It may come from the feel of polished gemstone beads against skin or the rich colors or the sparkle of facets. But perhaps it’s also knowing that gemstone beads beautiful little objects came out of the earth and have been part of our history for millennia. Gemstone beads resonate with history, geology.
Some of the earliest-known gemstone beads were made of agate, carnelian, rock crystal, lapis lazuli, and jasper. These gemstone beads were found in Western Asia and dated to c. 4000-2000 B.C., when the technology for cutting gemstone beads was mostly a matter of grinding the gems against rough blocks then giving them final shape and polish with abrasives, such as sand or flint chips. Making holes in the without shattering them was difficult and is one reason for the popularity of gemston gemstone beadse beads. Being made of relatively hard materials, gemstone beads didn’t shatter easily and it was possible to drill holes through gemstone beads with flint drills.
As early as 6500 B.C., gemstone beads were being traded in both the Mediterranean and Asia. For example, Mediterranean coral beads dating to the year 6,000 B.C. were found in Turkey; and the early Greeks traded their copper and bronze instruments for Baltic amber, which they used to make amber beads.
Historically, gemstone beads have been valued for their beauty, their rarity, and the powers that were ascribed to them. From earliest time gemstone beads been connected with the spiritual and the supernatural. Sometimes the meaning was connected to gemstone beads colors. The ancient Egyptians favored a particular combination of gemstone beads dark blue lapis lazuli, turquoise, carnelian and green feldspar. It wasn’t just that these gemstone beads were beautiful together, but according to the Book of the Dead, these gemstone beads combination symbolized the natural world. Turquoise gemstone beads associated with joy and delight, was connected with new life. Similarly, the green feldspar was a symbol of resurrection and new growth while the red carnelian gemstone beads symbolized blood, the life force, energy and power.
Certain gemstone beads had very specific functions. Throughout Europe, from the 16th century until the late 1800s, red coral was considered a powerful protection. Both boys and girls wore single strands of red coral gemstone beads that were believed to protect against a wide range of illnesses, including stomach aches, smallpox, typhus and rickets. Adults wore coral gemstone beads as well, believing the necklaces enhanced vitality, wealth, and sexual relationships. Even as late as the 20th century, both Queen Elizabeth II and her sister, Princess Margaret were given coral gemstone beads necklaces when they were infants.
Today, metaphysical beliefs about the powers of gemstone beads and crystals abound. It’s believed that wearing certain gemstone beads can do everything from aiding in healing or protection to accessing angels and information from the spirit realms.
Many of these beliefs echo the ancient ones. Carnelian is still connected with the life force and power. Lapis lazuli, once the stone of sky gods, is now believed to aid in spirit journeys. Clear quartz is still believed to amplify energy and be a gateway to other realms. Whether we choose to wear gemstone beads for our adornment or their power, gemstone beads are precious gifts from the earth that add beauty—and perhaps gemstone beads a touch of magic--to your life.