Guide to Gemstones - Meaning of Precious Stones
Guide to Gemstones - Meaning of Precious Stones
Precious stones and gemstones have strong roots in different histories and cultures all over the world. Some gemstones are linked to Mythological Gods, whilst other gemstones tell archaic tales of legends, and a handful of stones are believed to hold superlative healing powers.
There are more than 4,000 naturally occurring gemstones in the world and they come in every colour imaginable. A gemstone is a testament to just how powerful the earth is - these unique creations are incredibly desirable and have been treasured for centuries. Join us to find the meaning of your favourite gemstone.
Alexandrite
Birthstone: June
Zodiac Sign: Gemini
Powers: Inspires the imagination, helps creativity and enhances intuition. Brings luck, good fortune and love to the owner.
Alexandrite is an exceptionally rare and valuable colour changing stone from the Chrysoberyl mineral. Boasting a mossy bluish green hue in the daylight and a reddish purple under artificial light, the value of this mystical stone increases if the colour change is more distinctive. Alexandrite was first discovered in the Ural Mountains in Russia during the 1830’s. You will also find Alexandrite in East Africa, Brazil and Sri Lanka. Alexandrite went on to become one of the Russian Aristocracies most prized gemstones - they believed Alexandrite was a good omen.
Amethyst
Birthstone: February
Zodiac Sign: Pisces
Powers: Protects the owner from poison. Banishes negative thoughts and alleviates anxiety. Helps owner stay calm and promotes intelligence, and can also assist in helpings sobriety.
Amethyst is a violet variety of Quartz and is associated with numerous traditions, myths and fables. Amethyst’s name derives from the Greek word ‘amethustos’ which means ‘not drunken’. This is because ancient Greeks and Romans believed amethyst kept the owner clear headed and would fend off the intoxicating effects of alcohol. Amethyst is an incredibly durable stone that boasts a beautiful purple colour that looks excellent when paired with both yellow gold and silver. Greek mythology states that there was once a young virgin named Amethyst who was nearly raped by the Greek God Dionysus after he got drunk on red wine. When she cried for help, Goddess Diana turned Amethyst into a white, shimmering stone.
Aquamarine
Birthstone: March
Zodiac Sign: Scorpio and Pisces
Powers: Believed to cure diseases, invokes a high state of consciousness. Gives the wearer courage, happiness and foresight.
Aquamarine is a stunning blue coloured gem from the Beryl Mineral. Aquamarine’s name derives from the early 18th century Latin word for seawater - ‘aqua marina’. Darker shades of aquamarine are incredibly rare, and larger pieces of aquamarine often have a more intense colouring. Aquamarine is found in the Russian Ural Mountains, Brazil, Nigeria, Pakistan Colorado and Mozambique. Ancient Greeks and Romans believed that aquamarine was an appropriate morning gift for a groom to give his bride after they had consummated their marriage, because aquamarine was a stone that promoted love and new beginnings. Pale blue aquamarine looks spectacular with silver and white metals such as white gold, platinum and palladium.
Diamond
Birthstone: April
Zodiac Sign: Virgo and Libra
Powers: Believed to fill the negative spaces in the body with thoughts of love and happiness. Increases feelings of love and self respect. Gives an abundance of power, creativity and self respect.
Diamonds have been objects of desire for centuries. Diamonds are one of the hardest precious stones and take billions of year to form, hundreds of miles underneath the Earth’s surface. Ancient folklore suggested that people thought diamonds were the result of bolts of lightning striking rocks. Women have be gifted diamond engagement rings for years, as diamonds are often thought to be the ultimate symbol of eternal love. Diamonds come in an array of colours - from blue to yellow and red to black - these are known as Fancy Diamonds. Diamonds are one of the most popular gemstones to use in jewellery, and are incredibly valuable.
Emerald
Birthstone: May
Zodiac Sign: Aries and Taurus.
Powers: Promotes a peaceful, loving and fulfilled existence. Believed to promote fertility due to its youthful green colour. Helps to balance emotions.
Emerald is a precious stone from the Beryl Mineral. This striking green gemstone is synonymous with the tempestuous female monarch of Ancient Egypt, Cleopatra, as she was renowned for wearing vibrant green emeralds set in gold. The Ancient Egyptians believed that emeralds were symbolic of eternal youth, and would carve the symbol of verdure which mean ‘flourishing greenness’ into them. Emeralds that have a deeper and more vivid green colour are more valuable and very rare. Emeralds are almost always found with blemishes and inclusions - these birthmarks do not detract any value from the stone in most cases. The Greek goddess of love and beauty, Venus, said that emeralds would protect lovers from unfaithfulness and if they had a loyal heart, the gem would glow a beautiful green. If the heart wasn’t committed, the emerald would turn a lifeless color.
Garnet
Birthstone: January
Zodiac Sign: Leo
Powers: Protects wears from nightmares, and travellers from accidents away from home. Promotes self-awareness and boosts your sexuality.
Garnet is a gem that comes in a rainbow of different colours - the most common being deep red. Garnet’s name derives from the Latin word ‘granatus’, which means seed or grain. This is due to the stone’s similarities to a pomegranate seed. Garnets are found in Austria, Hungary, Canada, Brazil, South Africa, and India. It was believed that garnets helped re-energise the heart, body and mind when a woman has premenstrual tension. Garnet looks fantastic with silvers, platinums and white golds.
Opal
Birthstone: October
Zodiac Sign: Libra
Powers: Intensifies the emotional state and releases inhibitions. Promotes loyalty and faithfulness. Helps give the wearer good health.
Opals were once thought to be the Queen of Gems due to it encompassing the colours of the other gems. Every opal is truly unique and one-of-a-kind, like our fingerprints. Some people prefer the calming flashes of blues and greens that are often in an opal, whereas others look for more fiery bright reds and oranges. As you turn an opal you can see how the colour plays and dances. The opal is the national stone of Australia and Lightning Ridge is renowned for the very rare breathtaking black Opals that are produced there. Opal gets its name from Sanskrit word “upala” which translates to “precious stone,” and the Greek derivative “Opallios,” which means “to see a change of color.”
Ruby
Birthstone: July
Zodiac Sign: Cancer and Sagittarius
Powers: A symbol of love, sexuality and passion. Promotes courage and good fortune.
Ruby is a precious stone from the variety of the mineral corundum. The ruby has been a favoured gem for centuries and was once prized possession of emperors and kings all over the world. The most valuable ruby is “Burmese Ruby” – a ruby that is pigeon blood red with a slight blue hue. Rubies are even more valuable and rare than top graded colourless brilliant diamonds. Burmese soldiers once believed that wearing a Ruby on the left hand side of the body would make them invincible. This belief was so prevalent that some soldiers would insert rubies under their skin.
Sapphire
Birthstone: September
Zodiac Sign: Gemini and Virgo
Powers: Helps promote honesty, loyalty, purity and trust. Eliminates toxins. Soothes insomnia and helps the wearer have good and deep sleep.
Sapphire is the ultimate blue gemstone and has been associated with Sovereign families for centuries. Alongside diamonds, sapphires are one of the most popular engagement ring gemstones - the late Princess Diana and The Duchess of Cambridge’s Sapphire Ceylon engagement ring is one of the the most famous sapphire engagement rings. Like most gems, the richer the blue colour of the sapphire, the rarer it is. The purer the blue of the Sapphire, the greater the price. Pink sapphires are also extremely rare. Ancient Persians once believed that blue sapphires were actually chips from a giant pedestal supporting the earth, their reflections coloured the sky blue.
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