A Brief Review of Gemstone History

Gemstones have always fascinated people with their charm and beauty. Gemstone history stretches as far back as pre-ancient times when it was used as an expression of self and of art. Among the oldest remnants of ancient jewelry was discovered in a cave in South Africa, and it dated as far back as the Middle Stone Age. It is believed that the earliest forms of jewelry were those easily found in the environment such as stones, carved wood and animal teeth. It is believed that gemstones were discovered alongside man's search for food, water and shelter. True enough the dazzling appearance of gemstones which seem to capture the infinity and color of the blue waters, the fiery intensity of the sun and the restful, verdant greenness of the forest has made it valuable, so that across time, gemstones stood for status and wealth.

Below is a brief review of the gemstone history of some well-known birthstones:

1. Garnet - hailed as the official birthstone for the month of January in 1912. It is found in various colors except blue. It is used by geologists to estimate the amount of pressure and temperature by the time the gem was formed due to the fact that garnets are actually created when high temperatures arise. It is used in earlier times as gifts exchanged among friends. Many of today's garnets come from Africa.

2. Amethyst – the February birthstone has a violet color which may range from pale to dark. It is currently mined in Uruguay and Africa, among other places. It was known as one of the most precious stones until a large deposit was found in South America in 1760.

3. Aquamarine – A deep blue aqua colored stone of this type is the highest prized, and March's birthstone, during the Middle Ages, was believed to diminish the effects of poisons in the body.

4. Emerald – is the stone Cleopatra was known to value the most. It originally came from the French word esmeraude and the Greek smaragdos.

5. Sapphire – this September birthstone was first formed synthetically in 1902. It commonly comes in a blue color, but depending on how it is heated, it could have a variety of colors ranging from yellow to purple.

6. Topaz – the birthstone for November has been highly valued since the classical times. Its name which means fire was derived from the Sanskrit. In the Middle Ages, it was believed to heal disorders. The Greeks also thought that it could make them stronger, whereas the Egyptians thought it could prevent them from incurring injuries. Known also as the Imperial Topaz, it was used in the 18th and 19th Centuries by Russian Czarinas.

7. Turquoise – plaques of gold and necklaces set with turquoise, the birthstone for December, have been found in Sumerian as well as Egyptian tombs dating back to 4 BC.

If you want to know more detailed review of gemstone history, brace yourself for a long and exciting read as its history sits and travels from one place to another, and from one generation to the next. For many rulers and civilizations, gems have symbolized more than just wealth and status for they also symbolized ideals and beliefs.

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Kellie is an expert when it comes to Gemstones and Rockhounding. To find out the latest News and Tips on Gemstones, visit ABC Gemstone at abcgemstones.com/.

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