve stones, one for each of the names of the sons of Israel, each engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes." International Gem Society LLC. The breast-plate was covered by 12 stones. There is unfortunately no agreement on what the gems in the Breastplate actually were, but the most comprehensive studies suggest that they may have been (1st row) Carnelian, Peridot and Emerald, (2nd row) Garnet, Lapis Lazuli and Quartz, (3rd row) Yellow Zircon, Banded Agate and Amethyst, (4th row) Citrine, Onyx and Green Jasper. One other item which may be of interest. The priestly breastplate (Hebrew: חֹשֶׁן ‎ ẖošen) was a sacred breastplate worn by the High Priest of the Israelites, according to the Book of Exodus.In the biblical account, the breastplate is sometimes termed the breastplate of judgment, because the Urim and Thummim were placed within it. Exodus 28:15–30 describes Aaron’s high priestly breastplate, upon which 12 stones were used to represent the 12 tribes of Israel. Jan 11, 2012 - Zen Cart! Here is God’s command to Moses. Blue is used in the English versions. Every birth gem is shrouded in ancient myths and folklore. These 12 stones also symbolized the 12 months of the year and the 12 … A few amendments later, including the addition of Tanzanite in 2002, and Spinel in 2016, and we have the list we use today. and promotions, competitions and more! A first-century Jewish historian made a connection between these 12 stones, the 12 months of the year, and the 12 signs of the Zodiac —although no such connection exists in the Bible. On the High Priest’s Breastplate were 12 stones with the 12 tribes of the sons of Israel written on them. Whether starting your collection or completing it, our guide can help.…. ‘Alabaster’ was used for light-colored soft stones that could be used for carving, usually meaning either Calcite or gypsum, but sometimes also any white or whitish rock. The Manner of obtaining Responses from Heaven in ancient Times, by Means of the twelve precious Stones called Urim and Thummim. I figure that chrysolite is chrysoberyl, the crystal is clear quartz, and the beryl is probably aquamarine. Don't forget! Additionally, the breastplate contained the names of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and the words shivtei Yeshurun (“tribes of Jeshurun”),8 thus featuring all twenty-two letters of the Hebrew … They were mounted in gold filigree settings. In modern gemological terms, hyacinth refers to an orange-red to brown-red variety of zircon. The Ephod was the apron and the Breastplate was the square metallic piece attached to the EPHOD and contained 12 precious and semi-precious stones arranged in rows and columns. Up until that point, you would try and own all twelve and change them every month. Learn all about these gems and why they might be the next big thing in sapphires.…, In a recent interview, Jeffery Bergman talks about his decades-long career as a sapphire expert and connoisseur and offers his advice for beginners.…, Appraising blue sapphires is a critical skill for any jeweler or gemologist. That seems to be implied in the text. However, it was not until as late as perhaps the 17th century that it was suggested that you should wear the gemstone attributed to your birth month year round. Used to communicate with God, the Breastplate was originally worn by Aaron, elder brother of Moses. Each of the stones had the name of a tribe of Israel engraved on it. Thus, … We will continue to do everything we can to treasure and honour our relationship with you, following 3 key principles: Safety: The safety of our partners is paramount. An agate, one of the precious stones in Aaron's breastplate, signifies the spiritual love of good (Exodus 28:19). The breastplate is designed with the idea that the names of the twelve tribes engraved on the stones should be brought before God "as a continual memorial," and Aaron should "bear them upon his heart, when he goes into the most holy place." Some scholars have attempted to establish a relationship between the 12 stones in Aaron’s breastplate, the 12 months of the year, and the 12 signs in the … Exodus 28 describes it this way: "You shall make a breastpiece of judgment, the work of a skillful workman; like the work of the ephod you shall make it: of gold, of blue and purple and scarlet material and fine twisted linen you shall make it. In the King James Version, however, different gems are listed. I must respectfully disagree with Francine. Interesting subjects, aren’t they? 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