Gemstones carry different meanings for different people. For folks from an older generation, gemstones hold sentimental value while for the average Joe, it’s more like a safety net during hard times. A gemstone is considered something that is durable, precious, and rare. It is a tiny piece of earth that excited the senses of men and women alike throughout history and continues to do so.

Not only do they enjoy an association with love and loyalty, but they also have complex, sometimes bloodied histories. Gems have acted as a savior during financially troubled times, standing as a guarantee in difficult situations. The movie buffs among us would even recall that gemstones have even been the MacGuffin in great classical movies, setting the plot in motion!

Minerals have great value by themselves and can increase the worth of any other item they are paired with, uplifting it into a class of luxury. It is of no surprise that items classified as super luxurious like watches, phones, and cuff links incorporate gemstones to attract the super wealthy. It is the gemstone as a centerpiece of these everyday items that make them a class apart.

Associating a strong brand with a particular item can undoubtedly elevate it to higher levels. However, adding a couple of Burmese rubies or top quality emeralds from Africa can take the value even higher.

The industrial applications of gemstones would fill several textbooks. Diamonds are commonly associated with the feeling of being in love but it is also the hardest natural substance found on earth. A diamond set in a ring will never be tarnished even after going through rough conditions. On the other hand, a gold item will deteriorate in a shorter span of time. The scratch-resistant property of diamonds makes them suitable as a cutting tool for all other substances. Garnet is another gem that is used to make sandpaper.

Another important factor of minerals lies in their classification as birthstones.

• • Those born in January have one of the most colorful birthstones that depict a vibrant personality i.e. garnet.

• • Those born in February are lucky enough to have amethyst as their birthstone which represents courage and a calm disposition.

• • Bloodstone is the official gem for March and symbolizes intense healing powers.

• • People born in April have the most sought-after gemstone – the diamond.

• • Faithfulness and loyalty are attached to the birthstone of May—emerald.

• • Being the birthstone for June, Pearl symbolizes love and happiness.

• • Known as the king of gems, ruby is the birthstone for the month of July.

• • The intense green peridot is the official birthstone for August.

• • One of the rarest gemstones in the world, sapphire is the official birthstone for September.

• • Opal is the official birthstone for the month of October. It takes its name from the Greek word for change as it changes color in different lights.

• • Topaz which is the official birthstone of November is used to promote a harmonious lifestyle.
  • Tanzanite is set as the official birthstone for the month of December.

Love and reverence for gemstones can be witnessed in any part of the globe. 12 gemstones adorn the breastplate of the High Priest of the Israelites. Jade enjoys great popularity in the East. There is a strong fascination with top-quality emeralds among people in the Middle East.

In ancient Vedic culture, wellness and peace of the mind were associated with the balance of energy within the body. This is attributed to how the planets are positioned at the time of the birth of an individual. Planetary gemology, in this regard, is a very strong branch of study that sheds further light on the importance of gemstones beyond the limits of earth’s stratosphere.

There are nine basic planetary gems that are used to harness the energy of the planets. They are:

• • Ruby for the sun

• • Natural pear for the moon

• • Yellow sapphire for Jupiter

• • Blue sapphire for Saturn

• • Emerald for Mercury

• • Diamonds for Venus
  • Red coral for Mars

When worn at the right time, in a balanced form, these gems are known to provide their wearers with energy that is taken from the planets. Different heavenly bodies in our solar system exhibit certain energies:

• • Sun. Self-confidence and a sense of power.

• • Moon. Calmness and peacefulness.

• • Jupiter. Innate wisdom and the ability to find the right path.

• • Mars. Courage, strength, and stamina

• • Mercury. Presence of mind, power of speech, and ability to persuade.

• • Venus. Beauty and luxury.
  • Saturn. Discipline and hard work.

The cultures that promote and delve into the planetary study of gemstones warn about the dangers of over peaking on energy gained from the planets via the special stones. These cultures constantly lay emphasis on the importance of balancing different energies for peak performance. After all, an excess of an ingredient leaves the dish overpowered.

Gemstones have been held in high regard since ancient times. Mankind’s fascination with gemstones is etched deep into the pages of history and it is unlikely that we will be getting rid of this love and affection anytime soon.