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There is a rich body of myth,
legend and folklore surrounding the gemstones that are found in gold jewelry.
Let’s take a look at the qualities that are associated with the most popular
gemstones.
Amethyst
The word “amethyst" is derived from the Greek word “not to
intoxicate" and this led to the belief
that drinking wine from an amethyst cup would prevent drunkenness. The gem was
also thought to protect soldiers, ensure victory, aid hunters, protect against
disease, control evil thoughts, and quicken one’s intelligence. On top of that, it was used as a surface cure for headaches and toothaches,
and said to increase spirituality.
Aquamarine
The name of this gem is derived from the Latin word meaning “sea water" and it
was believed to protect ocean voyagers
and guard against sea monsters. The
ancients also believed that aquamarine soaked in water would treat eye
troubles, respiratory diseases and hiccups. Other popular uses included treatment of
depression and grief and the awakening of love in long marriages. The gem also
signifies the making of new friends.
Ametrine
The Ametrine is a natural blend of Amethyst and Citrine. It is a stunning
combination that flatters all skin tones and complements wardrobes of all
seasons. Its purple color represents
spirituality, passion, mysticism and faith. And its yellow signifies mental and
spiritual enlightenment, vitality, and hope.
The blended stone presents the wearer with a gem symbolic of
spirituality, steadfast loyalty, and a zest for life.
Chalcedony
The gem is named for an ancient seaport. In the Third or Fourth century
A.D. Greek seafarers wore chalcedony to avoid drowning. It was once believed that someone seeing
nocturnal phantoms took in the disease though their eyes, but the “alkaline"
content of chalcedony could remove it.
Chrysoprase
This gem was once used for spiritual protection and it is said to be a “victory
stone." In the 1800s it was believed to help thieves escape execution by
becoming invisible if held in their mouths. The natural green color of this
gemstone which comes from Queensland, Australia
has also earned it the name “Australian Jade."
Carnelian
In the eighth century, the Muslim
leader Ja’afar ibn Muhammad proclaimed that wearing Carnelian would guarantee
the granting of all desires. The stone soon became a popular talisman among the
Muslims. In the 1700s it was known to
bring luck, protection, and comfort and in the 1800s and said to help those who
needed courage to speak. The gem was
also used to promote clear thinking and to balance creativity and mental
processing.
Citrine
The name of the gem was derived
from the French word citron, meaning "lemon." The yellow color of this gem is associated with lightheartedness
and cheerfulness. It is also believed to help one connect with the spirit and is often given as a symbol of hope, youth, health, and
fidelity.
These
are but some of the myths associated with our most popular gems. In my next
article I will look at the folklore connected with other popular gemstones.
Ghost
Writer is a jewelry expert with Lewis Jewelers. Lewis
Jewelers is proud to carry the full line of Pandora Jewelry. For more
information, contact Lewis Jewelers at 877-88-LEWIS or visit www.pandorabraceletsusa.com.
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