Just as red roses signified passionate love for Victorians, gems represented various meanings as well. The following text discusses commonly used gems in historic times and what they meant for the people who wore them. Before Victorian times, opals were considered to be bad luck. However, Victoria herself changed the tide of feeling toward opals because she not only wore them, she gave them to her daughters on the occasions of their weddings. Of course, who knows if this had anything to do with the huge opal mine that was discovered in Australia in 1870. The sailors� gemstone is aquamarine. It is said to hail from the sea chests of mermaids. Sailors of old carried it for luck. It is also believed to curb the affects of seasickness. Representative of truth, lapis lazuli also signifies friendship. Some have worn it historically to diminish a feeling of shyness. It is also an ancient symbol of wisdom. Garnets are associated with courage, faith and fidelity. Traditionally, garnets are also associated with sexuality and fertility. Jade is associated with good luck. The Chinese have been wearing jade for centuries. They also believe it promotes positive fortune and balance. Sometimes termed the �philosopher�s stone,� sapphires represent tranquility and intelligence. Ancient Egyptians believed rubies embodied courage. It is also associated with contentment and peace. In Plague-stricken Europe, many believed that wearing a diamond could ward off the disease. Historically they have conveyed a feeling of protection to the wearer. The topaz is also associated with good health. Ancient Greeks called it a healing stone. Ancient Romans believed that amber could protect a person from poison. Native Americans aligned turquoise with honor and wealth. The Victorians believed the emerald signified fidelity so it was often promoted as a gift between married couples. Victorians ascribed a charming personality to the peridot. The Chinese associate pearls with longevity and good fortune. Ancient Indian peoples believed it represented the moon. While various gemstones have been associated with specific meanings in the past, today they are vastly loved for their beauty. However, many new age theories promote gems and stones for specific meanings as well. |