A company, business or organisation can easily go unnoticed without its community’s dedication and service there to support it. This
is why, at Eskae Private Jeweller, we’re always excited about fantastic opportunities that present themselves within our community.
Just recently, my wife and I were presented with such an occasion in which we were able to 
donate Eskae Private Jeweller’s personalised artwork to the maternity ward in Royal North Shore Hospital (RNSH). Gifting a total of 12 posters with each portrait containing a birthstone and its symbolic meaning for every month of the year to RSNH, was definitely an honour for us!
While we always look forward to participating in community events, this particular event was incredibly special to us because it’s where our daughter was born! Returning to the familiar maternity ward, my amazing wife, Sharisse Kritsotakis, and our gorgeous daughter, Seanna, pre
sented the Birthstone Art Series to RSNH maternity ward nurse unit manager, Mary Cameron.
As new parents, ourselves, we know that new mothers and fathers love any given chance to share their
memories with others which is what inspired the great idea to contribute a series dedicated to showcasing birthstones. Every birth is the most precious, memorable event in a parents life and what better place to share this with, than at a maternity ward with other new parents?
Of course, using these precious stones to celebrate the birth of a child isn’t anything new but how it was originated to become the treasured gift it is today is fascinating!
According to Christian religious traditions, it’s believed that birthstones date back to Biblical times and used to
signify the 12 Jewish apostles described in Revelations. Ancient Judaism held their own belief about the mysterious powers believed to be held, once upon a time, within these gemstones was to be attributed to the 12 Jewish tribes.
There is some discrepancy amongst the Eastern Biblical writers who claimed that Aristotle stole this philosophy from Solomon’s book and that the 12 birthstones accounted for the coloured gemstones placed within the breastplate of the Mosaic high-priest.
Whatever the case may be, the mystical and legendary powers believed to be held inside of
birthstones carried over into the 15th century. This began the popularity of wearing colourful gems as talismans to ward off evil and good luck charms in accordance with the monthly zodiac. As birthstones continued to evolve for over the last 1000 years, the meaning behind them also evolved to its current representation: The month of birth.
The history and the sentimental value behind birthstones are what make the perfect gift for loved ones that it
still does now and will for future generations to come. Birthstones are currently used most popularly for anniversary gifts, Mother’s Day presents or for the birth of a newborn baby.
The special bond that each birthstone represents opens the doors for new parents to recreate great memories and design ideal gifts through custom designed jewellery, trinkets or charms – not to mention the amazing stories to be heard when we’re visited by our neighbours!
