Gemstone Superstitions

There are many superstitions that have become associated with different gemstones throughout the centuries. These may vary according to country and tradition, but for anyone inclined to believe, it may be a good idea to know the following before buying or giving gemstones as gifts for special occasions.

Gemstone Superstitions - Weddings:

Diamonds are traditionally used in engagement and wedding rings for a good reason - they are said to symbolize affection between a man and a woman, and to invoke courage in a man and pride in a woman. But beware! It is also believed that a diamond laid under the pillow will betray an unfaithful wife!

Emeralds are also believed to bestow happiness on married couples. In some parts of the world, they are also thought to be aphrodisiacs - which may explain why they are thought to bring marital bliss.

Pearls, however, should never be used in an engagement or wedding ring, or indeed given as a gift to anyone, because they symbolize tears and are believed to bring sadness. Brides are particularly cautioned against wearing pearls on their wedding day, lest they bring tears to the marriage.

In the East opals are thought to be lucky; elsewhere the opal is usually considered to be the most ill-fated of all gemstones and is often referred to as the stone of tears. Thus, engagement rings must never contain an opal, to prevent the new bride from quickly becoming a widow!

Gemstone Superstitions - Gifts:

Opals and pearls should never be given or accepted as a gift. Both of these stones are believed to bring extremely bad luck unless purchased by the owner. If they are to be given as a present, the bad luck can be negated by handing its giver a small sum of money to turn it into a financial transaction, and thus break the curse of these stones.

Bad luck associated with opals can also be offset by wearing them in settings that include diamonds, since diamonds are said to have power over the opals.

Gemstone Superstitions - Medicinal qualities:

Rubies are said to change color according to the health of the wearer. They are thought to give an indication of health problems that may not be apparent to an observer, even conditions that the wearer is unaware of.

Some people believe that women who wear emeralds during childbirth have a less painful birth. They are also believed to help cure dysentery and epilepsy, negate the poison of snakes, and the blind are said to benefit from touching emeralds.

Pearls have been attributed with various healing properties throughout history. They are believed to have the ability to alleviate madness, jaundice, and the effects of snake and insect bites. Additionally, pearls are thought to have a positive impact on women's mental health, potentially alleviating depression. The act of receiving pearls is said to bring joy to most women. However, it is important to exercise caution, as pearls are also associated with aphrodisiac qualities. Placing a pearl under one's pillow and sleeping on it is believed to enhance fertility and increase the likelihood of conception for couples.

Opals have been said to improve eyesight, and to help blondes maintain their hair color. Some also believe that opals turn pale in the presence of poison, and lose their shine once their owners die.

Whether you are superstitious or not, it is useful to be aware of these beliefs, rather than offend those who follow such lore.