Gemstones are some of the most coveted material possessions in the world. They spend thousands of years in the earth’s recesses before turning into valuable entities. There is a sense of history in their genesis and intrigue in their rarity. Cultures from around the globe have regarded various gemstones as mystical talismans with religious and spiritual connotations. Here are some of your favorite gemstone’s stories and the legends associated with them.
The Story Behind Ruby: A Popular Gemstone Tale
In Sanskrit ruby is known as ‘Ratnaraj’, which translates to the king of gemstones. Indeed it’s a befitting title. The red gemstone has been mentioned four times in the Bible. The clergy associated it with beauty and wisdom.
People in some cultures compare the vivid red color of rubies to blood. Therefore, people hail rubies as protectors of life forces. Wearing ruby not only helps with longevity but also ensures good health and happiness. People once believed that rubies had magical powers, which made them glow. But later on science made it possible to understand that it’s the chromium present in the mineral corundum which is the actual magic behind the glow.
Ruby is an important engagement ring gemstone due to its status as the gemstone of passion.
Sapphire Gemstone: A Timeless Gemstone’s Story
People across many cultures have long revered and feared sapphire, (the September birthstone). The ancient Persians believed that blue sapphire Chips supported the world like a pedestal. According to a legend, the sunlight reflecting off the pedestal also gave the sky its blue color.
The ancient Greeks believed that sapphires had a strong connection to the spirit world. Whilst visiting the oracle of Delphi, the ancient Greeks wore sapphire jewelry as sapphires could help in telling the future. People also believed that necromancers and witches used sapphires as powerful tools in their magic.
History has celebrated sapphire as the stone of destiny and the royal protector. The royals and aristocrats felt threatened by feudal uprisings and potential usurpers within their courts. They wore sapphire jewelry in the belief that it will protect them from the ill-will and envy of their enemies.
Emerald Gemstone: Exploring Its Royal Story
This brilliant green gemstone, celebrated as the May birthstone , carries the title “Jewel of Kings”. People associate emerald with the season of spring and consider it an emblem of rebirth, vitality and youth.
Queen Cleopatra, celebrated for her unmatched beauty, favored this gemstone. She adorned herself and her palace with emeralds and also presented them as gifts to foreign dignitaries who visited her court. Many believed emeralds had the power to attract wealth and strengthen the mind, so they wore them as talismans. Emeralds also symbolize truth and the power to dispel illusions.
Aquamarine: A Serene Gemstone Story of Peace
The icy blue gemstone looks exciting and soothing at the same time. These optical qualities have informed the myths and legends surrounding it as people often link aquamarines to clarity, serenity and harmony. As the March birthstone, Aquamarine is also associated with spring and the power of transformation.
In Latin aqua means ‘water’ and marine means ‘sea’. Therefore, etymologically aquamarine stands for ‘water of the sea’. Aquamarine is deeply tied to the ocean. In ancient Rome, sailors wore aquamarine amulets to protect themselves from unknown waters.
Ancient Egyptians carved aquamarine crystals into animal shapes and wore them as jewelry in an attempt to preserve their vitality and enhance the duration of their lives. It is also known as the ‘Stone of Courage’
Garnet Gemstone: A Rich and Colorful Tale
The garnet features multiple times in religious texts and mythical popular gemstone’s stories. Garnet was also believed to be presented to Solomon by God. In Greek Mythology, Hades: The king of the underworld gave his wife, Persephone pomegranate seeds when she was leaving on a journey. Experts believe those pomegranate seeds were either pyrope or almandine, both red varieties of garnet. Therefore, the Greeks use garnets as gifts given upon departures. People believe these gemstones protect travelers and strengthen emotional bonds between separated lovers.
A Roman engraver engraved the portrait of the ancient philosopher Plato, on a garnet crystal. Garnet also features in the legend of Noah, the biblical character who saved all life on earth during a flood. According to legend, a green tsavorite garnet lantern guided Noah, and the Koran states that garnets illuminate the fourth heaven.
Tourmaline stones with Tales Rooted in History
The legends surrounding this gemstone vary from region to region. Tourmalines offer an eclectic range of colors: pink, green, blue etc. Some Australian and African shamans believed that tourmaline could diagnose illnesses, and reveal & solve complex emotional issues.
The ancient Egyptians believed that tourmalines’ rich color palette traces its roots back to when the gemstones emerged from the depths of the earth and passed through a rainbow.
Some cultures worship black tourmaline as the destroyer of evil. And some native American groups use darker shades of tourmalines as funeral gifts.
If you feel compelled by these myths and legends and want a brilliant gemstone for yourself, explore our collection of color gemstones and designer jewelry.
