By Ryan Myers


Most people put on jewelry without thinking anything about the significance of the stones in them or the designs of their pieces. Certain individuals purchase jewelry that qualify as art and more meant to be more than casual adornments. These people are often fascinated about the history, folklore, and beliefs that are associated with the pieces. A pink sapphire and topaz bracelet for example, combines two gems with interesting histories.

The word origin of bracelet is of the arm, and more than seven thousand years ago people were circling their arms and wrists in an effort to ward off evil spirits, heal themselves, and make themselves more attractive to the opposite sex. The earliest indication of bracelets seems to come from China, Egypt, and Mesopotamia. Our ancient ancestors wore bracelets made of grass. Silver and gold bracelets don't show up until after the Bronze Age.

If you were born in September, you may already know that sapphires are the traditional birthstone of this month. Sapphires are considered symbols of truth, faithfulness, and nobility. Most people associate sapphires with brilliant blue. Prince Charles gifted Diana with a blue sapphire perhaps because it is also associated with royalty and romance. During the Middle Ages, religious orders wore the gems as a symbol of heaven.

Both sapphires and rubies are corundums. Sapphires can come in many colors and hues, but they are never red. Red corundums are rubies. A pink stone may be either a ruby or a sapphire. The deeper the shade of pink, the more valuable the stone. Pink sapphires with an orange hue are called padparadscha. This is translated as lotus flower in the language of the Sri Lankan people. The Asian country is virtually the only place true padparadscha is found.

November's birthstone is the topaz. In Sanskrit the word means fire. The gem is one of several suggestions for those celebrating their fourth or twenty-third year wedding anniversary. Blue is the color most commonly associated with topaz, but deep pinkish orange and golden yellow are the most desirable. The deepness of its color is one of the ways experts assess the value of the stone.

For the populations that lived during the Middle Ages, topaz had the power to heal and even cheat death. Strength and invisibility were the powers the ancient Greeks believed the stone possessed. They were worn as amulets by the Egyptians to make them immune to injury.

The two gems have interesting histories on their own, but they also have significance when artisans combine them into one piece of jewelry. They both have been worn as symbols of royal status and were believed to have the power to heal and seduce. If you want to make a good impression on a stranger, some believe the combination of these gems will do it.

Commenting on someone's jewelry at a party or event is one way to start a conversation. If you are asked about your bracelet, you will have interesting and entertaining facts to impress your listeners. Not everyone will know as much as you about the jewelry they choose to wear.




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