Gemstones are mineral rocks that have been cut, polished, and turned into jewelry. Historically, gemstones were classified into two types: precious and semi-precious. There are only four gemstones that were classified as precious: diamond, emerald, ruby, and sapphire. All other stones are classified as semi-precious.
These days, this distinction no longer holds true, and semi-precious gemstones can be considered as high-quality and valuable as these four precious gemstones.
Many gemstones are thought to hold special meaning and powers for those who wear them. These beliefs stem from different mythologies, folklore, and cultures like ancient Greece, Rome, Egypt, and even the Bible. Knowing the hidden meanings behind each gemstone can help you decide which piece of jewelry to buy. Here are some guiding tips to bear in mind.
How to purchase gemstone jewelry
The 4Cs are used to determine the value of a precious stone. The purity of a gem’s color, the symmetry of its cut, the extent of its clarity, and the size of its carat are all factors that come into play when deciding the value and price of gemstone jewelry. When shopping for diamonds, the cut is the main deciding factor while color remains the most important attribute for the remaining precious stones.
Diamond: the symbol of forever
The diamond is a symbol of love and faithfulness, and is traditionally used in engagement rings and wedding bands. This is one of the hardest substances found on earth, and it scores a perfect 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. The diamond’s rarity, strength, and fortitude serves as the perfect symbol of a marriage’s longevity.
It is also the birthstone for April birthday celebrants and the gem of choice for those celebrating their 10th and 60th wedding anniversaries.
The Taylor-Burton pear-shaped diamond is an example of how a great diamond is almost always tied to a great romance. This was a gift by the actor Richard Burton to the love of his life Elizabeth Taylor. The diamond was originally set as a ring but due to its large size, Elizabeth commissioned Cartier to turn it into a custom necklace instead.
Sapphire: the royal favorite
Sapphires come in a variety of colors, the most famous of which is cobalt blue. They are the second hardest stone after diamonds with a rating of 9 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness. A sapphire stone is believed to have restorative properties and can promote inner peace. This stone is one of the most popular gemstones used in royal jewels.
Sapphire jewelry, like this tennis blue necklace, is the ideal gift for those who are born in September and are celebrating their 5th and 45th wedding anniversaries.
One of the most famous sapphire stones is the oval blue Ceylon sapphire engagement ring. Its current owner is Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, and was originally worn by Diana, the late Princess of Wales.
Emerald: the rarest of them all
The emerald’s vibrant green hue is associated with hope, renewal, and new beginnings. For these reasons, it’s the perfect gemstone to give at the beginning of a romantic relationship. This stone also represents the joys of Spring, and also grants the wearer abundance and happiness.
Emerald jewelry, like this halo diamond and emerald ring, is given to those who were born in the month of May and are celebrating their 20th and 35th wedding anniversaries.
The Vladimir tiara remains a favorite of Queen Elizabeth’s, which she would usually wear with large emerald stones interspersed through the tiara’s loops.
Ruby: a passionate gem
Because of ruby’s likeness to the color of blood, many believed this stone to hold the power of life. It was also believed to provide the wearer with courage, vitality, and victory. This stone was also known to inspire passion, which is why it’s the perfect gift for a woman in love.
Ruby jewelry is often given as a symbol of one’s love and devotion. It’s the birthstone for July birthday celebrants and the gemstone for people celebrating their 15th and 40th wedding anniversaries.
