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Gemstone
Beads are classified into two categories. Diamonds,
rubies, sapphires and emeralds are considered to be
Gemstone Beads. Amethysts used to be in Gemstone Beads
category, but the discovery of vast fields of Gemstone
Beads resulted in it being reclassified. Now amethysts
and all other mineral or organic gems such as pearl,
garnet, jade and beryl, are classified as semi-precious
Gemstone Beads.
Gemstones are seldom formed into beads. Semi-Precious
Gemstone Beads, however, are highly appropriate for bead
work. Gemstone Beads may be formed into a wide variety
of shapes, each of which can highlight a different
aspect of the gem. A string of round, polished turquoise
beads, for instance, has a very different character from
a string of turquoise beads in their natural form.
Gemstones beads can carry symbolic, astrological, or
mythological meanings. Opals Gemstone Beads, because of
their ever-changing hues, are considered bad luck as
engagement rings. Pearls Gemstone Beads have long been a
symbol of purity, and are therefore often used as bridal
jewelry. Ancient cultures considered amethyst Gemstone
Beads a charm against intoxication, and jade has been
considered a lucky stone for centuries.
Certain Gemstone Beads are associated with specific
months, in a tradition that goes back
centuries and hails from several different cultures,
such as Tibetan and Hindu. The currently
accepted list of birthstones in Western culture was
established in 1912. Garnet Gemstone Beads, for
instance, is associated with January, aquamarine
Gemstone Beads with March and blue zircon with December.
A piece of jewelry made from birthstone gems makes a
lovely personalized gift. |
