You’re a rare gem, darling, and you deserve an appropriately fabulous gemstone necklace to express it! Gemstones are fantastic choices for statement jewelry because they add color and personality to a piece, while still looking classic and classy. A well-made gemstone necklace is as ubiquitous in its styling as a Little Black Dress can be, since gemstones can be worn both day and night, for casual and formal occasions. Some people opt for their birthstones when picking gemstone necklaces, while some just go by whichever color compliments their skin tone. Some people even believe that certain gemstones have healing properties and may choose their pendants based on whether they want to relieve stress or experience good luck! Victorians would assemble different gemstones into beautiful, one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces for their loved ones that essentially acted as love-notes, with each gemstone conveying a special meaning, or even a specific letter. Gemstone necklaces, then, are not only the perfect treat-yo-self purchase, but can be a sentimental and romantic gift for a loved one.
Leaving No Gemstone Unturned: Gemstone Necklaces 101
Aquamarine Necklaces:
In the language of gemstones, aquamarine symbolizes honesty, loyalty, beauty, and the sea. It also stands for the letter “A” in the tradition of Victorian acrostic jewelry. The association of aquamarine with loyalty also makes an aquamarine necklace a fantastic anniversary gift! Lauren K Jewelry, a brand singularly dedicated to crafting hand-picked gemstone jewelry, offers a number of stunning aquamarine necklaces. The Lauren K Aquamarine Bea Necklace is a minimalist take on gemstone jewelry, featuring a simple 18k yellow gold chain link necklace and a stunning, 3.90 ct watery-blue aquamarine pendant. For a bolder look, we recommend the Lauren K Aquamarine Mixed Shape Carly Fringe Necklace. 5.88 ct of quirky aquamarine pendants in different shapes dangle on an adjustable 18 kt yellow gold necklace, studded on either side with .05 ct of diamonds.
Emerald Necklaces:
Ancient Romans connected the emerald with the goddess Venus, forever associating the gemstone with hope, love, and romance. If you’re wanting to celebrate someone born in May or someone whose name begins with the letter “E”, or you just want to let your loved one know that you’re thinking of them, emerald necklaces are the way to go! Jye’s International manufactures beautiful diamond and precious gemstone jewelry in 18k gold and platinum. The Jye’s Emerald and Round Diamond Halo Necklace centers a dazzling tear-drop emerald pendant surrounded by a .45 ct round diamond halo on an 18k white gold chain. Dramatic and elegant, this emerald necklace is certainly fit for royalty, and will imbue anyone who wears it with an aura of majesty. Jye’s Bezel Emerald and Diamond by the Yard Necklace is ideal for a gemstone lover with a passion for layering jewelry. This 18k yellow gold necklace sparkles with 8 round bezel emeralds, totalling to 2.29 cts, and it’s 17 inch length makes it perfect for layering.
Opal Necklaces:
Opals stand for hope, purity, truth and protection, and celebrate the birth of people born in October. They also stand for the letter “O” according to Victorian acrostic jewelry tradition. Manhattan-based Meira T Designs keeps colored gemstones at the heart of their bohemian-meets-romantic design aesthetic. Meira T’s Two Tone Gold Opal Diamond Necklace designed with both 14k rose gold surrounding the pendant, and 18k white gold along the chain features a .47 carat opal pendant in rich hues of green, violet, and blue, surrounded by a diamond halo. Hanging delicately along the white gold chain are dainty diamond and white gold charms, which add a touch of femininity and playfulness to the necklace. For a more understated look, we suggest the Meira T White Opal Heart Necklace, a 14 kt white gold necklace featuring a sweet, heart-shaped white opal with a diamond halo and a single diamond charm.
Ruby Necklaces:
The vivid red color of the ruby, the July birthstone, resembles the blood that runs through our veins and pumps our hearts, so this gemstone has long since associated it with vitality, passion, love, and life. The ruby also stands for the letter “R” in the Victorian language of gemstones. For a thoughtful, amorous gift, consider a ruby necklace! Jye’s International offers the breathtaking Jye’s Ruby and Round Diamond Halo Pendant. A spectacular 1.42 carat ruby sits at the center of a delicately swirled, diamond halo and white gold pendant attached to a 16 inch, 18k white gold chain. This dramatic ruby necklace is the very definition of a statement piece! For our warmer-toned friends, an equally dramatic ruby necklace is available from John Apel in lustrous 18k yellow gold! The John Apel Oval Bezel Set Ruby Necklace showcases 11 cts of rubies set in milgrain bezels which rest beautifully in the warm yellow gold chain.
Sapphire Necklaces:
The word “sapphire” comes from the Ancient Greek word for “blue”, and it is for this famous, deep blue hue that the gemstone has been favored for centuries. Blue sapphires are said to represent innocence, wisdom, nobility, and chastity and stand for the letter “S” in the language of gemstones. Because of their long history, unique meaning, and role as the September birthstone, blue sapphires can make for a thoughtful gift for just about anyone! Kwiat are some of New York’s finest diamond jewelers, and nothing makes a flawless white diamond stand out like a beautiful blue sapphire accent! The Kwiat Silhouette Diamond and Sapphire Pendant encircles a dazzling brilliant cut diamond with a deep blue sapphire halo in a breathtaking inverse of Princess Diana’s iconic sapphire and diamond engagement ring. Treat your favorite Virgo to the Kwiat Ashoka Diamond and Calibre Sapphire Halo Pendant, a rectangular take on the classic sapphire-and-diamond look set into 18k white gold for maximum shine. Sap-phire away!
Photo by Jacek Dylag on Unsplash