Humans have adorned themselves with gemstones since the dawn of time. For thousands of years, precious and semi-precious gemstone beads have been used to make pendants, earrings, rings, bracelets and more. And while specific trends have come and gone, gemstones themselves have never fallen out of style.For jewelry designers and consumers alike, natural gemstones are typically more desirable than glass and other materials. They form in nearly every color imaginable, and the fact that they come from the earth makes them more special than something that is simply manufactured. There are countless types of gems in the world, but some are used much more commonly in jewelry than others. Keep reading to discover more about some of the most common gemstones used in jewelry.
Ruby
Ruby is the birthstone for people born in July, and it has a deep red color that, for centuries, has been associated with passion and love. It is said to stimulate one’s passion for life, but never in a harmful way. It is also said to resonate with the heart chakra and shield against psychic attack.
Ruby beads come in many different shades of red and can be used to create stunning, one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces. If you are making jewelry for someone special in your life, using ruby is an excellent way to show them how much you love them.
Amethyst
Forming in shades ranging from light lilac to deep purple, amethyst is the birthstone of February. Throughout time, it has been prized for its beauty. The ancient Greeks and Romans even believed that it could prevent drunkenness. Historically, it was once as prized as diamonds and was worn by members of royalty.Today, amethyst is a common semi-precious gemstone that forms in many parts of the world. It is a favorite among anyone who likes purple and is associated with spirituality.
Diamond
Diamonds are the most valuable gemstone in the world, but they are also one of the most common stones in high-end jewelry. Clear and white varieties are the most common, but diamonds can form in a number of other colors, too, including blue, black, red and green.
This gemstone is a symbol of both purity and wealth. It is also thought to have powerful metaphysical properties.
Lapis Lazuli
Lapis lazuli is a brilliant blue gemstone that is frequently used in jewelry. Many specimens have flecks of gold that sparkle in the light and give the stone a unique celestial appearance. Lapis lazuli forms in many shades of blue, but the highest-quality stones are the ones that form in the darkest shades.
In metaphysical communities, this stone is said to open the third eye and stimulate enlightenment. It can also give one the courage to take control of their life. Lapis lazuli is also a highly protective stone and is worn by many people for this reason.
Turquoise
Turquoise is believed to be the oldest gemstone known to man. It has been used for thousands of years for a wide range of purposes and remains popular in jewelry to this day. Historically, it was held in high regard as a symbol of nobility and wisdom. Some cultures even believed that it was a symbol of luck, power and immortality.Today, turquoise beads can be found in countless shapes, sizes and styles. They are also available in many different shades of blue-green. Though it is a common stone, it is one that is still prized in many cultures.
Moonstone
Moonstone comes in a number of varieties and carries a sense of mystery and secrecy. Historically, it was often worn by travelers as a protective talisman–especially at night. It is regarded as a stone of new beginnings and is said to enhance psychic abilities.Moonstone beads come in blue, white, peach, rainbow and gray varieties and are transparent to semi-translucent. They exhibit a play of light known as “adularescence,” which was once thought to be the phases of the moon being displayed inside the stone.
Conclusion
The gemstones listed above are just a few of the many options that are commonly used in jewelry. There are thousands of different types of gemstones in the world, many of which work well in jewelry. Spend some time browsing our website to find the stones that speak to you! Whether you choose them solely for their colors, their metaphysical properties or for any other reason, there are surely gemstones that you will love using in your creations.
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