Flowers are generally adornments of our domain whereas gems are generally adornments for our wearing.
Gems are the flowers of the mineral kingdom.
Individual flowers last for a few moments in time, whereas individual gems endure for generations.
Like flowers, gemstones come in every hue, tone and saturation.
Gems and flowers are born of the earth and evolve into something exquisite.
Flowers are used in jewelry as shapes, designs and images in metal, gems, enameling and engravings.
Victorian flowers and plants have special meanings. The diamond for gems represents love and thus, the red rose for the flowers. Gems have traditional meanings.
· The ruby is associated with fire & passion. ‘A virtuous person is rarer than rubies’ . . . Why rubies? Rubies are 40 times rarer than diamonds. ‘King of the Gems’
· The sapphire is believed by the ancients to have profound powers to protect the wearer against poisons and evil spirits.
· The emerald symbolizes rebirth and youth. Life like the chlorophyll in plants.
· The amethyst is believed by the ancients to ward off intoxicating powers.
· The pearl (although not a stone) gives powers and the ability to restore youth.
· Ancient Greeks due to its color reminding them of pomegranate seeds named the garnet. It is the sign of friendship, loyalty and devotion.
· The aquamarine means the sea. Neptune, the ‘King of the Sea’, gave aquamarine to the mermaids.
· The opal symbolizes hope, innocence and purity.
· The peridot has been credited with a host of magical powers and healing properties such as protection against nightmares and warding off evil.
· The topaz (imperial) is the enduring symbol of love and affection bringing friendship and fidelity.
· The zircon is traditionally known to bring wisdom, honor and wealth. It is prized for protecting travelers from harm.
Gemstones and flowers should have the same attributes for buying color.
1. What are the color preferences?
2. What is available?
3. Determine quality (gems . . . 4 C’s). Flowers?
4. Buy the best quality you can afford.
‘The sweetness of low price is quickly overcome by the bitterness of poor quality’.
I could say . . . gemstones and flowers are related. The world is full of a vast variety of beauties. From the dewdrop to the daffodil . . . from the rainbow to the butterfly. . . Gemstones are indeed the flowers of the mineral kingdom!