Jewelry and Precious Stones. They All Have their Own Special Meaning

People have been fascinated by precious stones since ancient times. At first they were used to make objects to which supernatural and apotropaic powers were attributed. Over the years, they have lost their purely religious significance and become jewelry to wear.

Every stone has its own special meaning, full of symbolism handed down to us from the past, every one with a story to tell. Understanding the meaning behind the most popular and best-loved precious stones in the world can help you to choose the right piece to wear or buy (for yourself or to give to others).

The diamond is the most precious stone of all

The term "diamond" comes from the Greek word "αδαμας", which means "invincible". And one of this precious stone’s main qualities is its indestructibility. It is pure, resistant and luminous and lends itself well to being set in jewelry. It’s a much loved stone for those looking for refined, precious and one-of-a-kind bracelets, necklaces, rings or earrings. Anyone looking for an exceptional piece containing diamonds of various carats can find them up for auction. These precious creations offer a great way to express your personality and support a charitable cause at the same time. Diamonds are associated with many symbolic meanings. In the Middle Ages, they were set in knights' swords to protect them during battles. Nowadays its indestructibility is taken to signify lasting feelings of love over the years. Diamonds are also a symbol of elegance, purity, transparency and brightness, being a colorless stone with a unique ability to reflect light.

Ruby as a symbol of passion and unquenchable love

The term "ruby" comes from the Latin "rubĕus", which means "red". The ancient Romans also called it "carbuncle" due to its color reminiscent of hot embers. The ruby is special because of its color. In ancient times, it was considered the stone of the sun and people believed that in contained a fire that would protect those who owned it from illness and misfortune and grant them victories and success (this is why Cesare Borgia always wore a ruby ring).

Today, the ruby represents passionate love, one that burns and never goes out. It’s also a stone that symbolizes protection, conciliation and happiness. In ancient medicine it was even considered to help against hemorrhages and was often given as a gift to pregnant women. If you’re fascinated by the ruby’s symbolic value then you have a chance to win a red ruby ring at auction and support a noble cause at the same time.

The emerald symbolizes rebirth

The term "emerald" comes from the Greek "σμάραγδος", which means "green stone". It was originally taken as a symbol of the goddess Venus and, as such, was considered an aphrodisiac. The emerald, popular since ancient times, was Cleopatra's favorite precious stone: the Egyptian queen had it set in her jewelry, funeral objects (as a good omen for the afterlife) and in her clothes. But the emerald also lent itself to other uses. For example, the emperor Nero watched fights between gladiators through a lens made with this precious stone.

The emerald is symbolically linked to the concept of rebirth with the color recalling the grass that grows after a long winter. This is why in ancient times it was considered to act as a good omen for the harvesting of the crops. Today, the symbolic quality of the emerald has taken on a different nuance and rebirth refers to the wearer’s personal path. The emerald is considered to stimulate inner growth and self-improvement. Rings, bracelets and earrings set with natural emeralds are stunning and also give off strong, positive vibes.

Tanzanite: The stone that gives energy and brings out spirituality

The term "tanzanite" comes from the country of Tanzania, the only place you can extract this rare, elegant and young stone.

Legends link it to Masai people and culture, who considered it sacred due to its intense blue color. And a tradition that we've inherited from the culture is to give tanzanite to new moms for good fortune. Masai women would receive a blue robe or ornaments as a gift shortly before giving birth because blue was considered a sacred color.

The stone changes color depending on how the light hits it and is considered the stone of change, putting mind, body and spirit in communication to give energy and bring out spirituality. Tanzanite is believed to relieve anxiety and calm panic, protect and strengthen the body and immune defenses, free the wearer from worries and increase self-confidence.

The stone is limited in quantity and present in only one area of the world, making it rare. Its splendid color and interesting history make it unique and a truly original and valuable gift.