Our species have long looked to the night sky to find meaning in our existence and understand the influence of celestial bodies on our earthbound lives. Cave walls show lunar cycles recorded 25,000 years ago and lunar phases have since ancient times been coupled with the movement of the tides and the monthly cycles of women.
When it comes to jewelry, the earliest pieces found date back to the Neolithic era. Wearing natural gemstones and crystals shaped by the elements has been one of the oldest connections we have to the natural world around us.
Astral stones and cosmic gems, also called zodiac crystals and stones associated with planets, have played a significant part in holistic beliefs for millennia. The ancient Egyptians wore amulets and talismans and multiple strains of colored gemstones. They loved the Ankh, the symbol of life. Yellow and gold were associated with the sun and featured high in the color symbolism they valued since they believed color reflects personality.
The Egyptians were not the only ones to believe precious stones taken from the earth could heal and protect. The Greeks wrote a great deal about the symbolism and significance of gemstones in their lives as early as 1200 BC, and the Romans too accorded myths and gems great respect. Even in 16th and 17th century England, precious stones served a variety of important functions in Elizabethan and early Stuart society. Or so attested Cassandra J. Auble in her 2011 thesis at the University of Nebraska, showing how even in the 21st century we still love to contemplate our relationship with these entrancing crystals and stones found in nature.
Across ages and cultures our relationship with gemstones and the heavens have stood the test of time. To this day Vedic astrology interpret the position of the planets at the time of birth as directly related to a person’s personality and success, failure, health and finances during life’s ups and downs and accorded 9 planets with 9 special gemstones.
Customs change, beliefs change. What is certain is that the earth has natural sources of minerals, metals, and gems, forged through the elements, and that throughout our history humans have ascribed gemstones and crystals with powers of protection, healing, and spiritual meaning. Plenty of good books have been written on the subject. You need not go back as far as "The rare and most vvonderfull things vvhich Edvv. Vvebbe and Englishman borne hath seen and passed in his troublesome trauailes" published in London in 1590.
More recent books such as "The Crystal Zodiac: Use Birthstones to Enhance Your Life" by internationally known crystal expert, astrologer, and healer Judy Hall, shed light on the links between earth and sky and how gemstones can bring healing, wisdom and good fortune.
Whatever your personal beliefs, there is no doubt that even now, in the 21st century, holding a gem in your hand still creates a deeply personal connection and remains the most significant gift you can share with someone you love and cherish.