A Jewelry Fanatic's Guide To Gemstones And Their Meanings
Throughout history, people have adorned themselves in elegant jewelry. While jewelry is certainly precious with significant monetary value, what makes each piece stand out is in fact the significance of the gemstones embedded in them. Typically, a piece of jewelry not only has its own style, but also a unique aura that never fades.
This is not surprising, since fine jewelry is fashioned with precious metals such as Gold and Platinum. Moreover, gemstones are naturally-formed crystals, which are said to have metaphysical traits. Combining these two elements gives jewelry a cosmic allure. Due to their sentimental value, jewelry is often used to mark significant milestones such as engagements, weddings, birthdays, and anniversaries.
With so many gemstones to choose from, deciding which one will go into your jewelry, whether for yourself or others as a personalized jewelry gift, can be quite a daunting task. To help you, we have compiled a guide on the list of different gemstones below, along with the myths associated with them and their meanings.
Ruby
Rubies are one of the most significant colored gemstones in history. In the Bible, Rubies have been associated with attributes such as beauty and wisdom. In Sanskrit, Ruby is referred to as Ratnaraj, which means “king of precious stones”.
The color Red represents our strongest emotions, such as love and passion. It is also associated with power and desire, as seen in Ferraris and even red roses. Rubies are even treasured for their association to the red you see in blood, and many cultures thus believe that Rubies possess the power of life itself.
In ancient Hinduism, it was believed that those who offered quality Rubies to Krishna could be emperors in their next lives. Among European royalty, Rubies were thought to be able to bless the holders with good health, wealth, wisdom, and a stable love life. As one of the most famous precious gemstones in the world, Rubies remain one of the most popular gems in modern times.
Topaz
This gemstone’s name originates from the Greek word “topazion”, which may also be inspired by the Sanskrit term “tapas”, which means fire. Ironically, Topaz is said to calm its wearer down and lessen the intensity of stronger emotions, balancing us out as a whole.
To early gem cutters, Topaz was used for protection against disease and was said to bless the wearer with enhanced strength and intellect.
There have been speculations throughout history that Topaz has “magical” properties, such as cooling boiling water, turning invisible when in poison’s presence, and creating its own light. The last point was seemingly backed up by a claim by the mystic Roman Catholic saint Hildegard of Bingen, who talked about being able to read prayers in a dark chapel using topaz as a light source.
In the Middle Ages, Topaz was crushed into powder and mixed with wine to improve sleep. As a symbol of honor and strength, Topaz can bring longevity and wisdom to its wearer.
Emerald
Emerald derives its name from the Sanskrit word ‘Marakata’, which means the green of growing things. This name is a perfect fit for the graceful gemstone that represents growth, love, truth, and new beginnings.
The green stone is beloved for the values it embodies such as self-improvement, wisdom, and inner peace. These Emeralds are also often associated with youth, luck, and vibrancy.
Thanks to the Spanish, European and Asian royalty managed to gain access to Emeralds because the Spanish used to trade these precious gemstones for gold and silver. Some royals even believed that putting an Emerald under the tongue could help the holder see the future and protect from evil.
Furthermore, Emeralds are theorized to be truth detectors, granting a person the power to reveal the truth or lies from a lover’s oath. They are also prized by the Incas, who use them in jewelry and religious ceremonies as well as the Egyptians, who saw them as a source of eternal life.
Sapphire
In mythology, Sapphire is one of the most prominent gemstones because blue, the most well-known sapphire color, is seen as a pure, heavenly color that can ward off evil. Its name originates from the Latin word "Sapphirus" and the Greek word "Sappheiros" both of which mean blue, emphasizing the importance of Sapphire’s hue in various cultures.
For instance, in Feng Shui, blue is related to knowledge and self-cultivation. This color is also connected to the throat chakra and can help improve self-expression.
What makes Sapphires unique is that they have also been linked to royalty and are excellent at attracting abundance, blessings, and gifts. Moreover, Sapphires served as guidance for Greeks when they wanted to seek answers from the Oracle. They also played a role in spiritual enlightenment for Buddhists.
Furthermore, Sapphires have been used as protection against negative energy and is said to calm the mind, enhance intuition, and allow for spiritual clarity. It helps that Sapphires are said to have the power to unlock the third eye, strengthening integrity and wisdom and making the wearer more aware of their responsibility towards their own thoughts and feelings.
In modern times, Sapphire are also connected to romance as a popular diamond alternative and a practical (and durable) choice for unique engagement rings in Singapore.
Amethyst
How precious Amethyst is dependent on whether it has been viewed in traditional or modern times. Either way, this dazzling gemstone looks impressive, regardless of whether it is in its rough form, or faceted and polished into a more traditional gemstone form. The color Amethyst acts as a symbol of peace, cleansing, and calming energy.
Interestingly, Amethyst originates from the Greek word “amethustos” meaning “not intoxicated”. That is why the Greeks considered it helpful in preventing overindulgence. Hence, they wore this purple gemstone and carved drinking vessels from it.
The meaning of this gemstone differs throughout the ages and cultures as well. For example, it was used as a potent tool in ancient China to remove negative energy and drive away everyday hazards. Overall, it often represents purification and connection to the divine.
Amethyst is traditionally given during a couple’s sixth wedding anniversary because it is a stone that brings out the purest aspirations and embodies values such as serenity, understanding, trust, and grace.
Morganite
Nicknamed “the pink emerald”, Morganite was originally known as Pink Beryl until 1911, when George F Kunz, Tiffany & Co’s chief gemologist, renamed it Morganite after American financier and gem fanatic J.P. Morgan.
In general, Morganite is either a peachy or pink-colored gemstone. Because of its high brilliance, it has become an ideal alternative for an engagement ring.
Given its most sought-after soft pink hue which represents innocence, sweetness, and affection, Morganite is known as the gem of love and compassion that attunes its wearer to the heart chakra. Morganite is a rare gem that keeps its wearers open to unconditional love while driving away ego.
Alexandrite
One of the Alexandrite’s most famous attributes is its ability to change colour in different lighting. When viewed in sunlight, it goes from a vibrant teal to an unexpected eggplant purple in incandescent light. The more distinct the color change, the more sought after it is.
This color change trait is said to represent creativity to its wearer while ushering in good fortune and love.
Since this gem was only discovered during the 19th century, it does not share the ancient history and lore other gemstones may have. Its name also does not derive from a word from another language, but instead came about because it was discovered in the Emerald mines in Russia’s Ural Mountains on Prince Alexander II’s birthday.
Many believe that Alexandrite helps to heal chronic conditions and hasten the recovery of someone who had surgery or is suffering from a persisting ailment. As a stone of grace, and glory, this gemstone encourages you to see the silver lining in every cloud and learn how to find your own source of joy.
Conclusion
Each gemstone encompasses its own unique story and brings different meanings to your life. Part of the fun in creating your own custom jewelry with one will be finding the right gemstone whose qualities resonate with you and align with your sense of style.
Alternatively, creating a personalized engagement ring with a gemstone that matches your significant other guarantees that she will treasure that ring for life.
Of course, picking the ideal gemstone means you should also select one with the perfect shape; just take our 10-question Gemstone shape quiz to discover the ideal one for you or your loved ones.
If you need help creating custom jewelry with unique colored gemstones for yourself or your partner, reach out to us at August Bespoke. Whether you need personalized engagement rings or milestone gifts, we are with you from beginning to end as we specialize in creating customized jewelry tailored to your style. For more details, please book a personal consultation or visit our Instagram page for a deeper look at our work.
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