The History and Symbolism Behind Popular Gemstones in Jewelry

Sapphire – A Stone of Wisdom and Royalty

More specifically, deep blue sapphires have long been held as symbols of wisdom, truth and heavenly favor. The British royal family has made sapphires popular in engagement rings, most famously when Princess Diana wore a blue sapphire ring. Ancient clerics and nobles wore sapphires for integrity and protection from harm.

Emerald – Stone of Rebirth and Wealth

Emeralds are associated with renewal, prosperity and love through their unique green color. Emeralds, prized by Cleopatra and the ancient Egyptians, were thought to provide fertility and eternal youth. They were also coveted by the Incas and Aztecs, who held them sacred. Emeralds are still in vogue today, as a classic and elegant option for meaningful jewelry.

Amethyst – A Crystal of Tranquility and Spirituality

Amethysts have reportedly been used in jewelry for hundreds of years, representing clarity, peace, and protection. Ancient Greeks believed amethyst would ward off intoxication, and medieval soldiers wore it in battle as a charm for protection. Its rich purple color has endeared it to royalty and spiritual seekers alike.

Topaz – An Emblem of Strength and Good Luck

Topaz has been highly valued due to its bright and wide range of colors, and is frequently associated with strength, prosperity, and protection. The ancient Egyptians connected yellow topaz with the Sun God Ra, while other cultures thought it had the capability to offer prosperity as well as healing. In particular, blue topaz is a contemporary favorite for elegant and narrative-driven pieces.
Topaz is traditionally known for healing the heart, mind, and body.

Opal — The Stone of Invention and Imagination

Abundance of colors found in opal makes it as mesmerizing as typical play-of-color, and represents creativity, intuition as well as mystery. In the Middle Ages, opals were believed to bring good luck and encourage foresight. But in 19th-century England a superstition swept the land that opals was bad luck, thanks largely to a novel called Anne of Geierstein by Sir Walter Scott. Nevertheless, opals have recovered in popularity to become the favored stone for original and artistic jewelry pieces.

Garnet Meaning: The Stone of Protection and Passion

As a part of jewelry, garnets are classic stones used for thousands of years, usually representing passion, energy and protection. Ancient Roman nobility adorned themselves with garnet rings, while travelers would wear them as talismans to ensure safe passage. Garnets are now a popular and impactful staple in jewelry design.

Moonstone – The Stone of New Beginnings and Intuition

Moonstones are loved for their otherworldly glow and represent intuition, femininity and new beginnings. Ancient Romans and Greeks thought moonstones were created by solidified moonbeams and linked those stones with lunar gods such as Diana and Selene. In India, they are sacred and given as a gift for good fortune and emotional balance. Many cultures believe that moonstones can help boost the inner strength and intuition within. They continue to be especially favored in bohemian and nature-inspired jewelry.

Gemstones have been prized throughout history not only for their beauty but also their symbolism and spiritual meaning. From a diamond signifying never-ending love to a ruby representing a passion or a sapphire symbolizing wisdom, each gemstone has a special story and meaning that adds treasure to the jewelry it graces.

Kindly note that healing gemstone meanings are not prescriptions or healthcare information.