Do you think gems have special meanings? Legends about gemstones have spread over the years, especially for early humans. In Ancient Greece, amethysts are believed to have come from the tears of the Greek god Dionysus and onyx came from Venus’ fingernails. But what is the real value of these stones?

Many—such as merchants and lovers—have taken advantage of the gemstones’ “powers.” Each stone has different meanings. For example, moonstones are thought to be used to communicate with the gods. Diamonds have powers over love and health, but they can also be used as poison. Kings and emperors use pearls to show their authority and power. Pliny the Elder, a Roman philosopher and writer, wrote that Cleopatra melted a pearl in vinegar to impress Marc Anthony. Now, interests in jewelry and gemstones have become more and more “personal.” English jeweler Vicki Ambery-Smith once had a client who requested her to make a ring to celebrate her 10th wedding anniversary. The ring was created based on where her customer was married, her house, and even her car. It was also common for the early people to recycle jewelry. English General Oliver Cromwell recycled the late King Charles I’s crown jewels into coins with the words “Commonwealth of England.”

According to another English jeweler, Esther Eyre, jewelry has become the “ultimate in recycling.” She said it’s interesting to know that pieces of gold used in modern jewelry may have possibly come from Ancient Egyptians. To us, jewelry are just simple “accessories,” but they hold much more meaning than what we think they have.