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Expressive Stones: The Properties and Associated Symbolism of Popular Gems

November 20th, 2024

A close-up image of a woman wearing a toi et moi fashion ring and gemstone necklace.

From serene sapphires to rich, red rubies, the influence that colorful gemstones have on fine jewelry is unmatched, each creating pieces that are expressive, alluring, and speak to the personality and individuality of the wearer. Here at Wilson & Son Jewelers, we proudly house a vast array of gemstone jewelry featuring a multitude of hues and properties. Our selection only includes the finest quality gems, each possessing unique qualities and symbolisms, representing traits like passion, purity, safety, and strength. Explore our guide to the gems we proudly showcase here at Wilson & Sons Jewelers, and find the gem that best suits your style and personality today.

A yellow gold Vlora pendant necklace featuring a halo set, oval cut ruby, available at Wilson & Son Jewelers.

Fiery Rubies

Celebrated for their vibrant red hues, rubies have long symbolized passion, power, and love. Used in jewelry for centuries, they were once considered the “king of gems” in ancient cultures. A form of corundum— one of the most durable gemstones second only to diamonds— rubies get their deep color from traces of chromium, which also adds to their exceptional durability. Featuring an oval ruby encased in a diamond cushion halo that enhances its natural beauty, this pendant necklace from VLORA is a stunning example of ruby jewelry that exudes passion and power.

A pair of Martin Flyer white gold stud earrings featuring halo set sapphires, available at Wilson & Son Jewelers.

Alluring Sapphires

Renowned for their rich blue tones symbolizing wisdom, loyalty, and nobility, sapphires have been treasured throughout history. Like rubies, sapphires are a variety of corundum. Sapphires owe their vibrant color to traces of iron and titanium, while their hardness makes them exceptionally durable and perfect for fine jewelry. Sapphires are prominently featured in these exquisite Martin Flyer stud earrings, each deep blue sapphire framed by a sparkling halo of diamonds. This combination of gems further elevates the sapphires’ royal appeal, creating a truly dignified accessory.

A yellow gold half sun pendant necklace featuring emeralds from Monica Rich Kosan, available at Wilson & Son Jewelers.

Vibrant Emeralds

Often associated with renewal, growth, and abundance, emeralds have been cherished since ancient times for their lush and refreshing green hue. Historically prized by royalty and civilizations like the Egyptians, emeralds are a variety of beryl, colored by traces of chromium and vanadium. Known for their depth and beauty, these gemstones embody a connection to nature and enduring elegance, even as the seasons change. This beautiful gold birthstone necklace from Monica Rich Kosann features a delicate emerald, symbolizing May births and the vitality of springtime as it delicately shines and catches the eye with its glistening emeralds.

A white gold pearl station choker necklace from Mastoloni, available at Wilson & Son Jewelers.

Iridescent Pearls

Often seen as symbols of purity and wisdom, pearls have captivated jewelry enthusiasts for centuries. Formed naturally inside mollusks, pearls develop from an iridescent material called nacre, often formed around a tiny irritant such as a grain of sand. Chemically composed mainly of calcium carbonate, their organic creation, delicacy, and soft luster make them unique in the world of fine gemstones. Showcasing both pink and white freshwater pearls, this Mastoloni necklace is a subtle yet stunning accessory, offering a modern twist on a timeless gem.

A pair of mixed metal blue topaz stud earrings from Marco Bicego, available at Wilson & Son Jewelers.

Durable Topaz

Prized by ancient civilizations for its calming energies often linked to traits like clarity and communication, the multiple hues of topaz have a rich history. Chemically, topaz is a silicate mineral that includes aluminum and fluorine, with its blue hue achieved through treatment with either heat or radiation. Its durability and versatility make it a favorite centerpiece for both classic and contemporary designs. For example, these stunning Marco Bicego drop earrings showcase striking London Blue topaz stones accented by diamonds and white gold floral details, highlighting the stone’s depth of color as it draws attention to your face and neck.

A pair of Marco Bicego stud earrings with round cut amethysts, available at Wilson & Son Jewelers.

Regal Amethysts

Valued for their rich purple hue since ancient times, amethysts are symbols of peace and clarity. As a variety of quartz, amethysts owe their color to trace amounts of iron and radiation exposure as they form over millions of years. Historically used in royal regalia, this gorgeous gemstone is believed to bring balance and calm, making it a cherished choice in fine jewelry for those who want to exude tranquility. For an accessory with classic appeal. These striking stud earrings from Marco Bicego feature a bold amethyst centerpiece securely held within yellow gold bezels, highlighting the gem’s timeless appeal and spectacular color.

A MARCO BICEGO Siviglia 18K Yellow Gold Aquamarine & Gold Bracelet, available at Wilson & Son Jewelers.

Sparkling Aquamarine

Renowned for its tranquil blue hues, aquamarine has been a symbol of serenity and protection for centuries. As a variety of a mineral known as beryl, the cool blue color of aquamarine is due to iron impurities within its crystal structure. Historically, sailors believed this gemstone protected them at sea, while today it’s cherished for its calming aura and elegant presence in fine jewelry. This gorgeous Marco Bicego Siviglia 18K yellow gold aquamarine and gold bracelet combines warm and cool tones for a dynamic effect. The hammered yellow gold in between the bezel set oval aquamarines balances the piece of jewelry to enhance the natural beauty of the gemstones.

A woman’s hand adorned with a pearl fashion ring, extended towards the ocean.

Explore Incredible Gemstone Fine Jewelry at Wilson and Son Jewelers

At Wilson & Son Jewelers, we take immense pride in offering our customers an exquisite selection of gemstone jewelry that perfectly captures their unique style. From timeless classics to bold, expressive pieces, our collection of fine jewelry is carefully curated to suit any style and occasion. We also provide expert jewelry servicing and cleaning to ensure your pieces remain as brilliant as the day you bought them. Visit our jewelry store in Scarsdale to experience our collection today, or request an appointment with our team— we’re here to help you find the perfect piece for your collection.