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BIBLICAL GEMS
Do you read your horoscope, wear a birthstone, read your Bible? Have you ever thought they were all connected? Try reading Chapter 28 of Exodus which describes the holy garments to be made for Aaron and the beautiful jewels used. Throughout the ages there seems to have arisen some connection between the twelve tribes of Israel, the Apostles, the months of the year, the signs of the Zodiac and gemstones for each month of the year. One of the glorious garments described in Exodus was the Ephod or the outer garment worn by priests over the rest of their clothes to keep the latter close about them. Is this the forerunner of the tabard? It was a short coat without sleeves but made with two shoulder pieces to join the whole garment together and keep it in place. The ephod described in the Bible was buttoned on each shoulder by an onyx set in gold. On these two onyx stones were engraved the names of the twelve sons of Israel, six on each onyx, according to their seniority. Do you know your birthstone? Over the course of the centuries, several lists of birthstones have been favoured but the one which seems the most likely is that recommended by the National Association of Goldsmiths, as set out below. Margaret Croston
Month	Colour	Stone
January	Dark Red	Garnet
February	Purple	Amethyst
March	Pale Blue	Aquamarine
April	White	Diamond
May	Bright Green	Emerald
June	Cream	Pearl
July	Red	Ruby
August	Pale Green	Peridot
October	Variegated	Opal
November	Yellow	Topaz
December	Sky Blue	Turquoise
What Day were You Born On?