Gemstones Facts and Curiosities
The monarchs used to seal documents with these jewels, which represented wealth and power.
Although even today gems mounted in gold or platinum are used to demonstrate wealth, jewels are mostly used for pleasure and appreciation of its beauty.
Sometimes superstition also had its influence on the purchase of gems. In the old days, when people had little scientific knowledge, gems always had an aura of mystery, something almost spiritual, used as amulets and talismans.
They thought gems offered protection against ghosts and pleased angels and saints. It could repel evil, keep good health, protect against poisons and misery. Also kept princesses beautiful and helped to steer sailors back home.
Because of these supposed supernatural powers, some gemstones became related to astrology and linked accordingly to the signs of the zodiac, creating the term Birthstones. There are also stones that represent the sun, the moon and planets. But through the years, these configurations have changed constantly. Gems also posses some influence on modern religion. The vestments of the most eminent Jewish religious figures are composed of four lines of stones. Precious stones adorn the tiara and scepter of the pope and bishops, along with temples, relics and sacred images found inside Christian Churches.
It is a proven fact that wealth kept on this form of capital investement can survive inflation better than many other investments from the past, present and probably the future.
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Gemstones have been man’s interest over the last 7.000 years. Amethyst, Agate, crystals, lapis-lazuli, pearls and emeralds were the first to be known. These rocks were offered to kings and became symbols of social status.
Until the end of the 19th century gemstones were used as medicine against disease in very different ways: Just its presence was enough to perform a healing, or the gem was placed over the part of the body that was impaired, or simply pulverized and eaten.
It was possible to find information on books about witch gem could cure certain diseases. The good results of this practice were not because of the gems itself, but the mind suggestion over the patient. When bad results occurred they blamed the gems used, for not being actually genuine. Even today, in Japan, pills made with pulverized pearls are sold for medicinal purposes.
Nowadays, precious gems are mostly free from all symbolism and superstitions and are frequently seen as a capital investment.