There is more to jewellery than you might at first imagine, that goes far beyond the metallic or mineral aspects of its physical beauty. Since ancient times lovers and mourners have given and worn precious metals and stones to convey sentiments of love, passion and remembrance.
Perhaps often unknown by the giver, certain arrangements of gems in jewellery are said to convey extra special meanings, many of whose origins have been lost in the mists of time. The Victorians, in particular, enjoyed jewellery that conveyed hidden meanings or words of endearment. For example, a bracelet or ring set with a Ruby, Emerald, Garnet, Amethyst, Ruby and Diamond, would spell out the word "Regard", from the first letter of each gemstone.
These tables demonstrate some of the well established and traditional hidden messages that certain arrangements of jewellery represent.
| Plants and Flowers | Meanings |
| Forget me not | True love. Love in separation. |
| Daisy | Innocence. |
| Ivy leaves | Fidelity and marriage. |
| Laurel leaves | Triumph. Love conquers all. |
| Ferns | Sincerity. |
| Lily-of-the-valley | Sweetness. |
| Sweet pea | Goodbye. |
| Lilac | First love emotions. |
| Violets | Modesty. |
| Poppy | Health and success. |
| Yellow Poppy | Wealth and success. |
| Rosebuds | The growth of love. |
| Acorns | Life and immortality. |
| Pansies | Think of me. Thought. Thinking of you. |
| Miscellaneous Items | Their Meanings |
| A ring | A circle of love without end. |
| Diamond | Forever. Forever love. |
| Pearls | Innocence. |
| Gold | Enduring love. |
| Salamander | Fire. Passionate love. |
| Butterflies | Psyche, the Greek goddess of the soul. |
| Snowflake | Uniqueness. |
| Fish | Wealth. Protection from evil. |
| Clasped hands | Lasting love and friendship. |
| Doves | The goddess Venus. Peace |
| A bow | The Herculean knot. Strength. |
| Rubies | Passion. |
| Frog or lizard | Wedded bliss. |
| Snake (when biting its tail) | Eternal love, forever recycling itself. Eternity. |
| Anchor | Stability and balance. |
| Month | Birthstones | Meanings |
| January | Garnet. | Constancy. |
| February | Amethyst. | Sincerity. |
| March | Bloodstone. Aquamarine. | Courage. |
| April | Diamond. | Lasting love. Innocence. |
| May | Emerald. | Success. Love. |
| June | Pearl. Moonstone. | Purity. Health, long life. |
| July | Ruby. | Contentment. Passion. |
| August | Peridot. Agate. | Married love. Happiness. |
| September | Sapphire. | Wisdom. Clear thought. |
| October | Opal. | Hope. |
| November | Topaz. | Fidelity. |
| December | Turquoise. Lapis Lazuli. | Harmony. Prosperity. |
| Star sign | Date | Birthstones |
| Capricorn | Dec 22 - Jan 19 | Garnet, Malachite, Ruby, Agate. |
| Aquarius | Jan 20 - Feb 18 | Amethyst, Opal, Garnet. |
| Pisces | Feb 19 - Mar 20 | Amethyst, Aquamarine. |
| Aries | Mar 21 - Apr 20 | Diamond, bloodstone. |
| Taurus | Apr 21 - May 20 | Emerald, Sapphire, Coral. |
| Gemini | May 21 - Jun 20 | Emerald, Pearl, Agate. |
| Cancer | Jun 21 - Jul 21 | Emerald, Moonstone, Ruby. |
| Leo | Jul 22 - Aug 21 | Onyx, Amber, Peridot. |
| Virgo | Aug 22 - Sep 22 | Sapphire, Jade. |
| Libra | Sep 23 - Oct 22 | Lapis Lazuli, Peridot, Opal. |
| Scorpio | Oct 23 - Nov 21 | Aquamarine, Topaz, Beryl. |
| Sagittarius | Nov 22 - Dec 21 | Turquoise, Sapphire, Topaz. |
So now when someone gives you an item of jewellery, you'll know what they are really thinking.
Author: Phil Chave
URL: www.antiquecollector.uk.com