| DIAMOND - Derived from the Greek word adamas, which means “invincible,” diamonds represent courage and steadfastness. Throughout history, diamonds have been worn by royalty to protect against the perils of the day such as poisoning, the plague and other misfortunes. | RUBY - In the Middle Ages, rubies were viewed as a stone of prophecy. It was believed that a ruby would darken when its wearer was in danger and that when rubbed on the skin, rubies would restore youth and vitality. Named for the Latin word for hue, ruber, ruby is the gem of desire and passion. |
| SAPPHIRE - Although sapphire is found in a range of colors, its name comes from the Greek word for blue, sappheiros. The blue sapphire, deemed holy, as in “heavenly blue,” was worn by popes and bishops in the Middle Ages. Pink sapphires were believed to promote well-being. Sapphire is the gem of the soul, symbolizing trust and honesty. | SPINEL - Spinel is reputed to have medicinal powers and to cure illnesses of unknown causes. Some say its name comes from the Latin laspinel meaning “a thorn,” and others claim it’s from a Greek word meaning “spark” (referring to the flame-red variety). Mined in Sri Lanka and Burma, spinel is treasured for its brilliance, hardness and wide range of spectacular colors. |
| EMERALD - During the Renaissance, emeralds were given as a symbol of friendship. The stone would stay intact only as long as the friendship lasted. Ancient Egyptians treasured the rich green stone as a symbol of love, rebirth and eternal youth. The Moguls of India loved emeralds so much they inscribed them with sacred text and wore them as talismans. | AQUAMARINE - In Medieval times, it was believed that aquamarine could reawaken the love of married couples, assuring a long and happy union. Legend also says that aquamarine is the treasure of mermaids and “the sailor’s gem,” ensuring safe passage across the seas. |
| TURQUOISE - Turquoise is believed to bring happiness, good fortune and health and to empower its wearer to resist evil and maintain virtue. Originally, referred to as callais, which comes from the Greek kalos lithos meaning “beautiful stone,” the more recent name means Turkish, referring to the fact that early turquoise came to Europe via Turkey. | PEARL - Throughout history, pearls have been admired, even worshipped. It is said that Cleopatra dissolved a priceless pearl into her wine and drank it as a testimony of her love for Antony. In Persian mythology, pearls are called “the tears of the gods.” The ancient Greeks thought pearls were dew from the moon collected by oysters that opened their shells as they floated on the sea at night. |
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