The Secrets of Gem Stone Jewelry
Why is it when we see that beautiful gem stone our eyes glaze over and we dream about owning and wearing it? What is the magic in these gem stones? Yes, we must admit they are certainly beautiful, but why do they evoke such deep feelings? The answer is below.
Gem lore is entwined within many cultures dating back many centuries. In most every culture certain gems have magical, metaphysical powers attached to them. Even in our modern society there are still followers of these deep beliefs. Could it be the rest of us also feel the magic but are just not aware of why we are drawn to certain gems?
Back to the beginning of civilization there has always been a fascination with gem stones. In early civilization the blue sapphire was believed to produce visions of the heavens, while the red ruby was believe to improve the very essence of life.
By Roman times rings were designed the incorporated several different colored gems. These rings dictated how powerful the wearer was. The more powerful you were the more rings you wore until every finger had a ring.
In ancient times, and even still today, colored gem stones are thought to posses magical powers and hold the ability to assist the wearer with certain attributes.
Some gems are believed to have healing qualities. Emeralds are thought to be good for the eyes, while yellow stones cure jaundice, and red stones stop the flow of blood.
Certain colors also dictated a position or place in society. In ancient times a ruby worn by a man would indicate nobility or lordship, while a ruby worn by a woman would indicate pride and obstinacies. A blue sapphire worn by a man represented wisdom, while a blue sapphire worn by a woman represented jealousy in love and vigilance. An emerald worn by a man represented joy and hope, while an emerald worn by a woman indicated too much ambition and a childish personality. Strange you may think, but if you think about it, even in modern society we tend to make an impression in our mind of a person by the jewelry they wear.
Gem stones are also associated with magical powers. These gems with magical powers were not only used in jewelry, but placed in talismans, amulets, and healing tools. They were used by medicine men, pagans, healers, religious leaders, as well as individuals.
Colored gems, because of the magical powers associated with them, achieved extensive use as talismans and amulets; as predictors of the future; as therapeutic aids; and as essential elements to many religious practices-pagan, as well as used by many individuals. Even today the magical powers of these gems are still recognized and used.
Natural gems are found in nature, then cut and polished to the stage you find in jewelry. If you were to see many of these gems in their raw state I think you might be surprised and I bet you wouldn't even recognize most of them.
Gem stones are also created in laboratories. These storms are referred to as laboratory or synthetic gems. These lab gem stones have almost identical qualities to the natural gems. They can look as good as a natural gem and they are much cheaper!
There are also imitation stones on the market. These stones look like natural stones but they are made of glass or plastic. They may also be a less quality stone that looks much like the natural precious gem. Imitation stones are very affordable.
Both imitation and laboratory gems must be clearly identified so the consumer knows what they are buying. Gems may be measured by weight, size, or both. When gem stones are measured by size it is expressed in millimeters.
Some jewelers will enhance a natural stone by using one of the gem stone treatments available. This treatment can improve the strength and durability of a gem, and enhance or change the color of the gem. These treatments will allow jewelers to make jewelry from gems that otherwise may not have been acceptable for jewelry.
This treatment is not permanent and can affect the value and the color may change over time. A jeweler should disclose if a stone has been treated. Often you can buy treated stones at a considerable lower cost than non treated, so if you are looking for a deal and are not concerned about how long it will last then treated stones are okay, however if you are hoping to enjoy your gem stone for a life time, do not buy a treated gem stone.
Today gem stone are worn because of their natural beauty and a person's attachment to a specific gem stone. Some individuals also buy gems because of their mystical or magical qualities. What ever your reason for buying a piece of jewelry, the most important thing to remember to buy the piece you love! If you buy the gem stone jewelry you love you will wear it, enjoy it, and treasure it for years to come!
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