Gemstones Explained: Symbolism, History and Everyday Uses
Gemstones have interested people for centuries for their beauty, rarity, and symbolism. My work as a London-based jewellery designer is all about colour (mainly working with bicolour gemstones). That love of colour started with my mum’s vibrant artwork and later studying Art History, where movements like Impressionism and Art Deco really shaped how I see form and light.
Whether I’m creating a collection piece or a bespoke design, I’m drawn to the stories stones can tell. Here’s a quick look at their meanings, myths, and why they still resonate with us today.
WHAT IS A GEMSTONE?
A gemstone is a mineral, rock, or organic material that has been cut and polished to reveal its aesthetic qualities. Traditionally, gemstones have been divided into two categories:
- Precious stones: diamond, ruby, emerald, sapphire
- Semi-precious stones: amethyst, citrine, garnet, tourmaline, topaz, and many others
This classification, however, is increasingly regarded as outdated. For example, tanzanite, mined exclusively in Tanzania, is rarer than sapphire yet is still considered “semi-precious.” In practice, value is determined by the 4Cs - cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight - which assess a stone’s appearance and quality.
BICOLOUR GEMSTONES
Bicolour gemstones are at the heart of my work. I love how a single stone can hold two or more colours, almost like a snapshot of the moment it formed. Their unique colouring arises from variations in the conditions under which the crystal forms - shifts in heat, gases, and chemical composition leave visible traces in the gem itself.
Notable examples include:
- Ametrine: combining amethyst and citrine, often with a sharp division between purple and yellow.
- Tourmaline: perhaps the most versatile bicolour gem, with combinations of pink, green, blue, and more.
- Tanzanite: capable of shifting between blue, purple, and occasionally green.
- Imperial Topaz: notable for its gradient of orange, pink, and red tones.
- Sapphire: found in almost every colour, including striking two-tone variations.
EXAMPLES OF THE HISTORY AND MEANING OF GEMSTONES
Throughout history, gemstones have been attributed symbolic qualities:
- Tourmaline: Magical and spiritual aid; During the Roman Empire, black tourmaline was associated with magic and sorcery, believed to protect against demons. Alchemists considered it a link to the philosopher's stone due to its electrostatic properties.
- Sapphire: Ancient Greeks and Romans believed sapphires offered protection from misfortune and evil spirits. The Greeks associated them with the god Apollo and believed they had powers linked to the spirit world.
- Emerald: revered by the Ancient Egyptians as a stone symbolising renewal.
- Diamond: valued as a symbol of strength and endurance.
MODERN USES
Gemstones still sit at the centre of jewellery, but their roles reach far beyond ornament - diamonds, for instance, are tough enough to be used in industrial tools. What interests me most, though, is how deeply personal gemstones can be. People choose them to mark milestones, honour relationships, or express something about who they are.
In my bespoke work, I see this all the time. Clients gravitate toward stones with personal meaning, birthstones, heirloom gems, or colours that carry a private story. Those choices shape each piece, making it not just beautiful, but genuinely meaningful to the person who wears it.
CARING FOR GEMSTONES
Jewellery is designed to be worn, yet gemstones require care to preserve their brilliance:
- Check settings regularly for movement or weakness, particularly in rings.
- Remove jewellery when showering or doing physical activity to prevent scratches and reduce tarnishing.
- Clean gently with mild soap, water, and a soft brush to remove residues from skincare or perfumes.
CONTINUING INSPIRATION
I love working with gemstones for their visual appeal, their endless variations and the fact that each stone is truly unique. I’m equally drawn to the meanings they carry and their history.
Gemstones offer endless inspiration, and my work is constantly driven by new discoveries. My latest collection is built around one-of-a-kind stones, each one chosen for its' unique colour, character, and story.
GET IN TOUCH
If you’d like to create a piece featuring a gemstone, don’t hesitate to get in touch!
