Gemstone List - Gemstone Lore and History
The story of gemstones is as old as the hills in which they formed, millions of years ago. Ancient burial sites show that gems were used for weapons as well as for adornment for 20,000 years. Folklore and legends about gemstones have been handed down throughout the centuries, and the beauty of gemstones have been revered for thousands of years.
The power of gemstones: the history, healing properties and lore of gemstones are fascinating. Gemstones have long been thought to have medicinal properties. Chinese, Asian and the ancient Ayurvedic ('knowledge of life') medicine still involves therapies of healing with gemstones.
We carry a wide selection of gemstones in our sterling silver jewelry designs, each with it's own unique history and lore. We hope you'll find the information provided below most helpful as you select the gemstone which fits your unique personality. We know you'll find the gemstone you'll love!
Amber is an organic gemstone and a natural wonder. Ancient conifers produced resin... and amber gemstones are from fossilized resin.
The royal purple amethyst gem is February's Birthstone. Amethyst is also the gem for the 4th (alt.), 6th and 17th wedding anniversaries as well as the zodiac sign of Aquarius. Amethyst is Wednesday's Day-Of-Birth gemstone. The color purple is traditionally the color of royalty and amethyst has been used since the dawn of history to adorn the rich and powerful monarchs and rulers. Leonardo Da Vinci wrote that amethyst was able to dissipate evil thoughts and quicken the intelligence. And, because amethyst was thought to encourage celibacy and symbolize piety, the amethyst gemstone was very important in the ornamentation in the churches in the Middle Ages. In the past, great importance was attached to protection against passion: people hoped that by wearing amethyst they could cool their passion. Amethyst was considered to be the stone of bishops and they still often wear amethyst jewelry. The amethyst gemstone is said to bring serenity and calm, to enhance one's ability to assimilate new ideas, and to assist during meditation. See our Amethyst Jewelry
Black Onyx
Black onyx is the alternate birthstone for February, the mystical birthstone for December and a lucky charm for the astrological sign of Leo. It is also the gemstone for the 10th wedding anniversary. Black onyx has been used in jewelry for many years and it was extremely popular with jewelry designers in the Victorian and Art Deco periods where it was set in slabs in geometric jewelry designs. We've updated black onyx jewelry to modern-day in our unique custom designs. We have also paired onyx with pearls for a sophisticated style in black and white. Black onyx jewelry looks great with everything you'll wear from casual to dressy.
Blue Topaz
Blue Topaz is the birthstone of December and the Zodiac gemstone for Scorpio Blue topaz is said to enhance one's communicative abilities, helping to more easily and clearly express oneself. And it is believed that topaz will enhance one's spiritual potential, to increase intelligence and creativity, and to impart wisdom and wealth! See Blue Topaz Jewelry.
Citrine
Citrine is a beautiful soft gold-colored gemstone, and especially gorgeous when combined with sterling silver! The name citrine comes from the old French word citrin for this golden yellow gemstone and is said to be especially useful in stimulating one's mental capacities, enhancing creativity & intuition and bolstering one's self-confidence. Citrine Jewelry
Coral Jewelry - Red Coral
Red coral (precious coral) is a marine coral and because of it's beautiful red color it's used in jewelry making. The natural coral can be polished to a high shine. And red coral has been worn throughout history, dating as far back as Egyptian and prehistoric European burial sites. Wear red coral all year long! From summer whites to beautiful blacks to tropical prints your red coral looks stunning with all! Red Coral Jewelry
Garnet is the modern January birthstone and the gem for the 2nd and 6th wedding anniversary - view all our Sterling Silver and Garnet Jewelry Beautiful, red garnets have been revered throughout history. The name Garnet originates with the Latin granatum malum which means pomegranate - a red fruit with beautiful red seeds. The inside of the pomegranate looks as if it is studded with small garnet gemstones. Garnet jewelry has been found in burial sites as early as 3000 BC and was thought bring protection in the after-life. Garnets are said to enhance creativity and understanding, and bring success in business. Garnet Jewelry.
Iolite is a lovely blue to violet blue gemstone, resembling Tanzanite. Iolite is also known as Vikings' Compass and is often called Water Sapphire. It's healing properties are said to bring harmony and well-being to personal relationships. Iolite is also said to help bring on visions. Iolite Jewelry
Jade is an interesting gem stone. The name is applied to two different silicate materials. It is a very tough material and was first used for axe heads, knives and weapons. It was only when other materials were found that could be used for these purposes that jade become a prized gem stone. Jade is either green or creamy in color, while jadeite comes in a variety of colors. In New Zealand, where nephrite jade is known as greenstone and not gem stone, the Maoris consider it a treasure. In traditional Maori designs, this gem stone is still widely used to make jewelry. Jade is the official gem stone of British Columbia. Jade Jewelry
Moonstone
Moonstone is also known as Rainbow Moonstone. And it is the modern June birthstone and the gemstone for Aquarius. Iridescent rainbow moonstone: radiant with the "light of the moon", this lovely feldspar is white with flashes of blue and rainbow light and derives it's moon name from its blue-white sheen. It was once thought that the gem's luster waxed and waned just like the moon itself, and moonstones have always been used in jewelry by moon worshipers. Moonstones are generally set in silver, which brings out their characteristic bluish-silvery sheen. The Romans thought that the wearers of moonstone would receive wisdom, wealth and success in battle. In India, the moonstone is believed to bring good luck and is considered sacred. Moonstone is claimed to be the gemstone for lovers as it symbolizes passion. It is said that it enhances our ability for empathy and understanding and is believed to bestow the power of clairvoyance. Moonstone Jewelry
Pearls represent innocence and a pure heart, and help us get in touch with the simple honest things of life and all the best within us: spiritual transformation, purity, charity, honesty, wisdom and integrity. Pearls also symbolizes love, success, and happiness - and a happy marriage. Pearl is the Modern June birthstone. Pearl Jewelry
Peridot is an ancient gemstone and is very popular today. It is so old that it can be found in Egyptian jewelery from the early second millennium BC. The early Egyptians claimed that peridot glowed by night but was invisible by day. In the Middle ages, peridot was believed to dispel the darkness and terrors of the night. King Edward VII wore a peridot for good luck. For centuries, peridot was found on the island of Zabargad, known as the "serpent isle" in the Red Sea. According to Greek legend vicious snakes lived on the island, guarding the precious stone and killing anyone who dared approach it. Today, peridot is found in the USA, Norway, Ethiopia, Pakistan and even in the Antarctic. The peridot gemstone is of a green color that is special among all gemstones and it has been said that it "shimmers like damp moss in the fall sunshine". Peridot was once known as the “Evening Emerald” and the beautiful green color of peridot gemstones made them the favorite gem of the Baroque period. Peridot is said to bring healing and vitality to the whole body. Peridot is the modern August birthstone. Peridot Jewelry
Rose Quartz is the pretty pink gemstone known as the love stone! It adds positive energy to relationships and represents compassion, forgiveness and harmony. Rose quartz gems are said to be calming and to help clear stored anger, resentment, jealousy, fears. Rose Quartz Jewelry
Turquoise is a beautiful gemstone in a wide range of blues and greens. The name is a very old word , probably derived from the French meaning Turkish stone, although turquoise was not found in Turkey, but was traded there. Iran and the Sinai Peninsula were sources of very fine turquoise. In the United States, the turquoise deposits were mined by pre-Columbian Native Americans. Turquoise Jewelry
