Jewelry Blog

>Emeralds
Emeralds are not only known throughout the ages as good luck charm, but also as a sacred stone in some ancient civilizations. Emerald is also cited in the Hindu sacred writings called Vedas, which tells of this gem’s healing power. Egypt’s Queen Cleopatra, who had an entire mine to herself, had high regard for emeralds among all other gems. One royal tribute to the gem is manifested in all ancient tables for birthstones.

Columbia is known as the source of the finest emeralds, and with Brazil, these two South American countries produce a major portion of the world’s emerald production. Other emerald producers include India, Pakistan, Norway, Russia, Australia, South Africa and the US.

Jade
An equal amount of pampering could also be reserved for jade, but not for its delicate structure. In fact, this standout among green gemstones is esteemed for its toughness making it ideally suited not only for making jade jewelry but also for implements, tools and weapons. In China, where it is called ‘yu’, meaning royal gem, jade artworks adorned imperial grave sites. Up to today, Chinese culture looks upon jade as an embodiment of some of the great teachings of Confucius: courage, justice, wisdom, and compassion. However, there is no Oriental monopoly on jade’s cultural influence. In the Central American culture, the Olmecs, the Mayas, and the Aztecs consider this gem more highly than gold. The Maoris of New Zealand carved jade instruments for cult festivals and warfare. The ancient Egyptians regarded jade as an icon for harmony, peace, and love. This Egyptian belief is echoed in today’s gemstone therapy where jade is extolled as having stimulating powers on mental acuity and overall energy and creativity, in addition to the mantle of protection it extends to vital body organs such as the heart, liver and kidney.

Green Garnet
Aficionados of green gemstones looking for jewelry with more contemporary meaning will find some satisfaction with garnet, which has been designated as the modern birthstone for January. Garnet appears to be named after the pomegranate fruit, which in Latin is called “granatum malum.’ Evidence of garnet as jewelry traces as far back as the Bronze Age with burial sites excavated during this period yielding such gemstones. Scholars believe that the Bronze Age humans regarded garnet as an offering for spiritual protection for their compatriots who passed away. Other early cultures cast their faith in garnets as agents in the prevention and cure of infections and disorders of the blood. What makes garnet even more fascinating is that it has family branches with equally fabulous qualities.

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