Gemstone's are nature's wonders. These gems come in a vast array of colors, so much so that they are guaranteed to please the taste and personal preferences of virtually anyone. This blog post will discuss some of the most popular gemstones of all time, by teaching you all about their origin, history, and meaning, among other key factors inherent to these stones, so that you can take advantage of their colors, decide which gemstone serves you best, and choose the perfect gemstone rings for you and your loved ones.
Rubies
The ruby is one of the four precious stones in nature, along with sapphire, emerald, and diamonds, and it is extremely hard, second only to a diamond in hardness. In fact, in the ancient Sanskrit language, the ruby is called ratnaraj, which translates to, “king of precious stones.”
Historical records point to rubies' first appearance in the Chinese trade route, along the country's North Silk Road as early as 200 BC. Chinese noblemen were known for adorning themselves with this gem, believing that it granted them protection. From at least 600 AD to this day, rubies continue to be sourced mainly from Asia, mainly in the country Myanmar, but also in Afghanistan, Cambodia, India, Pakistan, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam. In Africa, they are known to be mined in Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, and can also be found in the United States.</
Accounts on the origins of rubies are full of legends that relate to protection, wisdom, and the divine. In ancient India, people believed rubies enabled their owners to live in peace with their enemies. In Myanmar, warriors would insert these gems in their bodies prior to fighting battles, believing they were protection amulets that would render them invincible. In Christianity, the ruby has been defined as the most precious of the 12 stones created by God.
Over the centuries, rubies have retained their importance and popularity in the West, remaining one of the most sought-after gems among members of the royalty or the upper-class in Europe. Over time, they acquired a meaning of wealth, health, wisdom, and success in love in both Europe and the US.
Due to their red color, rubies are known for being strong gems that cause an undeniable impact on those who wear them and those who see them. Some believe that rubies have a unique ability to convey passion and intensity, so they are considered to be very romantic stones that continue to be in high demand, especially among lovebirds. A solid symbol of passion, rubies make the ideal romantic gift, yet also carry a meaning of wealth and success.
Ruby rings also have the advantage of coming in red hues that can range from deep scarlet to pinkish undertones, being able to please just about any personal preference. Rubies are also useful to upgrade any night outfit, as their darker red hues makes them a good accessory choice to be worn at, say, evening social gatherings and events.
Sapphires
Sapphire comes from the Greek word sappheiros, which means blue stone. So, it comes as no surprise that sapphires are widely known to come in blue hues in folklore, history, art, and in the eyes of consumers. Yet, depending on their trace element content, sapphire varieties can also come in violet, green, yellow, orange, pink, purple, and intermediate hues. In reality, these gemstones can come in many shades within the corundum, except for red, which would then be a ruby. Significant sapphire deposits are found mostly in Asia, as well as in some African countries such as Mozambique and Malawi and Madagascar, Colombia, Australia, and Montana in the US.
This precious stone has historically been a symbol of nobility, truth, sincerity, and faithfulness. No wonder it has been associated with royalty and romance. Therefore, it has been commonly used by royalty and clergy members for centuries. In modern years, it became a staple for British royalty, as Prince Charles proposed to Princess Diana with a blue sapphire engagement ring. Its extraordinary color is a standard of measurement for other blue gems, ranging from topaz to tanzanite.
In ancient Greece and Rome, monarchs were convinced that blue sapphires protected whoever owned them from envy and harm. During the Middle Ages, the European clergy wore blue sapphires to symbolize Heaven, so the non-noble people believed they were a magnet for heavenly blessings. Some say that in other times and places, people assumed sapphires had the power to guard chastity, make peace between enemies, and influence spirits, among other popular beliefs.
Perhaps due to their natural variety of hues, sapphires are the most popular precious stones among blue-shaded gemstones like tanzanite, turquoise, aquamarine, blue topaz, and some shades of opal. Of all precious stones, sapphires are believed to remind us of peace and stillness and described as having unique soothing, calming, and balancing properties. In addition to being absolutely beautiful and charming, these gems suit any taste and just as in the case of rubies, they complement any skin tone. Discover our vast variety of sapphire gemstone rings by browsing our website.
Emeralds
The first records of the word emerald trace back to the 1200s. The term comes from the Old French esmeralde, which in turn comes from the Greek smáragdos, meaning “green gem.” This gem may even derive from a Semetic word that means “shine.” Most emeralds are formed in metamorphic rock.
Emeralds are part of the group of green precious gemstones, along with tsavorite, olive green peridot, and green tourmaline. Yet, the emerald is the bluish green to green variety of beryl, a mineral special that includes aquamarine. In fact, emerald is the most valued variety of beryl, one that was once cherished by Spanish conquistadors, Inca kings, and pharaohs. Today, these gems come from Africa, South America, and Central Asia.
Because green is a naturally harmonious color, emeralds have a key advantage to them, namely that of being easily paired with many different colors around them. For that very same reason, they can also be accessorized with many different outfits, due to their complementary and harmonizing properties. In addition, they suit people with green and blue eyes very well, but also highlight brown and hazel eyes. And last but not least, they also perfectly suit any skin tone and are very much used to make neutral clothes look more vibrant, while at the same time keeping the fashionable look of whoever wears them chic and distinct in ways that no other gemstone can.
Diamonds and pearls
What we know as white gemstones includes diamonds and pearls, as both fall within that special gemstone category. Diamonds are popularly known for being everlasting, and pearls are simply classy in a distinct, charming way. The two of them are also extremely versatile, as they suit any skin complexion and can be paired with any outfit.
Discover our selection of diamond fashion rings and pearls if you want to make an investment in your jewelry box that will literally last for a lifetime and for generations to come. The two gems come in whitish hues that give them the unique added benefit of suiting any skin tone.
Discover the best gemstone rings in Tennessee (TN)
At Lamon Jewelers, we truly cherish gemstones and offer the very best selection to our customers. Now that you are aware of America's favorite gems and how to use gemstone rings to your advantage, come see our irresistible selection of them for yourself!
Drop by one of our store locations that is most convenient and closest to you. We are located in Knoxville, Maryville and Gatlinburg in East Tennessee (TN). Our team will be more than happy to welcome you and to answer any questions you may have about these precious gems. For more info on gemstones, fashion rings and jewelry inspiration join our community and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest!
