For years, I thought sapphire was just a blue stone. September’s birthstone, deep blue, valuable — but nothing particularly special beyond its color. Then I started learning about its history. The ancient Persians believed the earth rested on a giant sapphire that reflected its blue onto the sky. Medieval clergy wore sapphire rings as symbols…
I have a confession that still surprises people who know I write about gemstones. For years, I thought emerald was just a beautiful green stone. May’s birthstone, expensive, valuable — but nothing particularly special beyond its color and price. Then I started learning about its history. Cleopatra was so obsessed with emeralds that she claimed…
For years, I assumed citrine was just a cheap yellow stone. The poor man’s topaz. Something you bought at a mall jewelry counter because you couldn’t afford the real thing. Then I started learning about its history. The ancient Egyptians used it as a talisman for prosperity. Roman priests fashioned it into rings. And today,…
For years, I thought aquamarine was just a pretty blue stone. March’s birthstone, nice color, affordable. Nothing particularly special. Then I started learning about its history. Ancient sailors carried it as a talisman against shipwreck, believing it would calm stormy seas. Roman healers used it to treat throat and stomach ailments. Medieval mystics gazed into…
I have a confession that still makes my gemstone-loving friends smile. For years, I thought garnet was just a deep red stone. Pretty enough. January’s birthstone. Affordable. Nothing particularly special. Then I started learning about its history. The ancient Egyptians buried it with pharaohs to protect them in the afterlife. Roman warriors wore it into…
I have a confession that still surprises people who know I write about gemstones. For years, I thought peridot was just a cheap green stone. The poor man’s emerald. Something you bought at a mall jewelry counter because you couldn’t afford the real thing. Then I started learning about its history. The ancient Egyptians mined…
I have a confession that still surprises people who know I write about gemstones. For years, I thought amethyst was just a pretty purple stone. February’s birthstone, nice color, affordable — nothing special. Then I started digging into its history. The ancient Greeks believed it could prevent drunkenness. Medieval bishops wore it as a symbol…