Jewelry isn’t just about sparkle and beauty – for centuries, people have believed that gemstones carry special meanings and even powers. 

Whether you’re drawn to a stone for its color, its folklore, or how it makes you feel, it’s fascinating to know what different gems have symbolized throughout history. Choosing a piece of jewelry with a meaningful gemstone can make it feel even more personal. Let’s explore some popular gemstones and the meanings behind their glimmer:

• Diamond – Long associated with eternal love and strength. Diamonds are the hardest natural material, so they’ve come to symbolize unbreakable bonds and resilience. (It’s no coincidence they’re the classic choice for engagement rings, representing enduring love.) Diamonds also stand for purity and clarity.

• Ruby – A fiery red ruby represents passion, love, and courage. Throughout history, rubies were believed to protect warriors in battle and bring vitality and confidence to the wearer. As the July birthstone, ruby’s vibrant color has also symbolized warmth and prosperity (it’s often called the “king of gemstones”).

• 

  Emerald – The lush green emerald signifies rebirth, growth, and harmony.Emeralds have been cherished from Cleopatra’s time to today for their rich color. Green represents spring and renewal, so emeralds are thought to bring freshness, vitality, and good fortune. They’re also symbols of truth and love, believed to deepen the connection between two people.

• Sapphire – Typically deep blue (though they come in many colors), sapphires are linked to wisdom, loyalty, and sincerity. A blue sapphire has an aura of tranquility and stability – it’s said to promote mental clarity and faithfulness. Traditionally, royals favored blue sapphires (Princess Diana’s engagement ring, anyone?) as symbols of wisdom and noble truth. They’re seen as a gem of integrity and trust.

  

• Amethyst – This purple quartz is associated with peace, balance, and spiritual insight. Amethyst has ancient ties to calming energy – Leonardo da Vinci wrote that amethyst could dispel evil thoughts and sharpen intelligence. Often worn to relieve stress or insomnia, it symbolizes tranquility and inner strength. (Fun fact: amethyst was once as prized as rubies and emeralds until more deposits were found!)

• Pearl – Pearls are unique as organic gems, and they’ve long represented purity, innocence, and wisdom gained through experience. In many cultures, pearls are linked to the moon and water, symbolizing calm and intuition. A classic strand of pearls carries an old-world elegance and a sense of virtue. They’re also a traditional gift for brides, representing purity and new beginnings in marriage.
  

• 

  Opal – Opals shine with a rainbow of colors, so they’ve come to symbolize creativity, hope, and truth. In medieval times, opals were thought to contain the powers of all gemstones because of their multicolor flashes. They’re seen as gems of inspiration – enhancing imagination and joy. (Some also say opals can absorb and reflect the emotions of the wearer, truly making them a personal stone.) 

• Turquoise – Valued in many ancient civilizations, turquoise is a stone of protection, good fortune, and friendship. Its tranquil blue-green hue embodies open skies and inviting seas, promoting a sense of peace. Often used in Southwestern and Native American jewelry, turquoise is believed to ward off negative energy and bring strength and luck to those who wear it.

These are just a few examples – nearly every gemstone has its lore and legend. Garnet (January’s deep red stone) is said to symbolize friendship and trust, peridot (the vivid green August gem) represents strength and positive energy, and the list goes on! Whether or not you personally believe in gemstone powers, it’s undeniable that knowing the meaning can add a special something to your jewelry. For instance, an engagement ring set with a sapphire can signify loyalty, or a mother gifting her child a pearl necklace can be seen as a wish for wisdom and peace in life.

When you’re shopping for jewelry (for yourself or someone special), consider the gemstones that resonate with you. Do you want the calming vibes of amethyst, the passionate energy of ruby, or maybe the enduring love symbol of a diamond? There’s no wrong choice – it’s all about what speaks to your heart. At Hauser’s, we love helping customers find pieces that are not only beautiful but also meaningful. 

Next time you adorn yourself with your favorite gem, you can smile knowing it carries a rich history of symbolism along with its sparkle. After all, jewelry should not only make you look good, but feel good, too – and wearing a gemstone that aligns with your intentions or story is a wonderful way to do just that!

XOXO,

-Amy