Origin
USA (North Carolina, Arizona), Sri Lanka (Ceylon), Tanzania, South Africa, Brazil, India, Rhodesia, Russia, Italy, Burma and Madagascar

History & Legend
Garnets were carried as an amulet to protect a traveler from accidents. They also were used as bullets by Asians and Southwest Native Americans. To ancient Persians, a garnet was a Royal Gem. In some cultures, Red Garnet is used to relieve fever, while Yellow Garnet is used to cure jaundice.

Origin
Brazil, Uruguay, Russia, Sri Lanka (Ceylon), Mexico, Japan and Rhodesia

History & Legend
Legend says that Bacchus, Roman god of wine, was angered and swore to turn the next human he saw into a tiger. To protect a beautiful young maiden named Amethyst from his wrath, Diana the Huntress turned her colorless. Bacchus relented and poured his purple wine over her head.

Origin
Brazil, Madagascar, Sri Lanka (Ceylon) and India

History & Legend
Aquamarine is derived from the Latin word for “sea water.” A 243-pound aquamarine crystal was found in Brazil in 1910; the American Museum displays a 13-pound portion of it.

Origin
South Africa, Australia, India, Russia, and Brazil

History & Legend
The diamond is not just one of the most treasured of gems – it is also the hardest mineral found on earth; made of pure carbon formed under extremely high pressure underground.

Origin
Brazil, Columbia, Rhodesia, South Africa, Russia and India

History & Legend
Roman Emperor Nero used large emeralds as sunglasses while watching chariot races, while women used them to protect against problems in childbirth. Legend says emeralds may help foretell the future, strengthen the owner’s memory, improve intelligence, and make the wearer more frugal and apt to become wealthy.

Origin
Persian Gulf, Straits of Manaar, Japan, Mexico, Panama, Burma and South Seas

History & Legend
Pearls were believed to have been formed by a drop of dew that fell into the sea, with dark weather forming a dark colored pearl, and good weather a lovely light white. Pearls were once a royal gem whose use was restricted by decree.

Origin
Burma, Thailand, Africa and India

History & Legend
Ancient Burmese believed that the “blazing red” stones came from a bottomless valley, while medics associated its color with blood and used it to stop hemorrhaging and blood ailments. Rubies are said to rekindle lovers’ desire.

Origin
Island of Zeveret (Egypt), Burma, USA and Mexico

History & Legend
Ancients called it the Gem of the Sun, and wore it as a talisman to dispel enchantment and evil spirits. Prospecting was done at night, because the stones were almost invisible in the daylight.

Origin
Kashmir, Columbia, Rhodesia, South Africa, Russia and India

History & Legend
Symbolizing Truth, Sincerity and Constancy, ancient Persians believed that the Earth rested on a great sapphire. Sapphires have been worn as protection against capture or poison, and rays from the stone have been said to kill snakes. Before its value was appreciated, it was used in Kashmir as fire-making flint.

Origin
Australia, China, Brazil, USA (California, Nevada), and Mexico

History & Legend
The ancient Romans considered it a symbol of hope and purity, while Arabs believed they came from the heavens in flashes of lightning. Opals are thought to preserve the wearer from disease.

Origin
USA, South Africa, Brazil, Thailand, Australia

History & Legend
The Greeks and Romans used Citrine as a protective talisman, and for medicinal purposes. They believed it aided in digestion, cleansed toxins from the body, and brought about lightheartedness and joy of spirit. Golden Citrine is often mistaken for Golden Topaz, but topaz is more expensive.

Topaz
Origin
Brazil, Africa, USA

History & Legend
The Blue Topaz was discovered on Marco Polo's voyages in the 13th century. It was worn as a necklace to dispel enchantment, and was believed to have the power to cure asthma, insomnia and burns. Its powers are said to be subject to the cycles of the moon.