It is believed that in the Old Testament when Noah set forth in the Ark he utilized garnet to light his path and to illuminate the Ark. The garnet is also one of the twelve stones, that represent today's birthstones, that adorn the breastplate of the high priest Aaron (Exodus 39). The original breastplate of the High Priest was said to be made by Moses in mid 1200 (B.C.) according to divinely inspired instructions he received during forty days in the wilderness. Around the middle and late 1300 (B.C.) twelve stones had been chosen to be representative of the twelve tribes of Israel. (Exodus 28: 17-21) Among these stones garnet was chosen as the gem representing the tribe of Judah one of the sons of Jacob.