STONES

Each stone has a deep and direct connection with spirituality. Some stones that were present in the High Priest's breastplate, called Ephod, or Choshen, one of the eight garments of the High Priest while he served in the Temple, are related to the history of the twelve tribes of Israel. This implies that the connection between the tribes and their stones is deep. The pectoral stones were different gems, precious, semi-precious, and less precious stones. The pectoral stones were considered sacred. Different properties are attributed to each stone, including prophetic, communicative, and therapeutic. Other properties remain unknown to us.

Each stone represents a constellation and a tribe. The breastplate represented the Urìm and Tummìm, an oracle. One of the purposes of the breastplate was also for the Priest's consultation with God before going to war.

The Priest attained a prophetic state and directed his heart by obtaining, for each question, an enlightening answer of divine origin. Of the twelve pectoral stones, not all are precisely identified. The most likely list of the correspondence between the twelve tribes and the pectoral stones is as follows: 

Reuven (Odem): Ruby 

Shimon (Pitda): Topaz

Levi (Bareket): Emerald 

Judah (Nofech): Turquoise, Malachite

Issachar (Saphir): Sapphire, Lapis lazuli

Zevulun (Yahalom): Diamond

Dan (Leshem): Opal 

Naphtali (Shvo): Agate

Gad (Achlamah): Amethyst

Asher (Tarshish): Aquamarine

Joseph (Shoham): Beryl, Onyx

Benjamin (Yashpeh): Jasper

According to Jewish tradition, all precious stones originate from twelve mother gems and their name in Hebrew is avnè-Chen, "gracious stones" (but also initials for chokhmàt hanistar, veiled wisdom). This wisdom is transmitted from father to son, and it is no coincidence that the Hebrew word for stone, evèn, is formed from the two fathers (av) and sons (ben). Jewish mysticism interprets this word even-stone as the union of the timeless father-son bond.

Abraham, father of multitudes, was the first to wear on his chest a stone that healed anyone who observed it.

What binds man to the stone? According to the Talmud, no stone not receive its power from the heavens, and man is nothing more than a spark of the Or En Sof, the Unlimited Light, encased in the skin.

Procaccia Jewelry has chosen to utilize only precious stones for this jewelry collection. Each bracelet, ring, earring, or pendant with the 22 Hebrew letters is illuminated and embellished with gemstones such as ruby, emerald, sapphire, diamond, aquamarine, amethyst, tanzanite, garnet, gray spinel, tourmaline, citrine, first seven of which are sacred stones that are part of the breastplate-oracle worn by the High Priest.