Hoshen 

 The High Priest's Golden Breastplate

Hoshen is the breastplate worn by the High Priest of the Temple.
It was first worn by Aaron (brother of Moses) and later on by all subsequent High Priests of the temple, while performing the religious ceremonies.
According to the description in the Book of Exodus (see below), this breastplate was made of gold and set with twelve gemstones – one for each of the twelve tribes of Israel.
                  

                                    A 14k Yellow Gold Hoshen

Each of the gemstones is said to have its own special qualities:
Ruby (for the tribe of Reuben) – Fertility.
Garnet (for the tribe of Judah) - Creativity.
Citrine (for the tribe of Dan) - Abundance.
Topaz (for the tribe of Simeon) – Energy.
Sapphire (for the tribe of Issachar) – Intuition.
Jasper / Blue Topaz (for the tribe of Asher) - Body strength & patience.
Onyx (for the tribe of Joseph) - Protection.
Emerald (for the tribe of Levi) - Heart & Back.
Diamond (for the tribe of Zevulun) - Cleansing & energy.
Amethyst (for the tribe of Gad) - Balance.
Aquamarine (for the tribe of Benjamin) - Communication.
Agate / Peridot (for the tribe of Naphtali)- Power & courage.

Each gemstone is different in its color and appearance and together within the Hoshen (breastplate), they form one magnificent glowing object

"...And thou shalt make the breastplate of judgment with cunning work; after the work of the ephod shalt make it; of gold, of blue and of purple, and of scarlet, and of fine twined linen, shalt thou make it.
Four square it shall be being doubled: a span shall be the length thereof, and a span shall be the breadth thereof.
And thou shalt set in it settings of stones, even four rows of stones: the first row shall be a odem, a pit'da, and a bareket: this shall be the first row.
And the second row shall be a nofekh, a sapir, and a yahalom.
And the third row is leshem, a sh'vo, and an achlama.
And the fourth row a tarshish, and a shoham, and a yashpe: they shall be set in gold in their inclosings.
And the stones shall be with the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names, like the engravings of signet; every one with his name shall they be according to the twelve tribes" (Exodus, XXVIII, 15-21)

Magnificent Collection of Contemporary Hoshen Jewelry