September 11, 2024

The Ultimate Guide to Gemstones

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Over the centuries, cultures across the globe have contributed to the legend and meaning surrounding gemstones. Although diamonds always seem to be the most talked about, rubies, emeralds and sapphires - with their vibrant and glorious colors - each have their own important stories to tell.

Rubies

In Sanskrit, the word for ruby is ratnaraj, or “king of precious stones.” Many early cultures believed, because of the stone’s likeness to the color of blood, that rubies held the power of life. Among European royalty and the upper classes, rubies were thought to guarantee good health, wealth, wisdom, and success in love.

Image of ruby and gold square hoop earrings

Ruby Interlocking Square Hoops

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Emeralds

Associated with nature, growth, and harmony, green gemstones such as emeralds signify renewal, fertility, and eternal love. Legend has it that some cultures believed that placing an emerald under the tongue could help one see the future, reveal truths, and be protected from evil spells. Cleopatra, Egypt’s iconic female monarch, was famous for wearing emeralds, and Ancient Egyptian mummies were often buried with emeralds on their necks, said to symbolize eternal youth.

Image of a green emerald tennis bracelet set in yellow gold

14k Gold Emerald Flexible Eternity Bangle

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Sapphires

Sapphires form naturally in a wide range of colors, from the popular blue to more unusual pink, yellow and purple. Blue sapphires symbolize serenity, wisdom, and loyalty, and are ideal for expressing calmness and trust in a lifelong commitment. As such, blue sapphire engagement rings are a stunning and particularly meaningful choice for bridal jewelry and were once the preferred gem for engagement rings.

Image of a blue sapphire ring set in a gold band

14k Gold Sapphire Bezel Set Ring

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