The Tiffany Birthstone Poem

The Tiffany Birthstone Poem is a name i have given to anonymous series of 12 short verses, each four lines long, that was printed by Tiffany and Co., a fine jewelry store, in the 1800s, presumably to encourage the sales of birthstone jewelry. It forms the basis for many of the Birthstone postcard texts, even those that do nor contain the full four lines per card, but make do instead with a mere rhymed couplet.

The scansion of the poem is the familiar "British Magical Enchantment" scansion that is also found on fortune-telling tea cups]

Birthstone postcards with verses that derive from his poem will be marked as such.

Thanks to my Patron Kristina Bailey for bringing The Tiffany Birthstone Poem to my attention,

By her who in January was born No gem save garnets shall be worn They will ensure her constancy True friendship and fidelity.

The February born shall find Sincerity and peace of mind, Freedom from passion and from care, If they, the amethyst will wear.

By her who in March was born No gem save Bloodstone shall be worn They will ensure her constancy True friendship and fidelity.

She who from April dates her years, Diamonds shall wear, lest bitter tears For vain repentance flow; this stone, Emblem of innocence, is known

Who first beholds the light of day In spring's sweet, flower month of May And wears an Emerald all her life Shall be a loved and a loving wife.

By her who in June was born No gem save Pearls shall be worn They will ensure her constancy True friendship and fidelity.

The gleaming Ruby should adorn, All those who in July are born, For thus they'll be exempt and free, From lover's doubts and anxiety.

Wear a Peridot or for thee, No conjugal fidelity, The August born without this stone, `Tis said, must live unloved; alone.

A maiden born when autumn leaves Are rustling in September's breeze, A Sapphire on her brow should bind; To bring her joy and peace of mind.

October's child is born for woe, And life's vicissitudes must know, But lay an Opal on her breast, And hope will lull those woes to rest.

Who first comes to this world below In dreary November's fog and snow, Should prize the Topaz amber hue, Emblem of friends and lovers true.

If cold December gave you birth The month of snow and ice and mirth Place on your hand a Turquoise blue; Success will bless whate'er you do.