A Guide to Popular Gemstones & Their Meanings

Opel and gold gemstone earrings

Gemstones and their meanings in jewellery

Along with using precious stones for aesthetic reasons or to project power and wealth, there is also a very long history of humans believing that certain types of gems may provide protection, healing and more.

Here is a brief account of some of the common and favourite gemstones and their possible meanings. This may help you out when choosing gemstone jewellery either for yourself or as a gift.

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The first historical references to the use of gemstones and crystals date back as far as 5000 BC. Ancient Sumerians, Egyptians, Chinese and other ancient cultures have a deep-rooted history with various gemstones. Even more ancient are Palaeolithic burial sites over 30,000 years old which contain mammoth ivory beads.

Even in the modern world, gemstone jewellery is popular not only for its beautiful aesthetic quality but also because of the meanings that people associate with different types of stones. Each gemstone is unique and can carry its own unique significance to the wearer. This is specifically significant when certain gemstones relate to a date of birth.

Whether you prefer to choose the more well-known gemstones or want to make a statement with more unusual and distinctive stones, the guide below can help you.

Gemstones make an ideal gift as they show that you have considered the person you are giving the item of jewellery to and how it relates to them.

Here are few of the most common gemstones used in jewellery ….

Topaz

Topaz is a silicate mineral made up of aluminium and fluorine. It comes in a variety of colours, depending on the imperfections or impurities in the gemstone. Topaz gems can be white (colourless), yellow, orange, brown, pink, red and blue. Some topaz stones are heat treated to improve their colour.

Brazil holds the largest amount of topaz in the world, but it is also found in Southeast Asia and parts of Africa.

White topaz is a prismatic stone that looks white but may give off subtle hints of colour depending on its angle and direction of light. It is said to support awareness by clearing your thoughts and helping you create a clear path. Some people use this stone for manifestation and better understanding their identity.

Rose quartz

Rose quartz is one of the most popular and commonly known gemstones. It's a type of quartz which has a pink colouring, most often created by trace amounts of titanium, iron, or manganese. The colour can vary from the palest - almost white - pink to a richer pink-ish mauve.

Not only is the dusty pink colour of rose quartz beautiful to look at, but it's also said to hold calming energy and help heal old wounds.

Due to the pink colouring, this stone has an association with love. Some people believe it soothes heartache in romantic relationships and eases suffering.

Amethyst

Amethyst is another highly prized gemstone with long and rich history. It's also a type of quartz and owes its violet colour to irradiation, impurities of iron and in some cases other metals and trace elements. The colour of amethyst gemstones can vary from the palest lilac to a rich dark purple.

Its intriguing colour has made it the preferred gemstone of those who are interested in magic and spirituality. Witches and healers alike have a long history of using this stone to help encourage visions.

Amethyst is also popular for meditation. It is said to help you manage your emotions and calm anxiety when you keep it close to your body. There are those who believe it will help you to find balance and eliminate excess in your life.

Aquamarine

Aquamarine comes in an array of lighter blues and sometimes light greens, mimicking the myriad of colours in the ocean. It's a variety of beryl, of which emerald is another variety.

This gorgeous stone promotes physical and mental health. It was historically seen as a symbol for youth and happiness due to its colour. It is also said to provide protection, especially for keeping sailors safe while in dangerous waters. It also protects other travellers and is synonymous with harmony and tranquillity.

Aquamarine is the birthstone for March, making it a perfect gift for someone with a March birthday.

Moonstone

This is popular gemstone and has very pretty qualities and can change lustre depending on the light. Moonstone is popular when used in rings, pendants and earrings.

Moonstones are known as the stone of new beginnings, and for good reason. By awakening your feminine energy, they promote emotional balance and aid in the self-discovery of what you really want and need.

With links to the crown, third eye, and heart chakras, Moonstones soothe emotional instability and stress by balancing your emotions and providing calmness, preparing you for the journeys ahead.

You will find a collection of moonstone earrings in the shop which would make a lovely gift for someone special – or why not treat yourself.

Vintage Style Aquamarine earrings