When we think of true love, we often think of diamonds, the most common gemstone incorporated into engagement rings. However, not every romantic is aware of the different types of diamonds and what they symbolize. Nowadays, gemstones are more brilliant and colorful than they used to be, with each hue boasting various symbolic meanings and levels of significance. Let’s take a look at the legends associated with some of the world’s most stunning treasures.
Sapphire
Long considered a symbol of fidelity, blue sapphires were once the preferred gemstone for engagement ring shoppers until diamonds took their place in the early 20th century.
Emerald
Though we don’t recommend it, urban legend has it that placing an emerald under your tongue bestows upon you the ability to see into the future. Symbolically, however, emeralds are said to protect wearers against evil spells and disease.
Ruby
It was once believed by Ancient Hindus that those who offered rubies to the god Krishna were promised to become emperors in another life. In India and Burma, rubies are a symbol of safety and peace, whereas Medieval Europeans to guarantee health, wealth, wisdom, and romantic success.
Amethyst
Once associated by the Greeks with the wine god Bacchus, amethysts were believed to be able to prevent drunkenness. It was also thought that wearers would become clear-headed and quick-witted.
Peridot
Tracing back to the Ancient Egyptian belief that wearers were protected against nightmares by creating a sense of confidence, good luck, and health, peridots were a popular gem among Egyptian royalty, including Cleopatra.
Aquamarine
Supposedly a provider of courage, mental clarity, and good health, aquamarine stones are popular with sailors, who also associate the gem with water.
Pearl
In China, pearls were worn to protect against fire whereas, in Europe, they were more closely associated with chastity and purity.
Garnet
Long associated with clergy and nobility, garnets were often worn by Egyptian pharaohs in the form of necklaces and rings. These rings were sometimes used to stamp wax on important documents.
Citrine
Also known as healing quartz, citrine supposedly promotes vitality and energy. According to Chinese feng shui philosophy, wearers of citrine experience wealth and abundance.
Opal
A single stone can don a variety of different colors, making opals most commonly correlated to supernatural powers. Sometimes a symbol of love and hope and sometimes known to reward wearers with the gift of prophecy and protection against disease, opal is an incredibly versatile stone.
Zircon
Folk wisdom claims that zircon has the power to relieve pain, protect travelers, and keep nightmares at bay. In the Middle Ages, it was thought to drive away evil spirits to promote good sleep.
Topaz
Said to bestow strength and intelligence by the Old Farmer’s Almanac, Topaz is a popular stone and also symbolizes love and fidelity.
Turquoise
Tracing back to ancient times, turquoise continues to be ascribed special powers in the form of an amulet that offers protection and wards against the evil eye.
Conclusion
When it comes to modern jewelry, wearers have looked beyond the most common kinds of diamonds and explored the vast selection of gems that we’ve listed above. While most have been long-believed to carry a particular significance, wearers can hone whatever gravity and power they desire from a stone that means most to them.
At TVON, we stock a remarkable selection of diamonds and diamond alternatives that will catch any wearer’s eye. Shop with us today to avail of only the finest gemstones at an excellent value.
