Explore The World of Gemstones – An In-Depth Look At Its Meaning And Key Facts
So, howdy to all Jewelry lovers! Imagine you are on your way home and happen to cross by a Jewelry store showcasing these gorgeous, aesthetic, and sparkling Jewelry pieces decorated with colorful and mesmerizing stones or crystals. You wonder how, nowadays, these gemstones are inviting a massive customer base throughout the world compared to those typical gold or silver pieces among fashion-conscious folks, flaunting their unique personalities and complementing their clothing with some glittery grace, elegance, and luxury.
Meanwhile, a question pops up into your mind: what exactly are these gems, how on earth do they occur, or what makes them an ideal and preferred choice among people fond of trendy and designer Jewelry? Right? Well, these above questions land us directly into the world of these classic gems, where we get to know their meaning, formation, types, and ancient significance. So, what are we waiting for? Let's get started with their meaning here:
What Do You Mean By Gemstones?
In simple words, these gemstones, or crystals, are a product, or let's say, the blessing of Mother Nature in the form of minerals, rocks, or organic matter, formed deep within the earth and brought to the surface by sudden explosions of molten rocks. Humans have been enchanted by the irresistible beauty of these gems for ages and embraced their exquisite color theme, durability, glossy luster, and classic aesthetic look to add a sense of grandeur to their personality as well as artifacts and even weapons.
You must know that all gemstones don't need to be extracted from the earth; some left us jaw-dropped through their organic origin, just like pearls and amber, whereas some are made in labs. Not to mention a vast rainbow color base of these crystals that adds significance to their use in Jewelry, from green, blue, reds, and yellows to browns, pinks, white, black, oranges, and the list never ends. Now, let's know how these gems form in nature.
Hypnotized By An Unmatched Earthy Allure? Find Out Phenomenal Geological Formation Of Gemstones
No doubt, sometimes the combination of extreme heat, pressure, compression, and a wait of millions of years can do wonders, secretly deep within the earth's interiors. Since every crystal carries unique physical characteristics and takes place in specific geological conditions, so, to give you a brief idea of how gemstones are formed, we have categorized the process into various steps to simplify how these minerals occur within the earth. Let's have a look:
- Igneous Rocks – This type of rock is typically the result of magma cooling below the earth's surface. The most popular gemstones formed through this process are diamonds, Amethyst, citrine, emeralds, garnet, moonstone, etc. These crystals contain carbon deposits exposed to high pressure and later brought to the earth's surface through volcanic eruptions.
- Metamorphic Rocks – These rocks are formed due to the intense heat and pressure deep within the earth's crust. Metamorphic rocks are simply pre-existing rocks, and the color depends on the presence of minerals during the formation. Calcite, Lapis, Kyanite, Garnet, Tanzanite, Ruby, and emeralds are some of the gems in this setting.
- Sedimentary Rocks – This type of rock forms when mineral-rich water reacts with minerals on the earth's surface. A variety of impeccable gemstones take place in this category, such as Opal, Malachite, Chalcedony, Turquoise, and Azurite etc. When water gets through the cracks and cavities in the earth and creates layers of minerals, it gets thicker over the years and turns into stone.
- Hydrothermal – It is a captivating process where crystals occur when mineral-rich water enters the earth's cracks and cavities. As this water gets cold, the different minerals present in the water start crystalizing, forming these exceptional gemstones like alexandrite.
Roam Into The Ancient Aisles Of Dazzling Gemstones – A Gaze At Gemstones' History And Cultural Folklore
Since now you've got an idea about how these little wonders landed on the earth. Now let's move our journey towards how a variety of cultures and religions across the world perceived the beauty, charm, aura, and magical therapeutic powers of these crystals for well-being and several aspects of life.
From ancient civilizations to the modern era, these tiny sparkles have been a crucial and celebrated part of human culture for thousands of years. Whether decorating adornments like crowns of kings and queens, using as amulet talismans against negativity, enriching royal beauty treatments, or being revered in religious ceremonies, gemstones have covered a long yet worthy and commendable journey across the world, broke cultural barriers, and blessed humanity a symbol of health, wealth, and status.
Ancient Gemstone Jewelry History: A Timeline
Let's simply look at the timeline of magical gemstones through various cultures to help you gain a faster insight. Take a look:
- Ancient China
Jade was unarguably the most cherished and famous crystal during the ancient Chinese era, where it was celebrated as a symbol of purity, serenity, and good fortune. Glancing at its myriad array of shades, like white, yellow, green, blue, brown, cream, grey, lavender, orange, red, violet, and their combinations, the stone was used in classic Jade Jewelry and decorative art pieces which are often get passed to next generations as a family treasure. The stone was known as "yu" or "the royal gem" around 3000 BC and there were enticing Jade carvings on ceremonial dishes, vases, Jewelry, and furnishings. In fact, Chinese people used to be buried with Jades.
- Ancient Egypt
Ancient Egyptians believed in the celestial powers of gemstones and showed their devotion by using them as protective talismans to keep negative, toxic, and bad influences away. In fact, the Lapis was highly revered with its glorious deep blue hues and used in gorgeous Lapis rings or Lapis pendants to connect themselves with god and promote intellect and spiritual enlightenment. Besides Lapis, they were also impressed by Turquoise, Carnelian, and Amethyst that were used in Egyptian pharaohs' tombs, especially Tutankhamun's famous burial mask, dating back to 1324 BC which was found in 1922, decorated with Lapis, quartz, Carnelian, feldspar, Turquoise, red jasper and amazonite.
- Ancient Greece
Ancient Greeks started enjoying the charm of gemstone Jewelry around 1600 BC when they used to wear intricate accessories engraved with the images of gods and goddesses. By 300 BC, semi-precious stones like Amethyst and pearls garnered their eyes on Jewelry. During the great Alexandar's influence, lavish accessories were made with colorful stones like pearls, emeralds, garnet, Carnelian, agate, and Peridot.
- Ancient Roman
In Roman culture, people believed these celestial gemstones had magical therapeutic powers that could influence the consequences of various events, such as battles and legal disputes. In fact, they were used as symbols of wealth, power, and social status, such as garnets, pearls, emeralds, and sapphires. Starting from 700 BC, these Romans had remarkable access to these gemstones. Not to forget, Men's rings were quite famous during the Roman era, made of Amethyst or orange Carnelian, and often worn on all ten fingers.
- Ancient Medieval Europe
In ancient Middle Age Europe, various valuable gemstones were famously revered in churches during the 5th to 16th century AD to invite good luck, prosperity, and tranquility and alleviate natural calamities and human disasters like plagues, superstitions, or fears. People used to wear gemstone Jewelry as amulets to ward off mishappenings, evil eyes, and bad luck. The craze of gemstones took a sharp turn during the 16th century with the invention of tools to cut diamonds.
- The Renaissance Period
During the Renaissance, gemstones were praised for creating Jewelry that flaunted luxury and opulence and genuinely worked like a charm to restore the richness of culture and art. People during this era were quite interested in precious gems like diamonds to enhance their silhouette.
- The Victorian Era
The modern Victorian era enjoyed and witnessed a vast range of gemstone Jewelry designs and styles made using gem materials like agate, amber, Amethyst, chalcedony, diamond, emerald, garnet, malachite, pearls, quartz, topaz, and turquoise. However, the mourning period after the death of Queen Victoria's husband, Prince Albert, in 1860 introduced the trend of black and darker gems like black onyx.
What Types of Gemstones Are There To Lure Us? Precious Vs Semi-Precious Gemstone Guidebook
Are you still stuck among the evergreen allure of diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and sapphires? No doubt, they all are dazzling, but do you know that there is a massive world of gemstones for you to unveil, where you can find thousands of options to glorify your unique fashion sense? The world doesn't only revolve around these 4 gems; you can unlock a vast variety belonging to specific groups of Precious and Semi-precious stones.
Know here what these "precious" and "semi-precious" terms stand for.
What Are Precious Gemstones?
Precious means elite, which is what gemstones in this category stand for. Diamonds, Rubies, Emeralds, and Sapphires. Simply, these are the OGs of the Jewelry niche, coming with a rich history of being embraced by royalty, adding grace and status to their aura. Holding more value than semi-precious stones, these 4 gems carry a sparkling charm with the vibrance of vivid colors that can make any wearer feel like a queen on the red carpet. Have a look at how you can incorporate these gems into your everyday life and attain the utmost healing:
- Diamond Rings – Beyond being a status symbol, diamond rings are something that steals everyone's heart, especially girls and ladies, and can effortlessly upgrade their look to be more elegant, graceful, and classy. Whether worn as wedding rings or engagement rings, diamonds never go out of trend.
- Ruby Bracelets – A romantic gem with heart-melting bright red, brownish-red, or dark red shades. Gifting a Ruby bracelet will instantly bring a rosy glow to your lady love's cheeks and make her reminisce it as your token of love. Plus, it welcomes vitality, confidence, and creativity into the wearer's life.
- Emerald Pendants – This glittering green-colored gem is associated with fertility, abundance, and good fortune. Gifting an emerald pendant to your loved ones evokes a sense of love, compassion, and harmony and reduces stress and mental anxiety with its lush green shades.
- Sapphire Earrings – This dark, deep blue-colored gem was associated with Apollo, the god of the sun, music, and prophecy. Wearing these Sapphire earrings brings wisdom, truth, and spiritual growth.
What Are Semi-Precious Gemstones?
Semi-precious gemstones may not enjoy the same hype as the precious ones, but they also don't lag in impressing enthusiasts with their variety of astonishing color combinations and affordability, of course! Due to their impeccable shades, delightful luster, and prominent hardness, they are highly desirable worldwide in regular and occasional Jewelry pieces. Some of the semi-precious stones include alexandrite, agate, Amethyst, aquamarine, garnet, lapis lazuli, moonstone, opal, pearl, Peridot, rose quartz, tanzanite, tourmaline, turquoise, etc.
Let's take a look at using these semi-precious stones in your day-to-day life:
- Garnet rings – The deep red hues of Garnet rings symbolize love, trust, and commitment between two souls. Wearing this gem enhances one's creative and spiritual energy and improves self-esteem.
- Lapis Earrings – This deep blue, lustrous gem is associated with the serene sky, the heavens, and the gods. When worn as Lapis earrings, its rich color reminds us of the night sky and brings inner peace and joy.
- Moonstone Bracelets – Having a white, silver shine with a hint of blue, the classic adularescent effect of these Moonstone bracelets brings emotional stability and instills feelings of calmness and balance.
- Opal Pendants – The mesmerizing Opal pendants with a stunning display of colors, like oranges, reds, greens, blues, and yellows, bring creativity, intuition, and emotional equilibrium.
- Rose Quartz Necklace – The delicate pink color of a Rose Quartz Necklace, ranging from light to a deep rose pink, conveys a strong bond and love feelings among couples and activates heart chakra and skin healing.
- Peridot Rings – Gifting this gorgeous pure-green Peridot ring to your partner is believed to bring positivity and mental well-being. The "gem of the sun" in Egypt, it removes negative emotions and serves best as August's birthstone.
- Turquoise Bracelets – This vibrant and gorgeous blue-colored gemstone was linked with the sky goddess Nut, and wearing them as Turquoise Bracelets was believed to protect against evil spirits and promote good health and prosperity.
- Amethyst Pendants – A stunning purple variety and a birthstone for February, wearing these dazzling Amethyst pendants was believed to protect you from drunkenness and promote spirituality.
Final Question – Where To Buy Authentic and Trendy Gemstone Jewelry?
Whether you are enchanted by the beauty of these little colorful wonders or seeking to absorb their therapeutic powers, Rananjay Exports is a one-stop solution. Serving since 2013, we are a trusted and renowned wholesale gemstone Jewelry manufacturer and supplier where you can explore a wide range of 925 sterling silver Jewelry made with more than 250 varieties of authentic, and trendy gemstones. Zodiac Sign Jewelry, Birthstone Jewelry, Chakra Jewelry, Sea-life Jewelry, we have everything that entices you. Visit us now!