We all hear about gemstone meanings as we grow up. From birthstones to diamonds as a symbol of true love, they hold powerful notions. However, what are the symbolic meanings behind other popular stones?

Throughout history, cultures injected different meanings, significance, and powers into gemstones. Below, we look at a few of the legends history associates with some of our most treasured jewels. 

Emeralds & Gemstone Meanings

According to certain legends, emeralds have a very special power. If you place an emerald under your tongue, some cultures believe it gives you the power to see into the future. However, we tend not to recommend this at our Houston jewelry store. 

Additionally, some cultures believed that an emerald offered protection from evil spells and even had the power to cure diseases. Today, we see this as a beautiful sentiment for an engagement ring, offering health and protection to a loved one!

Amethysts: A Clear, Sober Mind

Due to the color of amethyst, the ancient Greeks associated this gemstone with Bacchus, the god of wine. Moreover, they believed it had the power to prevent intoxication. 

As gemstone meanings go, that’s a bit humorous, but there’s sure to be someone to appreciate that effort. Additionally, some cultures thought amethyst would help the wearer maintain a clear mind and quick wit. 

Aquamarine: Courage and Clarity

Many cultures believed that aquamarine provided the wearer with mental clarity, good health, and courage. With a clear association to water, many sailors wore aquamarine as they traveled at sea. 

Garnet: A Status Symbol

For a long time, people associated garnet with nobility and the clergy. Back in ancient Egypt, the pharaohs often wore garnet necklaces. Moreover, ancient Romans used garnet rings to stamp the wax of important documents. 

With gemstone meanings in mind, garnet seems to have played quite a role as a status symbol. 

Opal: Supernatural Symbolism

As we consider gemstone meanings, opals hold a special place. This single stone has the ability to exhibit so many different colors. As such, people thought it possessed supernatural powers. 

For ancient Romans, the stone symbolized hope and love. To the Greeks, the stone gave wearers the gift of prophecy. Moreover, it guarded them against diseases. 

Throughout history, Europeans considered opals a symbol of purity, hope, and truth. For a time, people also thought it could preserve the color and life of blond hair. 

Topaz: Fidelity & Love

For a long time, topaz symbolized both fidelity and love. Moreover, people believed it bestowed the wearer with strength and intelligence. 

Sapphire: Fidelity 

When it comes to gemstone meanings, the color blue holds a symbolism for fidelity. As such, there was a time when many engagement rings featured sapphires. 

This was before diamonds became the preferred gem in the early 20th century. 

Ruby: Peace, Safety, Royalty

Ancient Hindus believed that anyone who offered a ruby to Krishna would become an emperor in a future life. Additionally, the people of Burma and India believed that this gemstone was a symbol of peace and safety. 

In medieval Europe, people believed that the ruby granted them health, wisdom, wealth, and success in love. 

Peridot: Protection in Sleep

In Egypt, people thought peridot protected them against nightmares. Moreover, they saw it as a bringer of health, confidence, and good luck. In fact, people believe some of the emeralds Cleopatra boasted were actually peridots. 

Pearl: Protection & Purity

Back in ancient China, people believed that pearls offered protection from fires. In Europe, on the other hand, people associated pearls with purity and chastity. For many, pearls keep this association with innocence today. 

Citrine: Healing Quartz

Also known as “healing quartz,” legends say citrine offers vitality and energy to its wearers. Moreover, the Chinese feng shui philosophy states that citrine manifests abundance and wealth. 

Zircon: Protection, Prevention, and Pain Relief

According to some folkloric gemstone meanings, zircon has the power to protect travelers, prevent nightmares, and relieve pain. 

In the Middle Ages, people believed zircon could produce sound sleep and promote wealth, wisdom, and honor. Moreover, some believed it had the power to drive off evil spirits. 

Turquoise: Protection and Power

Throughout history and in modern times, people ascribe special powers to this gemstone. Across the Southwest United States, many Native American tribes wore and wear turquoise as an amulet of protection. 

In ancient Persia (modern-day Iran), some people believe it has the power to ward off the “evil eye,” or the ill will of others.

Gemstone Meanings and Jewels We Wear

Do you believe these gemstone meanings? Does your jewelry hold any special powers? Oftentimes, people hold on to certain pieces as a good luck charm of sorts. 

When you need a little extra protection, stop by our Houston jewelry store! Do you believe your jewelry has special powers or significance? Let us know on Instagram and Facebook.