During the holidays, we often use gifts to try to convey how precious our loved ones are within our lives. Looking for inspiration? A gift of one or more of the four precious gemstones can be a perfect way to illustrate how much you value beloved friends and family. Meet the “Fantastic Four” gemstones!
What Are the Four Precious Gemstones?
The jewelry industry recognizes Emeralds, Sapphires, Rubies, and Diamonds as the world’s four “precious gemstones.” Whereas all other gemstones are considered only “semi-precious,” these four stones are lauded as precious due to their popularity and value, which encompasses their beauty, rarity, and hardness.
Bloom Collection Celebrates “All Four Precious Stones”
Bloom’s new collection brings the boldness and brilliance of green Emeralds, blue Sapphires, and red Rubies together with the singular sparkle of Diamonds to create statement necklaces, versatile layering necklaces, gorgeous earring sets, and more. First, check out our top gift picks. Then, read on for a rundown of the supposed meanings and healing properties of each of the four precious gemstones, giving you a bit more inspiration for your holiday gift-giving list.
Our Sapphire & Baguette Diamond Strung Choker Necklace is a real stunner, giving our best selling baguette Diamond linear midi bar necklace the elegant upgrade of a hand-strung blue Sapphire choker.
This lovely Ruby & Diamond Slice Figaro Delicate Charm Necklace (pictured) brings together a gold-edged Diamond Slice with a mini Ruby drop and a delicate 14K Gold Filled figaro chain. Also available with Emerald or Sapphire.
Our Emerald Pave Diamond Tear Halo Gold Filled Paperclip Toggle Necklace (pictured) is perfect for the holidays or year-round! For a complete look, pair with our Emerald & Pave Diamond Halo Round Studs.
These Star Sapphire Pave Diamond Halo Studs (pictured) are really something special. For a truly heirloom-worthy set, pair with the Star Sapphire Pave Diamond Halo Oval Paperclip Necklace.
Diamond: Strength, Creativity & Joy
Background: Diamond, the April birthstone and traditional gemstone of the 60th and 75th anniversaries, is the only gem made of a single element. As the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) explains, Diamonds are 99.95% carbon (with the remainder trace elements). Diamonds have been considered precious for centuries: In the first century AD, Pliny the Elder reportedly wrote that “Diamond is the most valuable, not only of precious stones, but of all things in this world.”
Healing properties: Per the American Gem Society (AGS), Diamonds are thought to aid in increasing inner strength, boosting energy, supporting healthier relationships, and promoting joy, balance, clarity, and abundance.
Looking for great Diamond jewelry gift ideas? Look no further than our 2022 Holiday Diamond Guide.
Emerald: Rejuvenation, Well-Being & Future Vision
Background: As GIA details, Emerald, the May birthstone and traditional gemstone of the 20th and 35th anniversaries, is the most famous member of the mineral beryl family. Pliny the Elder also extolled the beauty of Emeralds, writing that “nothing greens greener.” Emerald fans range the ages, from Cleopatra to Catherine the Great and from Elizabeth Taylor to Queen Elizabeth II.
Healing properties: Emerald’s supposed healing properties include inspiring a calming sense of well-being, promoting restoration and rejuvenation, and helping to reveal a vision of the future. To learn more about the history and meaning of Emerald, check out our gemstone feature.
Ruby: Happiness, Passion & Success
Background: Ruby, the July birthstone and traditional gemstone for the 15th and 40th anniversaries, is the most valuable form of the mineral corundum. GIA explains that the trace element chromium causes Ruby’s brilliant red coloration. Good ol’ Pliny the Elder didn’t leave out Rubies, remarking their hardness and density and describing their color as being a “gentle fire.” GIA also states that Ruby has been called “the most precious of the 12 stones created by God.”
Healing properties: The healing properties of Ruby are said to include promoting vitality, health, wellness, success, and peaceful living, and shielding wearers and their wealth from enemies, negative energy, or other perils. To learn more about the history and meaning of Ruby, check out our gemstone feature.
Sapphire: Peace of Mind, Wisdom & Self-Expression
Background: Sapphire — the September Birthstone and traditional gemstone for the 5th and 45th anniversaries — is another form of the mineral species corundum. While most people think of Sapphire as being blue, as GIA explains, the gemstone can come in a range of colors, including purple, yellow, orange, pink, green, and more. While Sapphires have been a popular gemstone since the Middle Ages, according to AGS, nowadays, top-quality blue Sapphire is still one of nature’s rarest gemstones.
Healing properties: The healing properties of Sapphire are thought to include promoting mental focus and discipline, peace of mind, and self-protection; balancing emotions; releasing unwanted thoughts; and supporting effective self-expression. To learn more about the history and meaning of Sapphire, check out our gemstone feature.
Looking for even more great gift ideas for the holidays? We’re here to help! Check out Bloom’s 2022 Holiday Gift Guide for 100+ gorgeous gifts under $100, beautiful best sellers in every category, layering chains, our revamped charm bar, and much more!
