In total, there are five cardinal gems – amethyst, emerald, ruby, sapphire and diamond. Historically these five stones were considered to be the most precious and sought after when creating pieces of high jewellery, often for their popularity amongst royals. These gems were also set in pieces of jewellery that were used in important religious or ceremonial events in antiquity. Let’s take a closer look at the myths and legends that have become associated with these top five cardinal gems over time.
Amethyst
Amethyst is a purple variety of quartz that has a light lilac to deep purple colour range. Believe it or not, these hard gemstones were once as rare as rubies and emeralds, with many royal families across Europe and Asia including them in their most ornate pieces. The British royal family has many amethysts, included in their Crown Jewels, just go to the Tower of London and take a look!
Durable and easy to wear, this gemstone was considered a remedy against drunkenness and addiction. Today, the February birthstone is said to keep your mind sharp and your head clear when faced with business affairs. Is investing in an amethyst piece of jewellery a guarantee of career success? We say it’s worth a shot! One of our favourites is the Nudo Classico amethyst ring created by Milanese jewellery brand Pomellato.
Emerald
Emeralds are the birth stone of May, they embody rebirth, renewal and spring. These beautiful green gemstones have been fascinating to mankind since ancient times. In ancient Egypt it is said that Cleopatra collected and used them in her most opulent royal adornments. Because of their soothing green colours, emeralds were also said to repair eyesight in ancient times. Funnily enough, this has in some way proven to be accurate, as scientists today have said that the colour green relieves eye strain and stress.
With all the time we spend on social media, investing in an emerald jewel is good for your health and your jewellery collection. Consider one of Mindi Mond’s emerald creations. As she often works with estate jewels, chances are you will find an older gem teaming with healing powers.
Ruby
The red ruby has long been associated with love, passion, youth and power. With its burning red hues, this comes as no surprise. Its colour evokes an unparalleled energy that has inspired poets, artists and jewellers alike for centuries. A member of the corundum family, the July birthstone is exceptionally rare and is also extremely resilient, with its hardness second only to the sparkling diamond.
Full of energy and power, a piece of ruby jewellery is the perfect pop of colour to wear regularly, thanks to its romantic and bold colour and durable structure. For a piece that matches this bold energy, we recommend Anita Ko’s safety pin ruby embellished single earrings. They are fun, wild and passionate, just like the ruby.
Sapphire
Sapphire is the birthstone of September. Like the ruby, it is also a member of the corundum family. Unlike its sister gem, it comes in a rainbow of hues from white through to the deepest and darkest blue, which is perhaps its most popular colour. Blue sapphires have long been associated with sincerity and nobility, with ancient Greeks and Romans believing in their ability to protect high society individuals from harm or envy.
With so many colours on offer, designers the world over use the precious sapphire in a myriad of designs to express their unique style. Minka Jewels creates beautiful sapphire rings in all shades and shapes. The Les Trois Vallées is a particular favourite, as it features an untreated 3-carat Srilankan yellow sapphire, surrounded by yellow gold and diamonds that further accentuate its warm tone.
Diamond
Last but most certainly not least comes the king of gemstones – diamonds. These carbon gems were first discovered in India within the country’s rivers and streams. They quickly became the world’s most sought-after precious gem and they remain atop the ladder to date. Diamonds are the hardest of all precious gems, they are virtually unbreakable. The word ‘diamond’ in fact comes from the Greek word ‘adamas’ which means unbreakable.
For those lucky enough to be born in April diamond is their birthstone and have hundreds of design options to choose from. For those who love sparkle, a diamond eternity band from Cartier is the perfect dose of bling. For those who prefer a more art-deco feel, look for designs that include step-cut gems. Whatever your aesthetic is, there is a diamond design out there for you.
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