| For centuries people have valued the charm, | | | | the 'elevator' in that it is believed to be a powerful |
| beauty and mystical properties of gemstones in | | | | aid to spiritual enhancement by elevating the |
| jewelery. Gemstone earrings, necklaces, bracelets | | | | lower natures to a higher consciousness. What |
| and other bodily adornments have been treasured | | | | this means is that the amethyst guides clear |
| for their aesthetic and mystical properties since | | | | thinking and is helpful in mediation, inspiration and |
| the dawn of intelligent life. The dictionary defines | | | | intuition. Needless to say the amethyst is a very |
| gemstones as 'precious or semiprecious stones, | | | | popular stone in jewelery, particularly rings, |
| especially ones that are cut and polished'. What | | | | pendants and earrings. Wearing amethysts is |
| the dictionary does not tell us is just how | | | | believed to strengthen the endocrine and immune |
| gemstones have been valued and used | | | | system as well as having beneficial effects on |
| throughout history and continue to be valued and | | | | right brain activity. |
| used today. They are far more than pretty | | | | The ruby is another highly sought-after gemstone. |
| minerals which can be polished and set into lovely | | | | It is the birthstone for the zodiac sign of Leo, the |
| jewelery; they have inherent powers which can | | | | fifth astrological sign of the zodiac, symbolized by |
| help all of us to cope with the demands of | | | | fire. This beautiful blood-red stone is believed to |
| everyday life. | | | | preserve the body and enhance mental health. It |
| It is believed that the ancient, lost civilizations of | | | | is traditionally associated with affection, passion, |
| Atlantis and Lemuria harnessed the power of | | | | power and majesty. Known as the 'heart stone' |
| these stones for communication and escape from | | | | (for obvious reasons) it is believed to strengthen |
| difficult situations, whilst the Egyptians used them | | | | the mind, body and spirit by removing obstacles |
| for healing and attributed magical properties to a | | | | and reinforcing immunity by acting as a tonic to |
| vast array of stones. These beliefs continued | | | | body and spirit. |
| throughout the Middle Ages when kings and | | | | The birthstone for May (the latter half of the |
| knights of the realm wore particular gemstones | | | | zodiac sign of Taurus) is the sumptuous emerald. |
| (often bestowed on them by their superiors or | | | | This gorgeous, deep green beryl stone signifies |
| loved ones) in their armor to protect them in | | | | unconditional love and gives the wearer great |
| battle. | | | | power. It strengthens the vital organs (heart, liver, |
| Nowadays such stones have a uniquely personal | | | | kidneys) and the immune system and guides its |
| appeal to us as they are associated with our birth | | | | wearer towards spiritual enlightenment. |
| dates and referred to as 'birthstones' and to each | | | | Choosing and giving gemstones requires a great |
| stone is attributed meanings and mythologies. For | | | | deal of thought. They are far more than pretty |
| example the birthstone for the star sign Aquarius | | | | colored stones. They contain a wealth of complex |
| (the eleventh astrological sign in the zodiac relating | | | | ideas, history and meaning, so choose wisely and |
| to those born mid January to mid February) is the | | | | carefully and your gift will be treasured for life. |
| beautiful amethyst. This gemstone is known as | | | | |