Gemstones Meanings and Lore

Along with our extensive collection of diamond jewelry and certified loose diamonds, Padis Jewelry also has an incredible selection of gemstone jewelry and loose gems.  Our inventory includes high-quality sapphires and color-saturated emeralds preset in jewelry or available as loose stones ready to be used in your own designs.  We also have an array of fine jewelry set with amethyst, turquoise, topaz and other semi-precious stones.   

Throughout time people have associated gemstones with various characteristics and folklore such as having healing properties or the ability to ward off evil spells.  For example, the Romans believed emeralds had soothing qualities and Nero even wore a pair of crystal emerald glasses to calm his eyes.  They were also Cleopatra’s favorite gemstone.  The most sought-after emeralds are a deep green, and often carved into rectangular step cuts, known as the emerald cut.   

Sapphires have long been associated with romance and royal leanings, and in ancient times, people believed sapphires could predict the future.  The gem is available in a variety of colors including blue, yellow, green, orange, pink, and purple.  One of the most famous blue sapphires is the engagement ring Princess Di received from Prince Charles in 1981.

February’s birthstone, amethyst, ranges in color from pale lilac to a royal purple with reddish overtones that some experts consider to be the finest example of the gem.  The stone is believed to have a calming influence and is associated with intellect and wisdom.  Linked with Bacchus the god of wine, amethyst is a member of the quartz family.  

Another popular gemstone, Topaz is November’s birthstone and ranges in color from blues to green, yellow, orange, red, pink and purple as well as colorless stones.  Imperial, red, purple and pink topaz is rarer and more expensive.  The ancient Greeks believed that topaz bestowed strength to the wearer and thought it could ward off evil spells.

Treasured since ancient times by people in Egypt, Mesoamerica and China, turquoise is a rare phosphate of copper that forms in dry, barren regions in only a few places in the world.  Ancient people believed that turquoise offered protection from evil and bestowed good fortune and good health to the wearer. 

Padis Jewelry, a family-owned business, has been a trusted source for buying exquisite certified loose diamonds, engagement rings and fine jewelry since 1974.  We are one of the only jewelers in the area that offers such an exclusive selection of top names in the industry as well as such a large inventory.  We invite you to visit our showrooms to see our beautiful collection of fine jewelry.