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Gemstones in jewelry: meaning, colors and combinations
Gemstones have been incorporated into jewelry for centuries. It's no wonder there are so many gemstones that deserve a second life! They are not only worn for their color, but also for the meaning they are known for.
No two stones are exactly alike, which means gemstone jewelry always has a unique look. In contrast to sleek metals, gemstones bring variety and depth. A soft aquamarine can make a piece of jewelry feel calm, while a warmer stone like citrine adds energy.
That's why many people choose gemstones in jewelry when they want to wear something personal. In this guide, you'll find explanations about different gemstones, their meanings, and how to wear them.
Amethyst
Amethyst has a deep, purple color. It stands for decision-making, balance, and calmness.
Aquamarine
With its light blue color, aquamarine reminds me of the ocean. It stands for calmness, harmony, and self-expression.
Citrine
Citrine is known for its warm, sunny color. A stone of abundance, self-confidence, and positivity.
Rose Quartz
The ultimate stone of romance. Rose quartz stands for unconditional love and infinite peace.
Moonstone
An all-time favorite, and I understand why. Its main strength is calming emotions.
Tourmaline
Colourful, versatile and always stylish. Tourmaline represents understanding, self-confidence and the reduction of anxiety.
Which gemstone suits me?
The answer is often simpler than you think. If you want to choose a gemstone, consider what appeals to you.
Often, color is the first thing you react to. Some people are automatically drawn to soft hues like aquamarine or moonstone, while others prefer warmer colors like citrine or rose quartz. This often surprisingly aligns well with the colors you already wear in your clothing.
Your style also plays a role. If you prefer subtle jewelry that matches everything, smaller stones or quieter shades often work best. If you're looking for a piece of jewelry with a bit more character, a deeper color or a stone with a distinct pattern can be beautiful.
Additionally, some people consciously choose based on symbolism. Gemstones have been associated with certain properties for centuries. For example, amethyst is often linked to tranquility, rose quartz to gentleness, and citrine to energy. This doesn't have to be New Age mumbo-jumbo! It can simply be a beautiful thought behind a piece of jewelry you love to wear.
When choosing a gemstone for jewelry, it ultimately comes down to feeling. The stone you keep looking at repeatedly or that immediately feels right when you wear it is often the correct choice.
Gemstones in jewelry not only add color but also personality. And that's precisely why many people choose their stone intuitively.
Gemstones at Kluttery
At Kluttery, I work with leftover batches of gemstones and vintage pearls from European jewelers' stocks. This means that the availability of stones often dictates which jewelry pieces are created.
All pieces are therefore made in small quantities. Once a specific stone runs out, the same combination usually does not return.
Gemstones give each piece of jewelry its own character. Subtle, but never exactly the same.
- Chains
- BRACELETS
- earrings
- rings
What does a gemstone in jewelry mean?
Gemstones have been incorporated into jewelry for centuries. Not only because of their color, but also because of the symbolism associated with them. In various cultures, certain stones are, for example, associated with peace, strength, or love.
Nowadays, many people choose a gemstone primarily because they like its color or appearance. The symbolism can add an extra layer, but does not have to be the primary factor. A piece of jewelry with a gemstone is often perceived as more personal than a piece without a stone, because each stone has its own character.
At Kluttery, therefore, the focus is mainly on the combination of color, shape, and wearability. The stone must match your style and the piece of jewelry you love to wear.
How do you choose a gemstone that suits you?
Choosing a gemstone often starts with what appeals to you. Many people are automatically drawn to certain colors. This can, for example, be related to the colors you often wear in your clothing.
Style also plays a role. If you are looking for a subtle piece of jewelry that matches everything, quieter tones often work well. If you want a piece of jewelry that stands out a bit more, then a deeper color or a stone with more character can be beautiful.
Some people also look at the meaning of a stone, but that is not necessary. Ultimately, the best choice is usually the stone you keep looking at, or that immediately feels right when you see the piece of jewelry.
Can you wear gemstones daily?
Yes, many gemstones are suitable for daily wear, especially when they are set in a sturdy piece of jewelry. How well a stone can withstand daily use depends, among other things, on its hardness and how it is set in the piece.
For jewelry you wear frequently, it is wise to handle the stone carefully. For example, avoid hard knocks and store jewelry separately so that stones cannot rub against each other.
With normal use, gemstones can truly remain beautiful for years. That's precisely why they are so often used in jewelry worn daily.
Are gemstones sustainable?
Gemstones are often seen as a natural and sustainable material, but that is not automatically the case. New gemstones usually have to be extracted from mines. This process can have an impact on the environment, and in some regions, working conditions in mining are also not very good.
By reusing gemstones, there is no need to extract new raw materials. At Kluttery, I therefore work with surplus gemstones from old jeweller's stocks and other existing batches. This means that the stones have already been purchased or produced, but have not yet been incorporated into jewellery. By using these stones, they are given a (second) life after all.
This way of working reduces the demand for new mining and ensures that existing materials are used more efficiently. This makes jewellery with gemstones not only beautiful but also a more conscious choice.