Category: Gemstone Guides

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A-Z Of Gemstones

Gemstones

A–Z Guide to Gemstones: Origins, Properties & Birthstone Meanings

 

Explore this succinct guide to popular gemstones—each entry a blend of mineral beauty, cultural heritage, and astrological connection. Sourced from expert authorities including the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and The Geological Society of London, this guide highlights gemstone properties, birthstone meanings, and historic symbolism. We have linked our collection of jewellery from each gem in turn so it’s easy to discover your favourite gemstone.

 

    • Alexandrite (June) A chrysoberyl that changes color based on light source, alexandrite was first discovered in 1830s Russia. As per GIA, its rarity and optical properties make it one of the most sought-after modern June birthstones, associated with balance and transformation.

     

    • Amethyst (February) A variety of quartz (SiO₂) with a Mohs hardness of 7, amethyst owes its royal violet hue to trace iron and irradiation. Recognised by the GIA, it has long been associated with clarity and sobriety. The Greeks believed it warded off intoxication, and today it is the official birthstone for February, often linked to calm and protection. Our collection of amethyst jewellery can be found here:

     

    • Aquamarine (March) Aquamarine, a blue-to-green variety of beryl (Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈), gets its hue from iron content. With a hardness of 7.5–8, it’s a durable gemstone perfect for jewellery. According to the GIA, this modern March birthstone was considered a sailor’s talisman, offering courage and clarity at sea. Our collection of aquamarine jewellery can be found here: 

     

    • Bloodstone (March) Bloodstone, or heliotrope, is a dark green chalcedony (cryptocrystalline quartz) flecked with red jasper inclusions. Traditionally March’s birthstone, it was believed in medieval Europe to have healing powers—especially to stop bleeding. The Geological Society identifies it as a key example of mineralogical inclusions impacting folklore and gemstone value. Our collection of bloodstone jewellery can be found here 

     

    • Citrine (November) Citrine is a yellow-to-orange quartz formed naturally or through heat-treated amethyst. With a Mohs hardness of 7, it’s resilient and radiant. The GIA lists it as November’s modern birthstone, associated with prosperity and positive energy. Click here to see our collection of citrine jewellery:

     

    • Diamond (April) Composed entirely of carbon, diamond is the hardest known natural substance (Mohs 10). As the GIA notes, diamonds were first sourced from India and became symbolic of love and eternity in Renaissance Europe. It is the modern and traditional April birthstone, often used in engagement jewellery. Shop from our diamond collection here

     

    • Emerald (May) Emerald is a chromium- or vanadium-rich green beryl, noted for its inclusions or jardin, which are accepted as part of its charm. As detailed by the GIA, emeralds were revered by Cleopatra and the Inca for their vitality and spiritual power. This May birthstone symbolizes rebirth and growth. See our emerald collection here:

     

    • Garnet (January) Garnet refers to a diverse family of silicate minerals, most famously deep red almandine, but also found in striking green (tsavorite), orange (spessartine), and even rare color-changing varieties. With a Mohs hardness of 6.5–7.5, garnet is both resilient and versatile. According to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), garnets have been used in jewellery dating back to ancient Egypt and Rome, often symbolizing protection and guidance during travel. As the traditional January birthstone, garnet is also linked to regeneration, grounding energy, and enduring love. For our garnet jewellery click here: 

     

     

    •  Moonstone (June) Moonstone, part of the feldspar group, displays adularescence—a soft, glowing sheen. According to GIA, this June birthstone alternative is associated with feminine energy and intuition, used in ancient Roman jewellery and modern metaphysical practices. For our moonstone collection click here: 

     

    • Opal (October) Opal is hydrated silica that exhibits play-of-color due to its microscopic silica spheres. As the GIA explains, each opal is unique, inspiring legends of magic and luck. This traditional October birthstone represents inspiration and spontaneity. For some lovely opal jewellery, take a look here: 

     

    • Pearl (June) Formed organically inside mollusks, pearls are composed of nacre (aragonite + conchiolin). Their soft glow has captivated cultures for centuries. The Geological Society discusses their formation as biogenic minerals. Pearls are June’s traditional birthstone, symbolising wisdom and purity. For our pearl jewellery click here: 

     

    • Peridot (August) A gem-quality olivine, peridot forms deep within Earth’s mantle and surfaces via volcanic activity. Its distinctive lime green color comes from iron, and the GIA notes it was prized by ancient Egyptians as the “gem of the sun.” This modern August birthstone evokes energy and warmth. For some vibrant peridot pieces, take a look here: 

     

    • Ruby (July) Rubies are the red variety of corundum (Al₂O₃) colored by chromium. With a Mohs hardness of 9, ruby is one of the most durable precious stones. The GIA highlights their historical significance in Burmese and Indian cultures. This traditional July birthstone symbolizes vitality and leadership. Click here to see our ruby jewellery:

     

    • Sapphire (September) All non-red corundum is classified as sapphire. While blue is most iconic, sapphires come in yellow, green, and even pink. The GIA describes sapphire as a symbol of truth and loyalty. It’s the modern and traditional birthstone for September. For our sapphire jewellery collection tap this link:

     

    • Spinel (August ) Spinel has long been mistaken for ruby, including the famous “Black Prince’s Ruby” in the British Crown Jewels. As per GIA, spinel is a magnesium aluminum oxide mineral that forms in vivid reds, pinks, and purples. It became an official August birthstone in 2016. For some jewellery with spinel see here: 

     

    • Tanzanite (December) Tanzanite is a blue-violet variety of zoisite discovered in 1967 near Mount Kilimanjaro. The GIA considers it a “gemstone of the 20th century.” A modern December birthstone, it’s connected to insight, transformation, and individuality.

     

    • Topaz (November) A fluorosilicate mineral (Al₂SiO₄(F,OH)₂), topaz comes in golden, pink, and irradiated blue hues. As noted by the GIA, it’s linked with joy and generosity. This traditional November birthstone is also referenced in biblical texts and historical mythologies.

     

    • Tourmaline (October) Tourmaline is a complex borosilicate with varying compositions and colors. It can display striking bicolor zones, such as in watermelon tourmaline. The GIA describes it as a gem of creativity and compassion—an apt modern October birthstone. Click here for our tourmaline collection:

     

Birthstones by Month Summary

I have listed in brackets whether they are modern, traditional or in some cases alternative birthstones. Where not listed they are both the modern and the traditional gem for the month.

  • January – Garnet
  • February – Amethyst
  • March – Aquamarine (Modern), Bloodstone (Traditional)
  • April – Diamond
  • May – Emerald
  • June – Pearl (Traditional), Moonstone (Alternative), Alexandrite (Modern)
  • July – Ruby
  • August – Peridot (Modern), Spinel (Modern), Sardonyx (Traditional)
  • September – Sapphire (Traditional), Lapis Lazuli (Historical)
  • October – Opal (Traditional), Tourmaline (Modern)
  • November – Citrine (Modern), Topaz (Traditional)
  • December – Turquoise (Traditional), Tanzanite (Modern), Lapis Lazuli (Historical)

Further Reading & Source Material

Books:

  • The Natural History Museum Book of Gemstones: A concise reference guide – Robin Hansen
  • Gemstones of the World – Walter Schumann

Online Links

Please also take a look at our Antique jewellery buyers guides, from Art Deco through to Georgian Jewellery. Links below:

Georgian Jewellery

Victorian Jewellery 

Art Nouveau Jewellery 

Edwardian Jewellery

Art Deco Jewellery

These guides are meant to be useful resources and we welcome feedback and suggestions, so don’t be shy!  We intend to ensure they are iterative and get updated with added information as time goes on.

 

 

 

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History of Gemstones

Cheapside Hoard - (c) Museum of London

The History of Gemstones: Origins, Symbolism, and Antique Jewellery

Gemstones are more than just beautiful adornments. Each stone carries a story and a journey through time that adds depth and meaning to the jewellery in which it is set. At Anadej, we believe that understanding the history of gemstones enriches the experience of wearing and collecting antique and vintage jewellery. From the ancient mines of Babylon to the vibrant Art Deco rings of the 1920s, gemstones have captured the imagination for thousands of years.

In this guide, we explore how gemstones were sourced, valued, and incorporated into jewellery across the centuries. Whether you are a seasoned collector or simply curious about the allure of precious stones, the history of gemstones is full of fascinating stories and remarkable craftsmanship.

Origins of Gemstones

The journey of gemstones begins deep within the earth. Rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and diamonds have been treasured since antiquity.

  • Ancient Mines: India was the earliest known source of diamonds and sapphires (GIA), while Egypt provided some of the world’s first emeralds. Sri Lanka was famous for its rubies.
  • Trade and Travel: Gems moved along trade routes across Asia and Europe, spreading their beauty and cultural significance.
  • Symbolism: Gemstones often held spiritual or protective qualities. Emeralds symbolised fertility, rubies courage, and sapphires wisdom.

Gemstones as Amulets and Talismans

Jewellery with gemstones was often worn as amulets and talismans, believed to offer protection, promote health, or even attract love. This practice was popular throughout Persia, as well as in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome (British Museum).

  • Egypt: Amulets often represented animals, deities, symbols, or objects in miniature, frequently accentuated with gemstones such as turquoise, amethyst, lapis lazuli, and chalcedony. These stones were considered symbols of personality and spiritual protection.
  • Greece: Greek jewellery frequently included references to Gods and Goddesses, and around 100 B.C., introduced cameos and intaglios carved from gemstones and semi-precious stones.
  • Rome: Romans revered gemstones for their perceived spiritual powers and wore them in rings, pendants, and bracelets to harness these benefits.
King Tutankhamun Scarab Bracelet - Lapis Lazuli - (c) Egypt Museum
King Tutankhamun Scarab Bracelet – Lapis Lazuli – (c) Egypt Museum

 

More on the spiritual and symbolic significance of individual stones will be uncovered in our A–Z of Gemstones guide, which explores each gem in turn.

Uses of Gemstones in Jewellery

Gemstones have been used in jewellery for a myriad of reasons — primarily status, protection, and commitment.

  • Status: One of the earliest reasons to wear gemstone jewellery was to demonstrate wealth and social position. In Europe, Sumptuary Laws were enacted in the 13th century to restrict fine jewellery to the upper classes and high-ranking church officials. These laws reflected both the exclusivity of gemstones and the social shifts created by the Crusades, which brought rare gems and luxury goods from distant lands into circulation.
  • Amulets: As mentioned above, gemstones often carried symbolic or protective power.
  • Commitment: Gemstones were, and still are, a popular choice for gifts and engagement jewellery, symbolising love, loyalty, and enduring bonds.
Elizabethan Suptuary Laws - Rules for DressingElizabethan Suptuary Laws – Rules for Dressing

 

Gemstones in Historic Jewellery

Over the centuries, gemstones have influenced jewellery design in remarkable ways. Each era has its own distinctive style, which collectors can explore through our carefully curated shop categories:

Each era tells a story through its gemstones and design — exploring these categories can help you find pieces that resonate with both history and style.

Gemstone Sources Through History

Certain regions became synonymous with gemstone quality (Smithsonian Institution, American Museum of Natural History):

  • India: Early diamonds and sapphires
  • Colombia: Emeralds prized by European nobility
  • Sri Lanka: Rubies and sapphires treasured for centuries
  • Brazil & Africa: Important sources of diamonds and coloured gemstones in the 19th and 20th centuries

Gemstones in Antique and Vintage Jewellery Today

Knowing a gemstone’s history can enhance your appreciation of antique jewellery. It helps you understand period-specific cuts and settings, the symbolic meanings of colours, and why certain stones were favoured in particular eras. A garnet might symbolise friendship, a sapphire loyalty, and a ruby passion.

Discover how these stones were used across different eras in our A–Z of Gemstones guide, which helps you identify, care for, and appreciate each gem.

Caring for Historical Gemstones

Antique and vintage gemstones require careful attention to preserve their beauty and value:

  • Clean carefully: Hard gemstones like diamonds, sapphires, and rubies can be gently cleaned with mild soap and water. Softer or porous stones such as turquoise, opal, coral, and pearls should avoid prolonged exposure to water or harsh chemicals. Instead, wipe them gently with a soft, dry cloth.
  • Check settings regularly: Have delicate or intricate pieces inspected by a jeweller to ensure stones are secure.
  • Store properly: Keep pieces individually in soft pouches or lined boxes to prevent scratches and tangling.
  • Avoid extreme conditions: Protect gemstones from high heat, direct sunlight, and chemicals that could alter colour or structure.
  • Consider insurance: Cover rare or valuable pieces for peace of mind.

FAQ: History of Gemstones

What is the oldest gemstone used in jewellery?
Diamonds and sapphires have been used for more than 3,000 years, with early sources in India.

Why were certain gemstones popular in specific eras?
Trends often reflected availability, fashion, and symbolism. Edwardian jewellery favoured platinum and diamonds, while Art Deco designers loved bold contrasts of sapphires and rubies.

How do I identify gemstones in antique jewellery?
Look for era-specific cuts, hallmarks, and craftsmanship. Our A–Z of Gemstones is a useful resource for identification.

Discover Our Gemstone Jewellery Collection

At Anadej, every gemstone tells a story. Browse our carefully curated antique and vintage jewellery collection to find rings, necklaces, brooches, and charms that combine history, beauty, and individuality. Each piece carries the legacy of its era into the present day. Browse our collection here: 

Resources for the history of gemstones and their uses

Books:

  • Jewelry: From Antiquity to the Present – Clare Phillips
  • Jewels & Jewellery – Clare Phillips
  • A History of Jewellery, 110-1870 – Joan Evans
  • The History of Jewelry: Joseph Saidian & Sons – Caroline Childers

Online resources: