Ruby: a gem of the heart and the sun. Known for its fiery red hue, ruby has been a symbol of passion, protection, and prosperity for centuries. Ancient civilizations believed rubies contained the essence of life itself. The red color, due to the presence of chromium, makes rubies extremely rare, especially when the hue is deep and vibrant.
Rubies have adorned royalty and warriors alike. They’re said to bring courage and success in battle, making them highly valued for their supposed protective qualities. The most sought-after rubies come from Myanmar (formerly Burma), known as “Burmese Rubies,” revered for their exceptional color and clarity.
These stones are also hard, ranking just below diamonds on the Mohs scale. This makes them ideal for jewelry pieces that can withstand daily wear. From engagement rings to royal crowns, rubies bring a touch of timeless elegance and intrigue.
Emerald: the green jewel of vitality and renewal. With its deep, lush hue, the emerald has captured hearts and imaginations since ancient times. These precious stones are primarily sourced from Colombia, Zambia, and Brazil.
What makes an emerald truly special is its color. The most prized emeralds possess a vivid green that seems to dance in the light. These gems are part of the beryl family, colored by trace amounts of chromium or vanadium.
Emeralds are not just beautiful but also filled with history and legend. Cleopatra famously adored emeralds, and they were believed to grant eternal youth and protection. Despite their beauty, emeralds can be fragile due to their inclusions, often referred to as “jardin,” or garden, which adds to their unique charm.
Whether worn as a statement piece or a symbol of rebirth and love, emeralds never fail to enchant.
Sapphire: the gem of wisdom, virtue, and divine favor. This remarkable stone, most famously blue, actually comes in nearly every color except red (those are rubies!). The cornflower blue sapphires from Kashmir are particularly prized for their rich, velvety hue.
Sapphires have adorned royalty and been used in religious artifacts for centuries. They are part of the corundum family, and their color is due to trace amounts of elements like iron, titanium, or chromium. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, sapphires are incredibly durable, ranking just below diamonds on the Mohs scale.
Symbolically, sapphires represent wisdom and purity. They have been believed to protect their wearers from envy and harm and to attract blessings from the heavens. Today, sapphires are commonly seen in engagement rings, embodying loyalty and faithfulness.
Amethyst: the purple gem of tranquility and spiritual wisdom. This popular stone ranges in color from deep violet to light lavender. Part of the quartz family, amethyst owes its captivating hue to iron impurities within the crystal structure.
Throughout history, amethyst has been associated with calmness and clarity. Ancient Greeks believed it protected against intoxication, even fashioning drinking vessels from it. The name itself comes from the Greek word “amethystos,” meaning “not intoxicated.”
These stones are found worldwide, with notable sources in Brazil, Siberia, and Sri Lanka. Amethyst’s soothing energy is said to promote mental clarity and emotional healing, making it a favorite for meditation and adornment.
Aquamarine: the gem of the sea. This stunning blue to blue-green stone captures the essence of tranquil waters, often evoking feelings of calm and serenity. Part of the beryl family, aquamarine gets its color from trace amounts of iron.
Historically, aquamarine has been associated with sailors and travelers for its supposed protective qualities. Legends say it was the treasure of mermaids and could keep sailors safe at sea. The name itself is derived from the Latin words for “water” and “sea,” perfectly reflecting its oceanic hues.
Sourced primarily from Brazil, but also found in places like Nigeria and Madagascar, aquamarine is prized not only for its beauty but also for its clarity and relatively large crystals. It’s often used in a variety of jewelry, from statement rings to elegant necklaces.
Aquamarine pieces bring a sense of peacefulness and harmony, making them a delightful addition to any collection.
Topaz: the gem of brilliance and abundance. This versatile stone comes in a variety of colors, with golden yellow, blue, and pink being the most common. Pure topaz is actually colorless, and it’s the impurities and treatments that give it its wide range of hues.
Topaz is known for its clarity and brilliance, making it a favorite among jewelers. The name “topaz” is thought to come from the Sanskrit word “tapas,” meaning fire, likely due to the stone’s fiery appearance when it catches the light.
Historically, topaz has been believed to bring healing and protection. In ancient Egypt, it was thought to be colored by the sun god Ra, while in Europe, it was used to break spells and calm anger.
Blue topaz, in particular, is often associated with calm and communication, making it a popular choice for jewelry that’s meant to inspire.
Garnet: the gem of commitment and vitality. While most people think of garnets as deep red, this diverse family of stones actually comes in almost every color, including green, orange, pink, and even colorless.
The name “garnet” comes from the Latin word “granatum,” meaning pomegranate, due to the similarity in color and shape to pomegranate seeds. Garnets have been used in jewelry and decoration since ancient times, symbolizing light and faith.
These stones are relatively durable and often used in various types of jewelry. They are mined in places like Africa, India, and Sri Lanka. Different varieties of garnets, like the vibrant green tsavorite and the fiery orange spessartite, offer a spectrum of beauty to explore.
Garnets are believed to have regenerative powers, balancing energy and bringing serenity or passion, depending on the color. Their versatility and history make them a fascinating addition to any gemstone collection.
Peridot: the gem of good fortune and warmth. Peridot’s olive-green hue comes from the mineral olivine, and its distinct color ranges from yellow-green to vibrant green, often with a golden tint. Unlike many gemstones, peridot is only found in one color, though the intensity can vary.
Ancient Egyptians called it the “gem of the sun,” believing it had protective powers against the terrors of the night. Peridot has also been associated with renewal and growth, aligning with its verdant color.
The primary sources of peridot are in Egypt, Pakistan, and Myanmar, with notable deposits found in the United States, specifically in Arizona. Peridot is also unique in that it’s formed in the earth’s mantle and brought to the surface by volcanic activity.
Tourmaline: the rainbow gem. It’s unique for its wide color range; tourmaline can be found in virtually any shade, often exhibiting multiple colors within a single stone. This variety makes it a versatile and captivating gemstone.
The name “tourmaline” comes from the Sinhalese word “toramalli,” meaning “mixed gems.” This reflects the diversity of colors found in tourmaline, from vivid pinks and reds (rubellite) to deep greens (verdelite) and blues (indicolite). There’s even a fascinating variety known as “watermelon tourmaline,” which features a mix of pink and green.
Tourmaline is believed to have powerful grounding and healing properties, often used to balance and protect the wearer. The stone is also pyroelectric and piezoelectric, meaning it can generate an electric charge when heated or compressed.
Sources of tourmaline include Brazil, Africa, and Afghanistan, with each region producing distinct and vibrant varieties. Its dazzling array of colors and metaphysical properties make tourmaline a favorite among collectors and jewelers alike.
Moonstone: the gem of mystery and lunar energy. This captivating stone is known for its adularescence, a unique play of light that creates a shimmering glow resembling moonlight.
Moonstones come in various colors, including white, gray, peach, and blue, with the most prized variety being the blue sheen moonstone. They are part of the feldspar group and are predominantly found in Sri Lanka, India, and Myanmar.
Throughout history, moonstone has been associated with the moon’s phases and believed to bring balance, intuition, and protection. It has been used in jewelry for centuries, especially in Art Nouveau pieces, where its ethereal quality was celebrated.
Adorning yourself with moonstone is like wearing a piece of the night sky, bringing a sense of calm and inspiration.
Spinel: the hidden gem of royalty. Often mistaken for other gems like rubies and sapphires, spinel has only recently begun to receive the recognition it deserves. Spinels come in a variety of colors, including red, pink, blue, purple, and even black.
The red spinel, in particular, has a storied past. The most famous example is the “Black Prince’s Ruby,” which is actually a large red spinel and has been part of the British Crown Jewels for centuries. This gem’s brilliance and range of hues are due to trace elements like chromium and iron within its crystal structure.
Spinel is valued not only for its beauty but also for its durability, scoring an 8 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it suitable for all types of jewelry. It is primarily found in countries like Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania.
While spinel may have been overshadowed by its more famous cousins, it stands out for its stunning colors and historical significance.
Chrysoberyl: the gem of resilience and rare beauty. This durable gemstone is known for its distinct golden-green color, often referred to as “cat’s eye” due to the chatoyancy effect seen in some varieties. Chrysoberyl can appear to change color depending on the light source, with alexandrite being the most famous for this chameleon-like property.
Named after the Greek words for “gold” and “green,” chrysoberyl has been used in jewelry since ancient times. It’s a favorite among collectors for its unique optical properties and hardness, ranking 8.5 on the Mohs scale, making it ideal for daily wear.
Major sources of chrysoberyl include Brazil, Sri Lanka, and Russia. The rarest and most valuable form, alexandrite, can switch from green in daylight to red under incandescent light, making it a stunning and coveted piece for any collection.
Chrysoberyl’s combination of beauty and durability ensures it remains a timeless choice.
Lapis Lazuli: the gem of the gods. With its deep blue color, often speckled with golden pyrite, lapis lazuli has been treasured for millennia, from ancient Mesopotamian carvings to Renaissance paintings.
Mined primarily in Afghanistan, this stone has been associated with royalty and divinity. Ancient Egyptians used it to create jewelry, amulets, and even the iconic blue eye shadow worn by Cleopatra. The vibrant blue pigment derived from lapis was also prized by artists during the Renaissance for its brilliance and permanence.
Lapis lazuli is believed to enhance intellectual ability and stimulate the desire for knowledge, making it a symbol of wisdom and truth. Its mystical allure and rich history make it a timeless treasure in the world of gemstones.
Zircon: the underrated gem of fire and brilliance. Often overshadowed by diamond, zircon is a natural, colorful gem that boasts incredible brilliance and flashes of multicolored light, known as “fire.” Zircon is found in a wide range of colors, including blue, red, yellow, orange, and green. The most popular variety is blue zircon.
Historically, zircon has been used as a protective amulet and is believed to possess healing properties. It’s one of the oldest minerals on Earth, with some crystals dating back over 4 billion years. This ancient heritage adds an intriguing depth to its already captivating beauty.
Zircon is mined in countries like Cambodia, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania. Its high refractive index and strong dispersion make it a dazzling choice for jewelry. Despite its hardness, zircon can be somewhat brittle, so it needs to be handled with care.
For those who appreciate a gem with a rich history and a stunning play of light, zircon is a gem worth considering.
