Gemstone guide

Garnets represent love, loyalty, and friendship. They are said to inspire devotion and bring warmth, energy, and vitality to the wearer. For centuries, travelers carried garnets as talismans of protection.

One of the oldest known gemstones, garnets have been found in jewelry dating back to 3100 BC in Egypt. The name derives from the Latin granatum, meaning pomegranate seed — a reference to its deep red color and shape.

Amethyst is the stone of wisdom, sobriety, and spiritual protection. Ancient cultures believed it could ward off intoxication and sharpen the mind. Today it is associated with inner strength, peace of mind, and clarity of thought.

The name comes from the Greek amethystos, meaning "not drunk." Ancient Greeks and Romans studded their goblets with amethyst believing it would prevent intoxication. Once as precious as ruby and emerald, large deposits discovered in Brazil made it widely accessible in the 19th century.

Aquamarine is the stone of courage, clarity, and calm. Its serene blue-green color evokes the sea, and it has long been considered a symbol of youth, hope, and eternal happiness. Sailors once believed it protected them on ocean voyages.

The name comes from the Latin aqua marina, meaning "sea water." Ancient Romans offered aquamarine to Neptune, god of the sea. It has been treasured since at least 500 BC and remains one of the most beloved of all blue gemstones.

The diamond is a symbol of eternal love, clarity, and invincibility. For centuries it has represented commitment — the reason it remains the most sought-after stone for engagement rings worldwide.

First mined in India over 2,000 years ago, diamonds were believed by ancient Greeks to be tears of the gods. Their journey from rough stone to brilliant cut is one of the most remarkable transformations in jewelry.

Emeralds symbolize rebirth, love, and wisdom. Cleopatra famously cherished them above all other gems, and they have been associated with fertility and the renewal of life across cultures.

One of the oldest known gemstones, emeralds were mined in Egypt as early as 330 BC. The Incas and Aztecs considered them sacred. Their rich green hue has captivated civilizations for over four thousand years.

Alexandrite is the stone of balance, transformation, and good fortune. Its extraordinary ability to change color is said to symbolize the ability to adapt to life's changes — inspiring confidence and creativity in the wearer.

Discovered in Russia's Ural Mountains in 1830 on the birthday of Czar Alexander II, alexandrite was named in his honor. Its red-and-green color change mirrored the Russian Imperial Guard's colors. Genuine alexandrite is one of the rarest gemstones in the world.

Rubies have long been associated with passion, protection, and prosperity. In many cultures they were worn by royalty as a symbol of power and good fortune.

Among the most prized gemstones in history, rubies were traded along the ancient Silk Road for millennia. The word comes from the Latin 'ruber,' meaning red — the color of life and vitality.

Peridot is the stone of compassion, renewal, and good luck. Known as the "gem of the sun," it is said to carry the warmth of the earth within it — bringing positivity, emotional balance, and the courage to let go of the past.

Peridot has been mined for over 3,500 years on the volcanic island of Zabargad in the Red Sea. Ancient Egyptians called it the "gem of the sun" and believed it glowed from its own inner light. Cleopatra's famed emerald collection is thought by some historians to have actually been peridot.

Sapphires represent loyalty, wisdom, and nobility. They have adorned the rings of clergy and royalty for centuries — perhaps best known today from Princess Diana's iconic engagement ring.

Ancient Persians believed the earth rested on a giant sapphire whose reflection gave the sky its color. Medieval kings wore them to attract blessings and divine favor.

Tourmaline is known as the stone of creativity and inspiration. It is believed to strengthen the body and spirit, encourage compassion, and protect against negative energy. Its extraordinary range of colors has made it a symbol of diversity and individuality.

Tourmaline has been confused with other precious stones throughout history — some rubies in the Russian Crown Jewels were later discovered to be red tourmalines. The name comes from the Sinhalese word turmali, meaning "stone of mixed colors."

Citrine is known as the "merchant's stone" and is associated with abundance, success, and positivity. Its warm golden hue is said to energize the spirit, promote optimism, and attract prosperity.

Citrine has been used as a decorative gem since ancient Greece around 300 BC. During the Art Deco era it became enormously fashionable, adorning the jewelry of Hollywood stars and European royalty alike.

Zircon is the stone of grounding, wisdom, and prosperity. It is believed to bring clarity of mind, promote restful sleep, and offer protection during travel. Its brilliant sparkle — rivaling that of diamond — has made it a symbol of purity and light.

One of the oldest minerals on Earth, zircon crystals have been dated to over 4.4 billion years ago. Medieval Europeans carried zircon as a talisman against evil spirits and plague. Its name is thought to derive from the Persian zargun, meaning "gold-colored."