A birthstone is a gemstone that represents a person's period of birth, which is usually the month or zodiac sign. Birthstones are often worn as jewelry or as a pendant necklace.
Recreation of the high priest's breastplate in front of the central Sephardic synagogue in Ramat Gan, Israel
Garnet, the birthstone for January
Amethyst, the birthstone for February
Aquamarine, the birthstone for March
The priestly breastplate or breastpiece of judgment 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 termed the breastplate of judgment, because the Urim and Thummim were placed upon it. These elements of the breastplate are said in the Exodus verse to carry the judgement of God concerning the Israelites at all times.
Ceramic replica of the High Priest's breastplate
Illustration of priestly breastplate
Artist's conception of Jewish high priest wearing a hoshen in ancient Judah
Interpretation of the hoshen by Robert Hindmarsh