Doublets & triplets may be wiped with a damp soft cloth and mild detergent, but should never be soaked or immersed. Solid opal should be cleaned gently with mild detergent in warm water and a soft toothbrush or cloth. Some people think it's unlucky for anyone born in another month to wear an opal. Europeans have long considered the gem a symbol of hope, purity, and truth. The ancient Greeks believed opals gave their owners the gift of prophecy and guarded them from disease. As early humans found various gemstones, they slowly learned to work them into decorative shapes. Historically, opal discoveries and mining progressed similarly to the ways diamond, emerald, ruby and sapphire were produced. Opal meaning is amplification, hope, and purity. There are two kinds of Opal – the common opal and the precious opal. Later, it would be called Opallios during Roman times. It takes its name from the Sanskrit word Upala which means precious stone. Turquoise rings, in particular, are thought to keep away evil spirits.Opal is a gem formed from silica-rich waters. It is also a symbol of good fortune and success, and it is believed to relax the mind and to protect its wearer from harm. The December birthstone, turquoise, is regarded as a love charm. It is believed to give the wearer increased strength and intellect. The November birthstone, topaz, symbolizes love and affection. The word comes from the Latin opalus, meaning “precious jewel.” Necklaces with opals set in them were worn to repel evil and to protect eyesight. The October birthstone, opal, symbolizes faithfulness and confidence. Traditionally a favorite stone of priests and kings, the sapphire symbolizes purity and wisdom. It was believed that a venomous snake would die if placed in a vessel made of sapphire. The September birthstone, sapphire, was once thought to guard against evil and poisoning. When set in gold, this gem was said to protect the wearer from nightmares. It was once believed that the green peridot crystals found in volcanic ashes were the tears of the volcano goddess, Pele. It is sometimes called the “evening emerald” for its light green color. The August birthstone, peridot, symbolizes strength. Today, the ruby’s deep-red color signifies love and passion. The July birthstone, ruby, was regarded by ancient Hindus as the “king of gems.” It was believed to protect its wearer from evil. The ancient Greeks believed that pearls were the hardened tears of joy from Aphrodite, the goddess of love. The June birthstone, pearl, has long been a symbol of purity. Today, it is thought that emeralds signify wisdom, growth, and patience. Ancient Romans went so far as to dedicate this stone to Venus, the goddess of love and beauty. It has long been associated with fertility, rebirth, and love. The May birthstone, emerald, was one of Cleopatra’s favorite gems. In Sanskrit, the diamond is called vajra, which also means lightning in Hindu mythology, vajra was the weapon of Indra, the king of gods. The April birthstone, diamond, in addition to being a symbol of everlasting love, was once thought to bring courage. Early sailors believed that aquamarine talismans, etched with the likeness of the sea god Neptune, protected them against ocean dangers.Īnother March birthstone is the bloodstone, which is dark green with red specks. The March birthstone, aquamarine, was thought to cure heart, liver, and stomach diseases-all one had to do was drink the water in which the gem had been soaking. In fact, “amethyst” comes from amethystos, a Greek word meaning “sober.” Amethyst March – Aquamarine, Bloodstone Ancient Greeks thought that the amethyst guarded against intoxication. At one time, only royalty could wear the gem. The February birthstone, amethyst, is said to strengthen relationships and give its wearer courage. The January birthstone, garnet, is thought to keep the wearer safe during travel. The word “garnet” is derived from a term that means “seed,” because the gem resembles the color and shape of a pomegranate seed. Astrologers long ago attributed supernatural powers to certain gemstones. The wearing of birthstones is thought to bring good luck, good health, and protection. Diamonds were most likely white sapphire or white topaz.Sapphire was probably what we know today as lapis.The names used in the past may not relate to the stone we think of with that name today, too:
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