Beautiful stones with beautiful meanings

Although+%E2%80%9Cgems%E2%80%9D+and+%E2%80%9Cjewels%E2%80%9D+are+used+interchangeably%2C+they%E2%80%99re+actually+very+different.+Gems+are+the+actual+stones%2C+while+jewels+are+refined+gemstones.

Photo by Edz Norton on Unsplash

Although “gems” and “jewels” are used interchangeably, they’re actually very different. Gems are the actual stones, while jewels are refined gemstones.

If you’ve ever worn rings, necklaces, earrings, or any other kind of bling, then you most likely understand the appeal of gems, jewels, and glittery stones. Ancient people definitely understood that sentiment.

Throughout history, people wore jewelry to accentuate their looks and show off their social status/authority. Precious stones are categorized and valued based on their cut, color, shape, cut, rarity, and roughness. They also make the perfect gifts because the shinier the rock, better the cut, and more money spent on it, apparently shows how much you care about someone. That’s why promise rings, engagement rings, and wedding rings are a must for any couple.

The world of gemology, the study of gemstones, is super interesting. Diamonds are “a girl’s best friend”, but did you know that they aren’t actually gemstones? They’re minerals!

Despite their murky origins, each month has its own assigned gemstone(s) called a birthstone. One of October’s gemstones—opal—is said to have a curse associated with it. Want to know if you could fall victim to it? Read this edition of the Armijo Signal to find out.