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Colored gemstones have influenced and intrigued people for literally thousands of years. Turquoise, lapis lazuli, jade, coral, jasper, serpentine, amber, garnet, pearl, and emerald were some of the first gems to be used for jewelry. These gems were reserved only for Royalty and the very wealthy. Today colored gemstones are available for just about everyone and they are bought in appreciation of their beauty. The use of colored gemstones dates back to the ancient Romans, Greeks, and Egyptians. Stones were being engraved and carved back in 600 BC. Intaglios were engraved and worn in rings to use as seals.There was a lot of superstition and myths about gems, they were thought to have medicinal properties. Green stones were supposed to improve eyesight, and topaz to reduce fevers. Amethyst was worn as an amulet to prevent drunkenness. Colored gemstones were also worn as talismans, ring, stone, charm etc., bearing engraved figures supposed to bring good luck ,avert evil etc. Colored gemstones are mentioned in the Bible, both Old and New Testaments. In the Old Aaron’s priestly garment, The Breastplate of Judgment is described as having four rows of three stones in each, using sarduis, topaz, carbuncle, emerald, sapphire,diamonds,ligure, agate,amethyst, beryl, onyx, and jasper. In the New Testament,Revelation 21:18-21 And the building of the wall of it was of jasper. And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones.. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald; the fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolyte; the eight,beryl; the ninth, topaz; the tenth, chrysoprasus; the eleventh, jacinth; the twelfth, amethyst. And the twelve gates were pearl. Some of these names of gemstones sounds rather strange, not the same as the colored gemstones that we’re familiar with today.4GreatBuys.com - A world of Online Shopping |
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