Garnet

A deep red stone named after the greek word for seed or grain ‘granatus’ because of its longstanding association with pomegranates and the myth of Persephone. Garnets have been associated with protection across eras and cultures, from ancient Egyptian burial sites to Celtic battle jewelry.

Amethyst

One of the five cardinal gems of antiquity, once considered more rare and precious than diamonds. Amethysts have been worn by royalty and clergy throughout history. The name derives from the greek word ‘amethystos’ (not drunk) because it was thought to be an antidote to drunkenness.

Aquamarine

Used by sailors and sea merchants as talisman of protection during travels at sea. Aquamarine was also commonly used as an antidote to poison and mermaid spells.

Diamond

The earliest mined diamonds originated in India over 6000 years ago, where they were used to carve religious icons. In Greco-Roman myths diamonds were believed to be either the tears of gods or splinters broken off from fallen stars.

Emerald

As extensively recorded by the French occultist Eliphas Levi, alchemists believed emeralds conferred the ability to see the future and tell truth from lies when the stone was placed under ones tongue. (Give it a try and send us an email to report back your findings).

Moonstone & Pearl

Moonstone: Discovered by the Romans and named by Pliny The Elder who believed its glow changed with the phases of the moon, moonstones are recognizable for their iridescent sheen also known as the Schiller Effect.

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Pearl: The oldest of all gems, their use as bodily adornments predates written language. The oldest pearl found to date was in an 8000 year old stone age settlement. In ancient China, pearls were thought to fall from the sky when dragons fought among the clouds.

Ruby

Another stone associated with protection across all cultures and eras. One of the most interesting myths surrounding them is the belief of Burmese warriors that rubies would make them invincible in battle if they were implanted under the skin.

Peridot

Often found in meteorites such as the 4.5 billion year old Imilac meteorite, peridot was especially prized by the ancient Egyptians who inlaid their ceremonial goblets with the stone as a means to commune with the gods of nature.

Sapphire

Ancient Persians believed the earth rested on a giant sapphire and that its reflection is what gave the sky its color. In medieval times sapphires were thought to cure eye problems and prevent melancholy.

Tourmaline

Because it exists in nearly every shade and color it was long thought that tourmalines traveled to the surface of the earth through a rainbow which is how they gained their array of colors. In the 18th Century, a Dutch scientist believed that wrapping a tourmaline gemstone in silk and placing it on the cheek of a child with a fever would help them fall asleep. Tzu Hsi, the last Empress of the Ch' ing Dynasty was so passionate about this stone that she bought huge quantities of it, and was buried with her head resting on a carved pink tourmaline pillow.

Topaz & Citrine

Topaz: Before the 20th century the term topaz referred to any brown, yellow or orange stone which may explain its association with the fall month of November. During the renaissance it was thought to be an excellent cure for sleepwalking and insomnia provided it was steeped in wine for three nights and the rubbed on the eyes. It was also believed to cure anger, prevent house fires and to have the ability to change color near foods and drinks that had been poisoned.

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Citrine: A variety of quartz derived from the French word ‘citron’, meaning lemon, Citrine has long been nicknamed ‘the merchant’s stone’, as its golden hues are easily associated with wealth and prosperity. Through the ages it was though that citrines could also provide protection against the plague, snake bites, and evil thoughts.

Turquoise & Tanzanite

Turquoise: Turquoise has been prized in all corners of the world for thousands of years. It adorns the Taj Mahal, King Tutankhamun’s death mask, Aztec skulls and Native American adornments to name just a few examples. The earliest know turquoise jewelry (in the form of beads) were found in Iraq and date back to the Neolithic era.

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Tanzanite: Discovered only in the 1960’s Tanzanite can only be found on a 20 square kilometre area in the Simanjiro district of Tanzania. Tanzanite was formed around 585 million years ago during the mid-Ediacaran period by massive plate tectonic activity and intense heat in the area that would later become Mount Kilimanjaro.