The Twelve Stones

The Hoshen Stones

Twelve Gems, Twelve Tribes

The Breastplate was a sacred part of the High Priest's attire

“And you shall fill it with a setting of stones, four rows of stones:The first row – a ruby, a topaz, and an emerald;The second row – a garnet, a sapphire, and a diamond;The third row – an opal, an agate, and an amethyst;And the fourth row – a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper.They shall be mounted in gold settings.”(Exodus 28:17–20)

It featured 12 precious gemstones, each representing one of the 12 tribes of Israel, with the names of the tribes engraved on them.
The breastplate was made of fine fabric, woven with gold and other precious threads, and was worn by the High Priest during his service.

At the time the Torah was written, there were no images or precise definitions, so the identification of the stones relied on names, colors, descriptions, and traditions. As a result, there are considerable disagreements among commentators, scholars, and gemology experts.

From the various existing identifications, those presented here are based on classical Jewish sources – including the Talmud, Rashi, and Ramban – alongside modern gemological research. Each stone is accompanied by reliable information and traditional meaning, as well as carefully crafted jewelry inspired by it.

Bareket (Emerald) – Represents the Tribe of Levi. A vivid green stone, one of the most precious gemstones, associated with holiness and healing. The Tribe of Levi symbolizes service, loyalty, and spiritual sensitivity. The stone enhances inner connection, tranquility, and protection.

Pitdah (Peridot / Yellow Topaz) – Represents the Tribe of Simeon. A yellow-green stone, symbolizing strength and balance. Simeon is described as a vigorous and assertive tribe, moving between justice and inner fervor. Pitdah supports emotional control, stability, and abundance.

Odem (Ruby / Red Spinel) – Represents the Tribe of Reuben. A deep red stone, symbolizing passion, courage, and protection. Reuben is associated with a fiery heart and deep emotion. The stone strengthens emotional expression, bravery, and inner boldness.

Sapir (Blue Sapphire / Lapis Lazuli) – Represents the Tribe of Issachar. Deep blue, like the heavens, symbolizing purity and clarity. Issachar is the tribe of wisdom and devotion to Torah study. The sapphire encourages clear thinking, calmness, and purity of intention.

Yahalom (Diamond / Clear Crystal) – Represents the Tribe of Zebulun. Known as the hardest of all stones, symbolizing eternal endurance. Zebulun is associated with trade, stability, and entrepreneurship. The diamond provides pure strength, inner resilience, and uncompromising durability.

Nofech (Garnet / Green Beryl) – Represents the Tribe of Judah. A bright red stone, sometimes identified with green or turquoise shades. Judah is the tribe of leadership and self-confidence. Nofech increases inner courage, presence, and positive influence.

Ahlamah (Amethyst) – Represents the Tribe of Naphtali. Purple and clear, aiding sleep, calming, and encouraging spiritual connection. Naphtali is described as a “swift deer” – light, free, and full of vitality. The amethyst balances lightness with inner peace and strengthens spiritual connection.

Shoham (Onyx) – Represents the Tribe of Gad. Characterized by dark and light layers, symbolizing strength and steadfastness. Gad is described as a brave warrior and protector. The stone enhances endurance, determination, and the ability to face challenges.

Leshem (Opal / Amber) – Represents the Tribe of Dan. A stone of reddish-golden hues or changing colors. Dan is the tribe of judgment and justice. The stone enhances sensitivity, intuition, and creative thinking.

Yashfeh (Jasper) – Represents the Tribe of Benjamin. A multicolored stone, usually green, red, or brown, symbolizing stability and groundedness. Benjamin is described as “dwelling safely with the Lord,” and within his territory the Temple was built. The stone expresses intuition, inner strength, and sanctity.

Joseph – The Shoham Stones of the Ephod – Joseph’s uniqueness is that his name was not engraved on one of the twelve stones of the breastplate like his brothers, but rather on the two Shoham stones placed on the shoulders of the ephod (Exodus 28:9–12), where the names of all the tribes were inscribed. Through them, Ephraim and Manasseh were included. The Shoham here is not part of the twelve breastplate stones but a separate element, symbolizing Joseph’s encompassing connection to all the tribes, his quiet strength, and loyalty to his mission.

Tarshish (Blue Topaz / Chrysoberyl / Aquamarine) – Represents the Tribe of Asher. Its color resembles the sea – bluish-green or golden. The Tribe of Asher symbolizes blessing, abundance, and inner harmony. The stone inspires serenity, hope, and optimism.

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