Exploring the rich symbolism and deep significance of gemstones beyond diamonds

While diamonds are a woman’s best friend and a gemstone that represents true love, there exist a host of other gems that symbolise different feelings and emotions. The shades of the gemstones reflect a mix of beliefs, cultural practices, and specials powers. So, the next time you go out shopping for a gemstone, brush up on these facts about the many options at your disposal and make the right choice—one that represents what you’re looking for. 

Amethyst

Back in the day, ancient Greeks associated the gemstone with the wine god Dionysus and believed that wearing the stone would prevent them from getting intoxicated. As a matter of fact, amethystos translates into ‘not drunk’. They soon became popular as they boosted mental clarity with Leonardo da Vinci believing that they improved one’s knowledge and protected the wearer from negative thoughts. Symbolising spiritual growth, serenity, and clarity of thought as well, these stones started being used for meditation (Tibetan prayer beads). They’re also useful to cure insomnia, pain, and other addictions. 

Aquamarine

The gemstone, with its sea-blue hues, is believed to calm the mind (releases anxiety and fear), and provide strength and clarity of thought. Due to its association with water, many used to believe that aquamarine will protect those at sea and prevent seasickness. Having its origins closely tied to folktales of mermaids, legend says that aquamarines first washed up to shore out of the treasure chests sunk at the bottom of the ocean.

Emerald

In ancient Greece and Rome, emeralds represented Venus, the goddess for love and hope. Legend says that placing the green-coloured gemstone under one’s tongue gives them the ability to predict the future. Believed to cure depression and insomnia, wearing emeralds also improves one’s knowledge, helps them have better dreams and cure evil spells and sickness, making them stones of protection and insight.
 
Garnet

Nobles wore garnets back in the day. Egyptian pharaohs wore red garnet necklaces, while the Romans had rings with carved garnets that they used to stamp wax on important documents. The stone also has ties to Greece as it bears a striking similarity to the pomegranate—the fruit eaten by the goddess Persephone in the underworld. Regarded as the stones of devotion, commitment, truth, consistency, and love, they’re also believed to attract good luck—especially in business. 

Jade

In Asian cultures, jade is associated with purity and morals along with being seen as a symbol of good luck and prosperity. It’s a stone that’s worn by gardeners as it was said to ensure a good harvest. 

Opal

Known to display a wide spectrum of colours, a lot of people believed that the stone had magical and supernatural properties. The Romans thought it symbolised love, passion, and hope, the Greeks believed opals prevented owners from falling ill, while the rest of Europe considered the stone to represent hope and truth. Such was the belief in this stone, that many even thought it would preserve the life and colour of those with blonde hair. Furthermore, due to its many colours, the stone is also seen as a symbol of change and transformation as its wearer would get more creative. 

Peridot

Green is associated with growth and prosperity, and so is this gemstone that’s worn to eliminate negative energies. People in Egypt thought the stone would protect them against bad dreams, stop them from getting anxious, angry and jealous, and also heal them to make them healthy. The famous emeralds worn by Queen Cleopatra were peridots. The stone is linked with bringing abundance and prosperity, making it apt for those looking to make a fresh start in their life. 

Ruby

In Hindu mythology, it was believed that those who offer rubies to Lord Krishna would be emperors or kings in their next life. Indians thought rubies symbolise safety and peace while the Europeans considered them to bring health, wealth, success, and love. Representing courage and purity, the stone was worn by many to protect themselves from any harm, and misfortunate. It’s also a popular stone to be gifted as it’s a symbol of friendship and love. 

Sapphire

Much before diamonds become the symbol of love and commitment, it was this blue stone that was considered the colour of loyalty and allegiance. Along with being associated with romance, they were also worn by royals as they symbolised wisdom, justice, and nobility. Priests also believed that sapphires could help them predict the future. Promoting health and clarity, these stones have grown in importance as they help in better communication, and increase insight as well. 

Topaz

If you’re looking to grow in strength and knowledge, Topaz is the go-to gemstone for you. Symbolising love and commitment, the stone, connected with fire, is believed to bring good luck and fortune. Known for its calming qualities, the stone is great for those looking to cool down and calm their temper, mood swings, fears and depression, as it improves clarity and focus. 

Turquoise

The stone is considered to protect its wearer. Native American tribes, who related it to the blue sky and green earth, used to wear it as an amulet to defend them, while many in ancient Persia wore it to ward off the evil eye. It is also seen as a symbol of friendship making for an apt gift to your best friends. Besides being known for its protective qualities, it’s also used as a talisman to bring good luck and healing. 

Lead image: aslisona | Instagram

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