Aquamarine Poem

“A march born shall always be

Soothed by Aqua, gem of sea

This mermaid’s treasured stone you wear

Will bring happiness, love, affection and care.”

Amethyst Poem

“To February born shall find,

Sincerity and peace of mind,

Freedom from passion and from care,

If they, the amethyst will wear.”

Diamond Poem

“She who from April dates her years,

Diamonds shall wear lest bitter tears,

For vain repentance flow.”

Opal Lore

OPAL

HISTORY AND LORE

• Birthstone for October and gem for the 14th wedding anniversary.
• Derived from the Latin word opalus, meaning “stone.”
• Thought to have been discovered more than 4,000 years ago.
• Opals have always generated strong passions according to the folklore of many cultures.
• Arabians believed that opals were magical stones that had fallen from the heavens.
• Australian opals are the finest in the world.
• Black opal is the rarest and most valuable.
• Opal is said to be bad luck, this is partially due to a novel written in 1829 by Sir Walter Scott titled Anne of Geierstein. The main character, Lady Hermione, wore a magical opal in her hair. When she was happy the gemstone sparkled beautifully, and gave off red fiery flashes when she was angry. This caused her to be wrongly accused of being a demon, so few drops of holy water were sprinkled on the opal, which lost its brilliance. Lady Hermione fell ill, and was taken to her bed. The following morning all that remained of her and her opal was a pile of ash in her bed.
• Ancient Romans considered the opal the “queen of gemstones”, because it contained the colors of every other gemstone.
• The Romans called opal,  cupid paederos, meaning “child as beautiful as love.”
• In Medieval times, all blond maidens wanted an opal necklace for it would guarantee that their hair would never fade or darken.
• Called the Patronus forum or “Patron of Thieves,” opal was thought to make a person invisible whenever they wished.
• Early Romans referred to opals as the Cupid Stone because it suggested the clear complexion of the god of love.
• Opals as amulets are believed to facilitate astral projection, balance the psyche, improve the memory,and to awaken or strengthen clairvoyant powers.
• Among the ancients, opal was a symbol of fidelity.
• :When worn as an amulet, opal was believed to make the wearer immune from disease.
• Ancient Greeks thought opals to be the tears of Zeus.
• Believed that opal gives the gift of foresight and prophecy.
• In India, opal was referred to as the Goddess of the Rainbow, turned to stone.
• Opals are worn to bring inner beauty to the surface.
• Ancient Australian aborigines thought opal to be half serpent and half devil, and the bright fire inside the stone was an attempt to lure them into the devil’s lair.
• In the Middle Ages, opal became known as the Opthalmius, or Eye Stone and was thought to strengthen eyesight.
• In the 1890’s Australia began producing high quality precious opals which began to rival diamonds, so the diamond merchants started rumors that opals were bad luck.
• Opals are used to recall past incarnations, and is favored by many to develop psychic powers.
• Even today, some believe that it is unlucky to buy or wear an opal if it is not your birthstone.
• One myth says the opal came to be when a storm god threw a bolt of lightning.at the rainbow that ended his storm and an explosion of colors fell to the earth, imbedding into the rock.
• Believed that opals clarified, amplified and mirrored feelings, buried emotions and desires.
• Opal has been known to bring happy dreams and to ease the process of change.
• The Orientals referred to opal as the “anchor of hope.”
• According to legend, a huge opal governs the movement of the stars in the heavens.
• One myth states that colors of an opal are responsive to moods and temperatures of its wearer.
• Opal is believed to be a stone of inspiration which enhances the imagination and creativity.
• Believed to be a charm against the Evil Eye.
• Opal is an excellent stone for meditation.
• A favorite stone of magicians and alchemists, opal is a stone of deceptive hopes and illusions, and secret passing superstitions.
• Believed to heighten weak emotions and strengthen the memory.
• Considering the astrological aspect, is worn to strengthen the Venus, which represents sex, love, marriage, romance and emotions.
• Opal is believed to make its wearer more spontaneous and quick in communication.

Emerald Lore

EMERALD

HISTORY AND LORE

• According to Indian mythology, the name emerald comes from the word marakata, meaning the “green of growing things.”
• Emerald has been treasured for at least 4,000 years by different civilizations all over the world.
• Believe to have a soothing effect on the soul.
• Emerald is associated with the Greek goddess Venus- the goddess of love and beauty.
• Emerald brings security in love, allowing access to the mystery deepest in the heart, thereby healing and activating the heart’s desire.
• Green for the color of spring, emerald symbolizes rebirth.
• This stone assists with the expression of love, devotion and adoration.
• Believed to have the power to reveal what is true or false.
• Emerald was believed to be able to control passions and lusts.
• Color implies harmony, love of nature and a primeval joy of life.
• Said to contain the energy needed to bring creative form to ones work.
• Emerald was once prized as an antidote in cases of poisoning.
• Believed to detoxify negativity and transform it into positive energy.
• Stabilizes, soothes and offers a sense of security, harmony and a closeness to God.
• The Holy Grail is said to be carved from a huge emerald which fell from Satan’s crown on his banishment from heaven.
• Said that an emerald worn on the little finger of the left hand would cure ailments of the eyes.
• This stone was believed to have the power to ward off evil spirits.
• The harmonious energies of emerald help make relationships more successful and promotes domestic bliss.
• Emerald is said to give supernatural powers.
• In the Middle Ages, emerald was believed to keep a woman chaste.
• Emerald has always been a symbol of fidelity.
• Thought to improve memory and eloquence, and was also believed to quicken the intelligence.
• Emerald is said to make people more honest.
• Believed that emerald would change hues to alert its wearer of impending danger.
• This stone gives mental power and wisdom and can make its wearer a very persuasive and charismatic speaker.
• Today, emerald represents the balance between Perfect Love and Perfect Trust, while carrying the virtue of protection.

Diamond Lore

DIAMOND

HISTORY AND LORE

• Derived from the Greek word adamas meaning “invincible.”
• The power, hardness and beauty of diamond have been prized throughout history in many civilizations.
• The first recorded history of the diamond dates back 3,000 years to India.
• Believed to be fragments of falling stars.
• To ancient Greeks, it was thought that diamonds were formed by the tears of the gods.
• If worn in battle, diamonds were supposed to bring victory to its wearer, giving strength, fortitude and courage.
• A famous poet remarked, “the rainbow is confined within a diamond forever.”
• For centuries, diamonds have been a symbol of love, excellence and purity.
• In the time of the pharaohs, diamonds represented the Sun: symbol of power, courage and truth.
• Influenced by Venus, the goddess of love, bringing marriage, beauty, love and relationships.
• Believed to amplify other gemstones mystical powers and healing properties.
• Generous thoughts, removal of fearful thoughts, and having an attractive personality were believed to be the benefits of wearing diamonds.
• Inspires creativity, ingenuity and inventiveness.
• Diamonds have been called the king of all crystals, stones of the mind and gemstones of the masters.
• The theft of a diamond is said to bring misfortune on any who possess the stone.
• The rainbow colors of the prism were thought to give one power over the Evil Eye.
• Alexander the Great discovered the Valley of Diamonds where he had to use mirrors to scare away the snakes that guarded the valley.
• Said to ward off bad dreams, enabling its wearer to get a good night’s sleep.
• Warriors in ancient Greece wore diamonds, as the stones were thought to strengthen their muscles and bring them invincibility.
• Ancient Romans thought that diamonds were parts of the outer rings of stars which had fallen to the earth.
• Today, diamonds continue to hold a deep fascination as the world’s ultimate symbol of love.
• The diamond has always been considered a stone of winners, in fact, it was the talisman worn by Julius Caesar.
• The Renaissance period was the first point in time when diamonds were used as engagement rings, in 1477.
• Diamond is said to enhance the wearer with charm and beauty.
• Believed to possess supernatural powers, it is said that a diamonds hardiness can only be broken by smearing it with fresh goat’s blood.
• Supposedly able to signify a person’s honesty, if the person lied the diamond would grow dim.
• Ancient writings tell of Abraham who wore a diamond around his neck which cured the illness of anyone who gazed upon it.
• The diamond engagement ring remains the accepted token of promised love and loyalty.
• Physically, diamonds strengthens the kidneys and reproductive organs, and gives protection against severe disease.
• The diamond is believed to bring couples closer to one another.
• Diamonds foster unity, trust and fidelity.
• Was once used to detect and detoxify poison.
• Believed that when worn on the left side of the body, next to the skin, a diamond bestowed bravery upon the wearer.
• To dream of a diamond, it was believed to be a sure sign of coming success, wealth and happiness.
• A diamond purchased out of greed will not bring good luck to the wearer.
• Today, the primary use of diamonds is no longer for carving or protection, they are now used for adornment because of their sheer beauty.

Citrine Lore

CITRINE

HISTORY AND LORE

• Birthstone for November and gem for the 13th wedding anniversary.
• Derived from the French word citrin, meaning “yellow.”
• The Latin word for citrine is citrus, meaning “citron,” a fruit.
• Citrine has been called the “stone of the mind.”
• Believed to have the power to dispel negative energy.
• May exacerbate aggressiveness in some, not recommended for those with a fiery, quick-tempered nature.
• Citrine is reputed to make men handsome and intelligent.
• Said to strengthen self-esteem and intention of the will.
• Believed to connect the mind to higher spiritual realms.
• This stone stimulates passion and sensuality.
• An excellent stone to calm and soothe distressed conditions.
• Citrine is given as a symbol of hope, youth, health and fidelity.
• Carrying a citrine attracts love and happiness, and guards against heartbreak.
• Believed to reduce ones sensitivity to criticism.
• Said to inspire creativity and self-expression.
• Citrine was believed to have the ability to enhance mental clarity, confidence and will power.
• Associated with the power of the Sun, citrine is warm and comforting, energizing and life giving.
• Called the “merchants stone” for its ability to bring prosperity and wealth.
• Citrine, at one time, was used to as a talisman against evil thoughts and treachery.
• Connected with the element of Fire.
• Wearing a citrine as a necklace with the point of the stone facing downward is believed to benefit those in need of self-confidence.

Bloodstone Lore

BLOODSTONE

HISTORY AND LORE

• In ancient times, bloodstone was thought to have the ability to stop hemorrhages by merely touching the stone.
• Bloodstone was believed to have been formed when drops of Jesus’ blood fell and stained Jasper at the foot of the cross.
• This stone was used in sculptures representing flagellation and martyrdom, leading it to be dubbed, “The Martyr’s Stone.”
• Believed to have great healing powers, bloodstone was crushed into powder and mixed with honey and egg whites forming a concoction believed to cure blood poisoning and tumors.
• Ancient warriors often carried a bloodstone amulet which was intended to stop bleeding when applied to a wound.
• Believed to restore love and integrity to relationships.
• Bloodstone was believed to dye water red.
• Engraved bloodstone was used by the Babylonians in divination.
• Believed to have the ability to increase personal strength and make one invisible.
• Also known as a Mother Goddess stone, it is associated with images of Isis and Horus and the Black Madonna.
• Bloodstone was believed to dispel bewilderment and clarify obscure thoughts, allowing one to recognize the beneficial aspects of “turmoil prior to perfection.”
• Bloodstone was thought to foretell the future.
• From ancient times, bloodstone was considered a valuable stone for banishment of negativity.
• Said to have the ability to guide people who are lost.
• Bloodstone suggests a connection between the red life blood of animals and the green nurturing powers of the plant world.
• It’s green color is utilized in wealth, money and business..
• In ancient Egypt, it was used to break bonds and cause stone walls to fall.
• Bloodstone is believed to turn more red when danger is near.
• Said to help with calming, particularly in survival situations.
• Bloodstone brings mystical energies of increasing adaptability and organization, lessening confusion, stress and anxiety.
• Believed that bloodstone turned the Sun red and caused violent storms.
• The green and red in bloodstone symbolizes energy and life force.
• This stone was prized by ancient Greeks for the way it reflects and mirrors light.
• Amulets of bloodstone were believed to possess a plethora of enviable capabilities.
• In India, bloodstone is still used as a medicine and believed to be an aphrodisiac.
• Bloodstone is said to remove obstacles from one’s path.
• A “be here now” stone, bloodstone focuses one on the immeasurable powers and gifts of the present moment.

Aquamarine Lore

AQUAMARINE

HISTORY AND LORE

• Derived from the Latin phrase aqua marinus, meaning “water of the sea.”
• Believed to have calming properties that reduce stress and quiets the mind.
• Aquamarine is known for its delicate blue or blue-green color.
• When worn as an amulet, aquamarine was believed to bring relief of pain.
• Romans believed that aquamarine was sacred to Neptune, god of the sea, having fallen from the jewel boxes of the Sirens and washed onto the shore.
• Believed to ensure happiness and constancy in love.
• Ancient belief is that aquamarine comes from the treasure chest of mermaids.
• Said to be the source of power to soothsayers who called it “the magic mirror.”
• Aquamarine blue is a divine and eternal color, since it is, after all, the color of the skies.
• Considered to be an “all purpose” healing stone as it treats many different ailments.
• Believed to make its wearer friendlier, quicken the intellect and cure laziness.
• Aquamarine is believed to help quell anger and provide emotional balance.
• Wearing an aquamarine ring is said to give the power to see the truth.
• Shields the aura and gives peace.
• Roman legend states that aquamarine absorbs the atmosphere of young love.
• Supposedly, its powers are particularly strong when immersed in water.
• Aquamarine is most powerful as a meditation stone, as it brings great peace and serenity.
• This stone is attuned to the ocean and helps to get in touch with the nature spirits of the sea.
• When aquamarine is presented as a gift, it is said to be a true gift of knowledge, insight and personal motivation.
• In Medeival times, aquamarine was thought to re-awaken the love of married couples.
• Dreaming of aquamarine was thought to mean that pleasant social activity was on its way.
• Increases clairvoyance, intuition and psychic awareness.
• Legend states that if aquamarine is ground to powder, mixed in water and drank, it would prolong life.
• Relates to the heavens or all things reflected on the surface of the water.
• Said to have the power of revelation, helping one in search of lost or hidden things.
• Aquamarine is associated with faithfulness, courage and friendship.
• Believed that wearing aquamarine jewelry awakens understanding of ones inner self, physically and emotionally.
• Allows one to speak clearly and hold composure in difficult situations.
• A stone of natural justice, aquamarine utilizes compromise and negotiation.
• Aquamarine is a stone of empowerment for men and women alike.