Material Meanings: What Stones and Metals in Jewelry Represent
Jewelry has always been much more than mere adornment. Thousands of years ago, our ancestors recognized the beauty and allure of precious metals and stones, and since then, a host of significant meanings and symbolism has developed around these materials. These meanings are deeply rooted in various cultural, emotional and spiritual contexts and represent the thoughts and feelings of people when they give or wear jewelry. Different cultures and belief systems may ascribe different values to these stones and metals, but here are some of the most common.
Gemstone Colors
Red: Most famously found in the form of rubies – one of the most prized gemstones. They symbolize deep love and courage. Others, such as jasper, garnet and spinel, are associated with deep love, passion and courage. In many cultures, red jewelry is said. To attract good fortune and to ward off bad luck and evil.
Blue: Rich blue stones such as sapphires and lapis are held to represent wisdom and loyalty. Lighter blues, such as blue topaz and opal, are associated with peace and tranquillity. Because of the similarities with the colors of the sea and sky, these jewels are often linked to nature and these infinite spaces.
Green: Green is a near-universal color of nature, growth and fertility, and stones such as tourmaline, peridot and jade carry these connotations to this day. The most famous green gemstone is emerald, known for its deep green hue. Emeralds are symbols of renewal and love and have also become associated with prosperity – this is why they are traditional stones for engagement rings.
Yellow: Yellow and orange stones are widely associated with the sun, and so carry the symbolism of power, wealth and grandeur. Yellow stones such as citrine have been used in jewelry for the rich and powerful for centuries. Darker, richer colours closer to orange – like Imperial Topaz – are often linked to their honey-like appearance, representing confidence, kindness and charity.
Purple: The traditional color of royalty, the quintessential purple gemstone is the amethyst. The darker and more purple, the more valuable the stone. Ancient belief was that amethyst lent emotional control and helped the wearer resist temptation. This led to many religious and royal leaders wearing them, endowing the stone with links to wisdom.
White: The best-known gemstone of them all, the crystal, shares its symbolism with other white or clear jewels. To go with their appearance, they represent purity, clarity, innocence and new beginnings – hence their links with engagements and weddings. Pearls are unique in the jewelry since they come from a living creature – oysters. Also associated with purity and love, they are additional symbols of wisdom.
Materials in Jewelry
Gold: The definitive precious metal, gold has been a symbol of wealth and power throughout history due to its vibrant color and abiity to be worked. Unsurprisingly, it is a symbol of wealth and power. Its color and shine also links it to the sun. Gold never tarnishes, and so is also associated with immortality, eternal messages and unbreakable promises.
Silver: While gold symbolises the sun, silver is linked with the moon and moonlight, thanks to its cool, clear appearance. Symbolizing clarity, purity and vision, silver is held to bring calmness and emotional balance to the wearer, whether it’s a women’s earring or a men’s silver bracelet.
Platinum: Traditionally more expensive than gold, platinum is now less than half the price. A highly durable metal, it symbolises strength, purity and safety. This makes it another common choice for wedding rings, and its enduring quality and connotations of wealth make it a popular material for luxury jewelry.
