The lore flanking the earth’s most precious gems and stones is as mesmerizing as the stones themselves. People have fought wars for them and plundered cities to look for them. They have been attributed with the possession of mystical powers, and reserved for symbolic and sacred rites. What are these elusive treasures? The rarest of the world’s precious gemstones: diamonds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires and pearls. Each precious gem has a rich, colorful history; all are surrounded by fascinating myths and each brings to its wearer a special significance.
Diamond: Jewel In The Crown
Diamond which is known as a girl’s best friend is one of the most expensive gemstones, regarded by many as the most amorous of all jewels.
Produced with more than 3 billion years ago, the gemstones were passed to the periphery of the earth by volcanic action. Most diamonds being showed off today are more than million years old. The ancient Romans believed that diamonds were particles from falling stars. Thought to give mystical powers to the wearer, diamonds were prized to such an extent that only people of royal blood were considered worthy to own them. 
Large diamonds, more than any other gem, have acquired names, histories and legends of their own. The largest diamond ever found, is pear shaped and weighs 530.2 carats. It’s known as the great Star of Africa. This diamond was found in a mine of Africa .When one of the workers found it; no one could believe it was a diamond. Today, the Star of Africa sparkles in a heavily guarded Tower of London.
While this gem will never pass from the British crown, don’t lose heart-there are many magnificent diamonds to be found in the sparkling shops of the world’s best jewelers.
Their glossy lustre and their bond with the sea have made pearls a source of charm since time began. Unlike other precious gemstones, pearls emerge from their oyster homes in beauty, without the need for cutting, polishing, heat treating, or artificial coloring.
Indian legend has the krishna tackling the sea for a pearl to give to his daughter on her wedding day. According to Egyptian legend, Cleopatra crushed a pearl in a glass of wine and drank it to win a bet with Marc Antony that she could eat the most costly meal ever served.
Until the 1900s, natural pearls were the only pearls on the market and were available only to the wealthy. Then along came Kokichi Mikimoto, whose company through their culturing process helped make the pearls available to a greater number of admirers around the world.
One of the most famous pearls in history is LA PEREGRINA, which means “the incomparable”. This pear- shaped pearl was found off the coast of Panama in the 1500s, was purchased by Richard Burton in 1969 for 37,000 dollars and set into a pearl and diamond necklace worn by Elizabeth Taylor.
Today as in chronological past, a gift of pearls carries with it the bliss of elegance and perfection to its wearer.
Written by Aniqa Shahid for Me & My Wedding
Image Source: ilac.ie
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