Diamonds have long been the favorite choice for engagement rings. Not only are diamonds considered a girl’s best friend, they also have a long history as a symbol of love and elegance. However, colored gemstones are becoming a popular alternative to diamonds when it comes to engagement rings.
But did you know that gemstones bear unique symbolism in terms of their color and element make-up? Gemstones have been popular across various cultures and time periods. In this article, we are going to share interesting stories, beliefs and symbolism behind some of the most popular precious gemstones.
Garnet is considered a sensual gemstone. It is said to represent the creation of the world out of chaos, purification, and love. This gemstone was often linked to nobility and clergy. Ancient Egyptian pharaohs wore this gemstone on their necklaces, while the Romans used it to decorate signet rings that were used to seal documents.
Ancient Greeks and Romans believed this stone to be synonymous with luxury. It was used to adorn crowns and other items that reflected wealth and power. Because of amethyst’s dark purple color, this gemstone was associated with Dionysus, the Greek god of Wine, and his Roman counterpart, Bacchus. Greeks and Romans both believed that the stone would help them stay “amethustos” or “not intoxicated.” Greeks would drink wine out of amethyst glassware to help mitigate the effects of the wine, and allow them to be wise and clear-headed.
Ancient folklore believed aquamarine to be mermaid treasure. It was supposed to have brought fearlessness and protection to sailors to ensure safe passage through rough seas. It is considered the stone of eternal youth and happiness.
It is purported that this gemstone was dedicated to Venus, the goddess of love. Ancient civilizations believed that the green emerald bears mystical powers of hope, wisdom, and healing. Legend has it that anyone who held an emerald under their tongue was granted special powers to be able to predict the future. Additionally, emeralds were used to ward off evil spirits and spells, to protect the wearer against dark magic, and cure various diseases.
Pearl is believed to bring feelings of happiness and positivity. It is said to soothe negative emotions, making it perfect for nurturing the growth of pure love. Europeans often linked pearls with purity and innocence and this symbolism is persevered to this day. Interestingly, on the other side of the planet, ancient Chinese believed that this gemstone helped ward fires.
Ruby was once considered more precious than diamond. The deep red color represents passion as well as prosperity. In the Hindi culture, rubies were offered to a Krishna – a high deity in their pantheon. Her worshipers believed that gifting such a stone of nobility would grant the giver royalty in the next life.
Peridot is one of two gemstones (the other is diamond) that is actually created beneath the earth’s crust, in the mantle—and is brought towards the surface through natural events such as earthquakes. This gemstone is thought to inspire inner radiance, improving thought with clarity and enhanced awareness. Ancient Egyptian’s linked peridot to good health, luck and confidence. In fact, some people believe that Cleopatra’s famed “emeralds” were not emeralds at all, but were peridots instead.
Sapphire is the stone of royalty. In ancient lore, it was believed to protect its wearer from harm and to bring good fortune and insight. Historically, the color blue has been considered the color of fidelity. Therefore, blue sapphire has been a popular choice for engagement rings, especially in the Art Deco era. In fact, sapphire was as popular a choice for engagement rings back in the 1900’s as diamonds are today.
Since the opal can manifest different colors, people believed it had supernatural powers. It is said to be the most mysterious of gemstones, inspiring optimism, creativity, and lessening inhibitions when it comes to feelings of love and passion. Ancient Romans linked the stone to hope and love, while Greeks revered it for its clairvoyant properties and thought it brought good health to its owner.
Topaz’s energy is harnessed from the sun and is believed to be one of the warmest, embodying properties that enhance feelings of love, friendship, and fidelity.
Turquoise is considered a protective stone. Ancient Persians used the stone to ward off harm and ill-intent referred to as the “evil eye.” It is believed to heal the heart of old wounds, bringing tranquility to its wearer. It is also a great stone to add some color to your wardrobe!
Popular Colored Gemstone Meanings
Garnet
Garnet is considered a sensual gemstone. It is said to represent the creation of the world out of chaos, purification, and love. This gemstone was often linked to nobility and clergy. Ancient Egyptian pharaohs wore this gemstone on their necklaces, while the Romans used it to decorate signet rings that were used to seal documents.
Amethyst
Ancient Greeks and Romans believed this stone to be synonymous with luxury. It was used to adorn crowns and other items that reflected wealth and power. Because of amethyst’s dark purple color, this gemstone was associated with Dionysus, the Greek god of Wine, and his Roman counterpart, Bacchus. Greeks and Romans both believed that the stone would help them stay “amethustos” or “not intoxicated.” Greeks would drink wine out of amethyst glassware to help mitigate the effects of the wine, and allow them to be wise and clear-headed.
Aquamarine
Ancient folklore believed aquamarine to be mermaid treasure. It was supposed to have brought fearlessness and protection to sailors to ensure safe passage through rough seas. It is considered the stone of eternal youth and happiness.
Green Emerald
It is purported that this gemstone was dedicated to Venus, the goddess of love. Ancient civilizations believed that the green emerald bears mystical powers of hope, wisdom, and healing. Legend has it that anyone who held an emerald under their tongue was granted special powers to be able to predict the future. Additionally, emeralds were used to ward off evil spirits and spells, to protect the wearer against dark magic, and cure various diseases.
Pearl
Pearl is believed to bring feelings of happiness and positivity. It is said to soothe negative emotions, making it perfect for nurturing the growth of pure love. Europeans often linked pearls with purity and innocence and this symbolism is persevered to this day. Interestingly, on the other side of the planet, ancient Chinese believed that this gemstone helped ward fires.
Ruby
Ruby was once considered more precious than diamond. The deep red color represents passion as well as prosperity. In the Hindi culture, rubies were offered to a Krishna – a high deity in their pantheon. Her worshipers believed that gifting such a stone of nobility would grant the giver royalty in the next life.
Peridot
Peridot is one of two gemstones (the other is diamond) that is actually created beneath the earth’s crust, in the mantle—and is brought towards the surface through natural events such as earthquakes. This gemstone is thought to inspire inner radiance, improving thought with clarity and enhanced awareness. Ancient Egyptian’s linked peridot to good health, luck and confidence. In fact, some people believe that Cleopatra’s famed “emeralds” were not emeralds at all, but were peridots instead.
Blue Sapphire
Sapphire is the stone of royalty. In ancient lore, it was believed to protect its wearer from harm and to bring good fortune and insight. Historically, the color blue has been considered the color of fidelity. Therefore, blue sapphire has been a popular choice for engagement rings, especially in the Art Deco era. In fact, sapphire was as popular a choice for engagement rings back in the 1900’s as diamonds are today.
Opal
Since the opal can manifest different colors, people believed it had supernatural powers. It is said to be the most mysterious of gemstones, inspiring optimism, creativity, and lessening inhibitions when it comes to feelings of love and passion. Ancient Romans linked the stone to hope and love, while Greeks revered it for its clairvoyant properties and thought it brought good health to its owner.
Blue Topaz
Topaz’s energy is harnessed from the sun and is believed to be one of the warmest, embodying properties that enhance feelings of love, friendship, and fidelity.
Turquoise
Turquoise is considered a protective stone. Ancient Persians used the stone to ward off harm and ill-intent referred to as the “evil eye.” It is believed to heal the heart of old wounds, bringing tranquility to its wearer. It is also a great stone to add some color to your wardrobe!
Shop Vivid Colorful Gemstones in San Diego
Whether you believe these colorful gemstones have certain mystical properties or simply love learning about their history, we hope this article helped you choose which gemstone will make your engagement ring perfect. Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers has been in business for over 38 years and offers a wide variety of unique engagements rings featuring many of these prized gemstones. Be sure to stop by our luxurious jewelry store in San Diego, where our friendly salespeople can help you select the perfect ring for your big day.
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