For thousands of years, gemstone mythology has colored our perception of diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and much more. We’ve included some of our favorite mythical gems to work with – and tips to create your own bespoke jewelry piece with one of these magical stones!
Diamond Folklore
April’s birthstone is the most famous and desirable of precious stones. In Latin, the word “diamond” translates to “unwavering,” and from sparkling jewelry to countless technologies, there’s seemingly no end to their uses.
In India, diamonds were thought to be created when bolts of lightning struck rocks. Egyptians believed Greeks considered them gods’ tears and wore them for good fortune during battles. Plato wrote that these stones were alive, containing celestial spirits.
Once Venetians perfected the diamond-cutting process in the 15th century, it further mesmerized the ruling class. And it’s true: With the right jewelry setting, clarity, and cut, a colorless diamond is an absolute showstopper.
The Rarity of Colored Diamonds
There’s a modern gemstone myth that there’s an abundance of colored diamonds, but only 0.1% of all mined diamonds are colored. Natural green, orange, pink, blue, and yellow diamonds are extraordinary finds (and pure red ones are almost completely unheard of). If you’re purchasing one, it should be stated that most colored diamonds are treated.
Emerald Mythology
Romans believed that they could restore their vision simply by gazing into them (and Nero would watch gladiator battles through them). Egyptians maintained they’d ease childbirth and ward off evil spirits. For the Musica people from modern day Columbia, an emerald was thought to improve fertility. Across the world, many people believe that May’s birthstone calms anxiety, cures bodily dysfunction, and opens the heart chakra.
Transparent emeralds are extremely rare and flaws (called inclusions) are often overlooked and celebrated. If you own an emerald, be careful as they can easily be scratched or chipped. A trusted jeweler should help you find the right setting to ensure its safety.
Opal Stone Meaning
In ancient Greece, opals came from Zeus’ tears of happiness after conquering the Titans. Therefore, they were used to cure eye disorders. Aboriginal Australians believed that these gemstones were left in the footprints of the Great Creator. In Arabian myths, opals fell to earth in lightning bolts. Romans considered that an opalus (“precious stone”) would bring love and hope, an idea that carried through to the rest of Europe. If the stone happened to have a great amount of ‘play of color ‘(or ‘fire’), you might also expect to come into some money
From a milky white to a black fiery opal, these gemstones fall along the full-color spectrum. However, opals are delicate stones and unseasoned jewelers can be frustrated during the cutting process. When you fall in love with a specific one, we recommend protecting it with a channel or bezel setting.
Ruby Symbolism
Ancient Hindus called rubies “ratnaraj”: the King of Jewels. By offering these gems as tribute to Krishna, they believed they would be reincarnated as rulers. Some Burmese warriors wore these stones under their skin for protection in battle. The Bible refers to rubies as one of the dozen gemstones created by God. In Islam, when Adam was sent away from The Garden of Eden, rubies were left where his feet touched the ground.
The symbolism of this gemstone has long been linked to passion, fortune, and healing.
What to Look for in a Ruby
You can find July’s gemstone in a variety of red hues, from deep pink to crimson, but pigeon’s blood red is considered more valuable than a diamond of a similar size.
Nearly all rubies have inclusions (or imperfections), so don’t let this dissuade you! This ‘thumbprint’ only adds to a stone’s personality, meaning that it’s perfect as a one-of-a-kind diamond alternative. But unlike emeralds, rubies score a 9 on the Mohs scale which makes them ideal for daily wear without the risk of damage.
Meaning of a Sapphire
The deep blue of a sapphire has long been associated with royalty, faith, and abundance. Greek nobility associated this stone with Apollo, and used it to achieve celestial clarity. In Rome, the gem protected wearers from harm. In Persian mythology, the sky reflected the giant blue sapphire upon which Earth rested. Biblical texts also indicate that the 10 Commandments were carved into sapphire. Today, many people believe that natural sapphires provide calm and improve spirituality.
How to Choose a Sapphire
While a blue sapphire is the most commonly known shade, these stones are found in a wide range of colors from yellow, to blue, pink, green, and an orange-pink called ‘padparadscha’ (‘lotus flower’).
“Natural” sapphires are found in nature, but approximately 99% of these are treated to boost their color. Higher-quality versions are heat-treated while lower-quality sapphires may be exposed to chemicals. The remaining 1% “untreated” sapphires are exceedingly rare and expensive.
Amethyst Gemstone Mythology
Deriving from the Ancient Greek word “amethystos” (“not drunken”), many wearers believed that an amethyst amulet would keep them from intoxication. In Hebrew, the word “ahlamah” (“dream”) indicated that, if you dreamt of an amethyst stone, you’d be protected from harm. Over the centuries, farmers wore purple quartz pendants to defend their fields from predatory insects and bad weather.
Today, many wearers look to February’s gemstone to dispel headaches, connect to the Divine, and find balance.
How to Choose an Amethyst
Amethyst is a favored gemstone of February babies. From lilac to lavender to violet, the ideal amethyst color is a deep purple with red and/or blue streaks. Nearly all of these modern gemstones are heat-treated to provide depth of color. Unlike, say, sapphires, this is a major benefit: Many untreated amethyst varieties fade when routinely exposed to light.
Citrine Mythology
Once known as a “merchant’s stone”, citrine was thought to encourage communication, improve creativity, attract wealth, and fight bad energy. Historically, it was so abundant that it was used to beautify homes and personal accessories (like Greek and Scottish sword hilts). Due to its affordability, large citrine pieces were incredibly popular during the Art Deco era.
In recent years, citrine pieces have skyrocketed in popularity thanks to their warmth and expressiveness.
How Citrine Is Created
Not only is citrine’s closest relative the amethyst, light-colored amethyst is often heat-treated to produce November’s birthstone. While you might see violet flecks and paler color in untreated citrine stones, most modern items are heat-treated (typically indicated by intensely reddish tints).
Garnet Mythology
Derived from the Latin word “garanatus”, garnet refers to the deep red seeds of a pomegranate. In the Greek myth of Persephone and Hades, pomegranate seeds refer to marriage and eternal life. Egyptian pharaohs wore elaborate garnet necklaces in this life and the afterlife. Roman nobility used garnet gemstones to seal documents. While Christians long represented Christ’s sacrifice with garnets, the Quran states that the 6th heaven is made of garnets and rubies. Many wearers believe that a garnet can assist with heartbreak and depression.
How to Choose a Garnet
While January’s birthstone can be found in every color of the rainbow, the ideal garnet is a deep brownish-red. Garnet is one of the few semi-precious stones that doesn’t need treatment. Since it lands between 6.5 and 7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, it can withstand just about any cut and setting.
Aquamarine Myths
In Ancient Rome and Greece, aquamarine stones were attributed to the god Neptune (even the name refers to the cerulean waves of seawater). Worn by sailors for protection, aquamarine was also known to reawaken the love between partners and create a sense of calm. In the Middle Ages, March’s gemstone was believed to protect wearers from being poisoned.
Today, many wearers think that aquamarine provides reflection and introspection, as well as healing the throat chakra.
How to Choose an Aquamarine
To reveal intense blue hues, you’ll need a larger-sized stone. Therefore, a smaller aquamarine with the same color sells for a substantial amount per carat. Most stones on the market are heat-treated but Jaume Labro only accepts, cuts, and sells the highest-quality natural aquamarines.
Since March’s birthstone falls at 7.5 on the Mohs scale, aquamarine is ideal for an endless variety of shapes, cuts, and sizes.
Meaning of a Peridot
The word “peridot” either comes from the Arabic word, “faridat” (“gem”) or the Ancient Greek word “peridona” (“abundance”) This stone may also occasionally be referred to as olivine. Romans appreciated its unchanging color– in both daylight or candlelight –and called it an “evening emerald.” Peridot was one of Cleopatra’s favored stones. In Hawaii, the stone was the Goddess Pele’s tears. In certain Hindu sects, peridot rules the digestive system.
August’s gemstone is believed to ward off evil spirits, calm anger, spark creativity, and build stronger relationships.
How to Choose a Peridot
Peridot is only green but may be found anywhere from a fluorescent lime to a dark olive (the most valuable color). It can be cut into nearly every shape and size. This is one of the few gemstones that has never been synthesized, but be wary of green tourmaline (and even glass) substitutes.
Over the last few decades, there’s been an increase in interest, with collectors and jewelry enthusiasts snapping up pieces. While larger peridot gemstones are more difficult to obtain, we think it’s a great time to purchase medium-sized and small-sized pieces.
Choosing the Perfect Ethical Stone Starts Here
Due to the negative effects of gemstone mining, Jaume Labro goes above and beyond to track the route of each gemstone. We guarantee that we only purchase truly ethical stones, following the strictest restrictions and regulations. Whichever you choose for your bespoke fine jewelry piece, you can be rest assured of both its quality and origin.
