Sparkling Treasures

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Sparkling Treasures dance around the canvas in a sea of ruby red. Can’t you just picture emeralds, sapphires, turquoise, amber, amethyst, lapis or jasper radiantly shining. These gems add brilliance to the already vibrant shades of rubies?

Indeed, we have always been drawn to these dazzling jewels. Red rubies, priceless diamonds, huge emeralds and other gemstones have long inspired myths, legends, and even curses. Additionally, they have been coveted by royalty, rich collectors, and movie stars alike. Undeniably, people have treasured gems for many reasons throughout history. Some of these reasons include the use of gems as beautiful decorative ornaments, religious symbols, amulets and good-luck charms. Gems have also been used for barter and medicinal purposes. Furthermore, gems have even been used as investments by some people. For others, gems have been used to display wealth, status, and power.

In fact, History dates gemstone use in Greece 1600 BC. Romans also believed in the metaphysical powers of gemstones like the Greeks and Egyptians. In 500 BC, the first amulet made of gemstones appeared. Actually, Sapphires, garnets, and pearls were used and historically gemstones have been called healing crystals.

Sparkling Treasures – What is a Gemstone

But what is a Gemstone. A gemstone is a valuable piece of mineral crystal, usually mined from the ground. For they are a product of the earth. Some, like diamond and zircon, were formed deep in the earth and brought to the surface by explosions of molten rock. Many, like topaz, tourmaline and aquamarine, crystallized slowly from hot fluids and gases. They cooled and solidified, far below the surface of the earth. In fact, most gemstones are hard. But some soft minerals are used in jewelry because of their luster or other physical properties that have aesthetic value. Rarity is another characteristic that lends value to a gemstone.

Europeans have long considered the gem a symbol of hope, purity, and truth. Once, it was thought to have the power to preserve the life and color of blond hair. Throughout history, they have also been used to decorate a variety of items like plates, combs, religious or ceremonial objects, and weapons. Even, Gem lore is full of stories of gemstones with magic and symbolic properties. Ancient peoples believed that certain gems would protect them from misfortune, illness, and unhappiness. The list of gem-related superstitions is long and sometimes contradictory. Opal, for instance, was thought by some to bring bad luck, while others cherished it as a symbol of hope.

Sparkling Treasures, an Acrylic Painting

No matter the history of these gems, they will always be considered treasured jewels. For gemstones have always had a hold on mankind. So, in this painting I created my own gemstones through shapes and colors. Perhaps this acrylic painting titled “Sparkling Treasures” is not just about some jewels, but what their stories mean to us individually, historically and culturally. In short, gemstones symbolize our very humanity.

Dare to Feel,

Red

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