The symbolic power of precious stones
Precious stones symbolise power and purity. Giving one as a gift is a sign of love, sincerity and fidelity.
Diamond
Diamonds are the most precious, invincible and pure precious stones.
· Symbols: purity, resistance, union, perfection, and eternal love (diamonds are forever...).
· Virtues: diamonds bring strength, strengthen unity and commitment. They are also known as the precious stone of reconciliation.
· Legends: In ancient times, Plato believed that gems like diamonds were the result of fermentation originating in the stars.
Emerald
Extremely precious, brittle green stones.
· Symbols: True love and happiness, cosmic vitality, strength and inner happiness.
· Virtues: Trust. Emerald green soothes, calms nerves and appeases irritation. Emeralds are scientifcally proven to have therapeutic effects on the eyes.
· Legends: The Emperor Nero used to watch gladiators fighting through emeralds. Ancient myths also link emerald to Venus, the goddess of love.
Ruby
Takes its name from its colour.
· Symbols: Fire. Rubies reflect courage, fighting, love and divine charity, vital energy, youth, passion and delight.
· Virtues: Rubies stabilise emotions and keep betrayal at bay. They bring spritual and physical strength.
· Legends: Rubies are placed at the tip of European royals' crowns as a mark of the passion and blood of Christ.
Sapphire
Divine because of their blue shade.
· Symbols: Immortality, purity and wisdom.
· Virtues: Commitment. Sapphire brings the patience to strengthen unions; blue rejects hate.
· Legends: In Ancient Rome and Ancient Egypt, sapphire was regarded as a stone of truth and justice. The Egyptians believed that sapphire controlled the movement of the stars and called it the father of the stars.
Topaz
Known as the saint gem.
· Symbols: Fidelity. Topaz symbolises strength and power and incites spiritual development.
· Virtues: Topaz provides inspiration. Translucid blue topaz refreshes the spirit and aids concentration, helps overcome obstacles and difficulties, helps resolve complicated problems and control passion.
· Legends: In Ancient Egypt topaz represented the sun god Ra, the bringer of life and fertility.
Amethyst
Known as the bishops' stone.
· Symbols: Purity of the soul, power, happiness, sincerity, humility and wisdom.
· Virtues: Brings intellectual and psychological balance. Amethyst protects from bad thoughts and dishonest intentions. Its mauve colour fights depression and stimulates spiritual development.
· Legends: In ancient times, amethyst glasses were made to drink wine because it was believed to prevent you from getting drunk!
Garnet
Usually a fiery or blood red colour.
· Symbols: Consistency and loyalty.
· Virtues: Energy. Garnet brings security, develops intuition, awakens the erotic imagination, is a sign of love and stimulates creativity and passion.
· Legends: In the Middle Ages, garnet was worn to protect crusaders from injury. Ancient magic potions for eye compresses involved a mixture of garnet and eye drops. These were used to strengthen the eyes and cure infections.
Turquoise
An amulet for virgins and young brides.
· Symbols: Success. Turquoise is synonymous with strength, control and freshness of spirit. In Tibetan, it means water and sky, and brings luck and protection.
· Virtues: Purification. Turquoise protects from accidents and harm by absorbing negative energy, and it instils peace and joy. When turquoise pales, it signifies danger for the wearer.
· Legends: Turquoise is the stone of native Americans. Apache chief Geromino wore turquoise to aid his visions. The Aztecs used to measure their wealth by the amount of turquoise they owned.
Coral
Marine coral is used to make jewellery.
· Symbols: Strength. Coral is the Italian gem for good luck.
· Virtues: It protects the wearer, calms emotions and re-establishes harmony. It awakens love, and its red hue is warming. It pales when the wearer is suffering from anaemia.
· Legends: In Ancient China, coral was a symbol of richness, privilege and high social status.
Pearl
Pearls are precious, rare and flawless, like roses.
· Symbols: Health. Like the moon, pearls are a strong symbol of femininity and reflect sexuality, authenticity and beauty.
· Virtues: Pearls are used to ease stomach problems and headaches.
· Legends: In times gone by, it was thought that pearls were the fruit of the union of water with the sea and light with the moon.
The meaning of precious stones
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