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| |
|
Fun Information
to Know |
About Sterling
Silver... |
| With its appealing,
cool and crisp luster, sterling silver jewelry combines the endurance of
a precious metal with an uncanny ability to adapt to fashion's demands. |
| Sterling silver will
always be an element of style. It is an indispensable metal.
Sterling Silver is a Precious Metal, just as Gold and Platinum are
precious metals. |
| Sterling Silver is
the most reflective metal. Silver is the whitest and has the
greatest luster of all the metals. This means sterling silver can
be polished to "give back" as much light as hits it (99%). When
silver is against the skin, you benefit from this white reflection.
It brightens your complexion! Sterling Silver compliments all
complexion colors and skin tones - it will brighten your skin's
appearance. |
| Silver alloys
readily with copper to manufacture sterling silver jewelry. The
copper is added for strength and durability because fine silver is so
soft. Sterling Silver jewelry is usually marked by a 92.5 symbol.
This indicates true sterling silver comprised of 92.5% silver and 7.5%
copper. Compare this to the 14k mark on gold which consists of
only 58% gold - the remaining components are silver and copper. |
| In the 1300's, King
Edward I ordered all silver coins be stamped with a number to indicate
the silver content. He did this to ensure the coin's quality and
to identify the name of the city where the coin was made. This
custom of stamping jewelry was adopted throughout the word and is still
in practice today. Thus, the 92.5 stamp. Sometimes, included
is the country where the piece of jewelry was made. |
| Silver is rarely
found in nature in its pure form but as a component of other ores.
Most silver today is retrieved by refining other metals such as lead and
copper. |
| As silver is exposed
to air, it tarnishes and looses its luster. This is a natural
process of the sulfides in the air oxidizing the metal. At first,
tarnish has a golden hue and then black. Humidity and air
pollution affect the amount of sulfides in the air. The problem of
silver tarnishing was unheard of before The Industrial Revolution
polluted the air. |
| Go to information
about and products for:
caring
for, cleaning, storing, and preventing future tarnish for your
sterling silver items. |
| Long ago in Asia
Minor, silver was held in high esteem and displayed as a status symbol.
In the earliest Egyptian records, silver was more precious than gold.
Wearing silver was a social privilege reserved for the upper class and
wealthy. By the 18th century, a new fashion fad surfaced in
Europe, silver buckles on shoes instead of laces. Believe it or
not, in the 1700's , this was a form of jewelry! |
|
About Birthstones... |
|
Don't for get to see
my Sterling Silver and Cubic Zirconia
Birthstone Charms |
|
Go to
Sterling Silver Birth Month Flower
Earrings |
|
Where did Birthstones
come from? Well during the time of Moses, 12 gemstones were
featured on the Jewish High Priest's Breastplate
of Aaron. Each stone represented 1 of the 12 Tribes of
Israel. It was not until the 18th century gemstones started to be
worn to represent birth months. Initially, it was much less
important to wear your birthstone. It was more important to wear
the stone that contained the "power" to cure what ailed you - you were
to own all twelve stones and wear them throughout the year. |
| January: |
|
Garnet |
 |
Garnet is a lovely
vibrant red gem.
Garnet symbolizes faith, truth, grace, sincerity, loyalty and fidelity.
Garnets have been "known" to stop hemorrhaging, cure inflammatory
diseases, and cure anger and discord.
The Garnet family of gems is one filled with hard durable stones.
Garnets are minerals and crystals that develop within rocks and
cavities.
Garnet comes in colorless, white, gray, black, red, pink, yellow,
orange, brown and green. Garnets come in every color except blue - the
greatest variety of color of any mineral. There are some garnets
that even change color.
During the Bronze Age, Garnet was part of Christian and Jewish
mythologies: a radiant red garnet guided Noah through the great flood.
The name Garnet may have come from the pomegranate fruit because of its
reddish color seeds.
Tsavorite garnet is sometimes mistaken for green emerald. Actually
this green garnet is clearer, more brilliant, and more durable than the
emerald. There are shades of red garnet that are mistaken for
rubies. Rhodolite garnet is considered to be the most desirable
garnet with its violet/pink color with no orange hue. Garnet is
sometimes called the Stone of Constancy. |
|
Rose Quartz |
 |
Rose Quartz is a light
to deep pink mineral. It is opaque (nontransparent) and
translucent, and a
reasonably hard stone. The creamy pink color is very delightful -
you will see colors from almost white to light/medium pinks.
The opaque lines of pink in the stone come from titanium and other
natural inclusions.
Rose Quartz has been
popular for many years for a variety of uses: everything from
jewelry to statues.
It is believed Rose Quartz heals broken hearts. |
| February: |
|
Amethyst |
 |
Amethyst
is a rich purple color semiprecious gem. It can be deep purple,
lilac or mauve. Pale lilac is sometimes called "Rose de France."
Amethyst is a variety of quartz crystals found in volcanic rock.
Amethyst is relatively hard and brilliant - an overall versatile and
wearable stone.
Ancient Greeks believed Amethyst protected them against drunkenness and
passion. It's name is derived from the Greek word "amethystos"
meaning "not drunken."
According to Greek mythology, Dionysus, the god of wine, was angered one
day by an insult from a mortal. He swore revenge on the very next
mortal he crossed paths with. Along came Amethyst, a beautiful
young maiden on her way to pay tribute to the goddess Diana. Diana
turned her into pure quartz to protect her from Dionysus' tigers.
Dionysus wept tears of remorse at the sight of the beautiful statue and
the quartz turned purple.
Medieval European soldiers wore Amethyst for protection during battle.
It symbolizes sincerity, peace, protection and tranquility.
Amethyst is sometimes called the Stone of Sincerity. Amethyst is
in the British crown jewels. Catherine the Great loved amethyst.
During the middle ages, it was thought to encourage celibacy - very
important to the church. Today, some bishops still wear amethyst
rings.
African Amethyst is regarded as the highest grade of Amethyst with its
medium dark purple color with no black hue. It usually has a
better and more saturated color. Amethyst may fade if exposed to
severe heat and excessive sunlight.
Amethyst is one gem that can be cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner with
cleaner of warm soapy water. |
|
Black Onyx |
 |
Onyx is a lovely
semi-translucent to opaque quartz. It naturally comes in a variety
of colors - red, orange, shades of brown, green, etc.
The Indians and Persians believed wearing onyx protected them from the
"evil eye."
The name came from the Greek word "onux" meaning "fingernail." The
legend is Cupid cut the fingernails of Venus while she was sleeping.
He left the clippings on the sand and they turned to stone.
During Greek times, all colors of chalcedony were called onyx.
Black onyx, the most popular version of onyx, is not true onyx at all
and is not naturally black. It is chalcedony (another version of
quartz) and is dyed black.
Sardonyx is reddish-brown and white onyx. It was highly prized in
Rome for royal seals because it would not stick to the wax. |
|
Moonstone |
 |
Moonstone is a member
of the feldspar family. The feldspars are a group of minerals
found in many rocks (particularly granite, volcanic and metamorphic).
It is a transparent, milky-white color with floating opalescent white
and blue light within the body of the stone. The shimmer is caused
by the intergrowth of two different types of feldspar with different
refractive indexes.
Moonstone can be colorless, gray, brown, yellow, pink, green,
transparent or translucent. Rainbow moonstone is labradorite
feldspar with a variety of rainbow hues. Labradorite is feldspar
with a dark background that emits a multicolored shimmer.
The name "moonstone" probably came from the myth that one can observe
the lunar month through the stone. A new moon is a small
spot that gradually gets larger until it takes the shape of a full moon
in the center of the stone. The Romans thought moonstone formed
from rays of moonlight.
Moonstone is a good luck stone. It is believed to arouse a lover's
passion. Legend has it moonstone assisted crops for greater
yields. |
| March: |
|
Aquamarine |
 |
Aquamarine
is sky blue, blue-green or dark blue in color. It gets its name
from two Latin words that mean "sea" of "water." Aquamarine is
beryl (same as emerald) and is a semi-precious gem.
Ancient Greeks believed Aquamarine held the essence and spirit from the
sea. Sailors wore Aquamarine for bravery.
According to legend, aquamarine is the treasure of mermaids and will
keep sailors safe at sea.
It is said to protect against the wiles of the devil. A dream of
aquamarine means you will meet a new friend.
It symbolizes beauty, honesty, loyalty. Legend is that to wear
aquamarine earrings will bring love and affection. It is said
aquamarine will re-awaken love in long-time married couples.
Aquamarine is a good anniversary gift because it is said to have a
soothing influence on married couples, helps them work out difficulties
and ensures a long, happy marriage.
It is sometimes called the Stone of Courage. |
|
Rock Crystal |
 |
Rock
Crystal is quartz. It is water clear and transparent. Rock
crystal has been used for years for jewelry-making. |
| April: |
|
Diamond |
 |
The "King
Gem". The name diamond comes from the Greek word "adamas" meaning
unconquerable. Diamonds have been the traditional symbol of love
since ancient Greece.
A diamond is pure natural carbon. It is harder than any other
natural or artificial substance known. It is the only stone whole
value is determined by precise rules (4 C's). Take it from a
woman, a diamond has few weaknesses and many strengths!
The diamond has been one of the most coveted gems in history.
A diamond is internationally recognized as a symbol of love and
betrothal.
A diamond is sometimes called the Stone of Innocence.
For a natural alternative to a diamond (not cubic zirconia) there is
white zircon, white topaz, white sapphire and white emerald.
Click here to learn more
about diamonds. |
|
Mother-of-Pearl |
 |
Mother-of-Pearl is the hard, iridescent inner layer of certain shells
such as abalone, oyster and mussel. It is also called nacre, the
calcium carbonate deposits. This material is deposited in thin
overlapping layers. The beautiful iridescent colors you see in
mother-of-pearl is caused by reflective light waves.
Mother-of-Pearl has a long history in both eastern and western cultures
for inlays, decorative finishes, ornamental objects and jewelry. |
| May: |
|
Emerald |
 |
Emerald is
the "gem of eternal spring."
Emerald is green beryl crystals found in cavities of pegmatites (ex:
granite). It is a precious gem. The emerald has always been
treasured.
According to legend, the emerald was believed to bestow faithfulness and
unchanging love. It was also believed to strengthen memory and
quicken intelligence.
Emerald is sometimes called the Stone of Success and Love.
Look for a fine green color with minimal inclusions. Columbian
emeralds are considered to be the world's finest emeralds.
Although the emerald is a hard stone, it is brittle and will chip
easily.
Emeralds were Cleopatra's most prized gems.
Shah Jahan, the builder of Taj Mahal, loved emeralds so much, he
inscribed them with sacred text and wore them as talismans. Some
of these sacred stones, called the Mogul Emeralds, can be seen in
museums and collections today.
Special care should be given when wearing emeralds. Filling
surface cracks on emeralds with oil is a common practice that dates back
to early Greek times. It is actually good for the stone - filling
fissures and fractures characteristic of emeralds. Emeralds should
never be cleaned in ultrasonic cleaners because it will strip away the
oils. Clean your emeralds with a dry soft cloth. |
|
Green Onyx |
 |
Read
about Onyx. |
| June: |
|
Alexandrite |
 |
Fine
natural alexandrite is very rare and expensive. Alexandrite is
chrysoberyl found freestanding or in pegmatites. It is truly a
fascinating transparent gem. Alexandrite is a stone that changes
color based on the light. It is a raspberry red stone in
artificial light and a grass green stone in daylight. (An emerald
by day and a ruby by night.) It is quite unique and beautiful.
Alexandrite is more expensive than diamonds - upwards of $10,000 per
carat. The mines in the Russian Ural mountains have long closed.
Alexandrite was discovered in Russia in 1831 on the day Czar Alexander
II reached his majority, hence the name. The Russian imperial
colors are green and red. Tiffany and Co. produced alexandrite
rings in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
A gift received of alexandrite is considered a good omen.
It is sometimes called the Stone of Health and Longevity. |
|
Pearl |
 |
Read
about Pearls |
|
Moonstone |
|
|
| July: |
|
Ruby |
 |
Ruby comes
from the Latin word "ruber" meaning red. Ruby is a precious gem
usually found as crystals within metamorphic rock. One example of
metamorphic rock is marble. The gem name for this stone is
corundum, the second hardest natural mineral (the first is diamond).
All other corundum stones all called sapphires -
only the red color is called ruby.
A ruby should be a beautiful red shade and eye-clean. The amount
of chromium and iron determines the redness of color.
Ruby is sometimes called the Stone of Contentment.
Ruby symbolizes success, devotion, integrity. It is thought to
ward off misfortune and ill-health. Ancient lore is that ruby is
capable of reconciling lover's quarrels.
A ruby engagement ring expresses passion and promise of the heart.
The finest ruby comes from Myanmar. Ruby is mined in the US -
Georgia, North Carolina and Wyoming. |
|
Jasper |
 |
Jasper is
chalcedony (dense microscopic quartz like onyx) that is a opaque earth
tone color (brownish colors). There are more than fifty types of
jasper in various colors and patterns.
The name jasper comes from the Greek word "iaspis" of Semitic origin.
In ancient writings this term was chiefly applied to translucent and
brightly colored stones, particularly chalcedony.
Jasper was believed to bring rain in ancient cultures. Because of
the colors and vein like patterns, it was believed to have many uses and
magical powers.
Jasper offers interesting color contrasts and varieties and is being
used more in contemporary jewelry designs.
Black jasper has been used for many years as a "touchstone" to test gold
and silver alloys. Rub the jasper stone with the metal and the
color of the streak determines the gold content within 1/100th accuracy. |
| August: |
|
Peridot |
 |
Peridot is
a lively uniform lime or olive green color. It is found in igneous
and volcanic rocks - volcanic action actually creates Peridot. It
is the mineral olivine - magnesium and iron-rich silicate.
Peridot is sometimes called the Stone of Friendship.
It symbolizes fame, dignity and protection. It is said to bring
the wearer success, peace and good luck.
Ancient Egyptians called Peridot the "gem of the sun". Egyptians
started mining Peridot in 1500 BC. They mined at night when the
stone's natural glow was easier to see. Cleopatra had a Peridot
collection. Peridot was very common in early Greek and Roman
jewelry. The Romans called Peridot "evening emerald" because it
did not darken at night and was still visible by lamplight.
Pirates believed Peridot would drive away evil spirits and night terrors
if the stone was pierced, strung on donkey hair and worn on the left
arm.
In the US, Peridot is mined in Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii and New Mexico. |
|
Carnelian |
 |
Carnelian
is reddish brown chalcedony (quartz - please see
jasper). This color is caused by hematite (iron oxide).
Carnelian is more translucent than it's jasper cousin.
Carnelian has long been used by the Greeks and Romans for rings and
signets.
G. F. Kunz, a turn-of-the-century gemologist and historian, recommended
the timid and weak voice people should wear carnelian. He said the
warm-colored stone would give them the courage they lacked. The
end result, the wearer would be able to speak boldly.
Napoleon I always wore an engraved carnelian and bequeathed it to his
nephew. |
| September: |
|
Sapphire |
 |
The gem of
the heavens. The divine gemstone.
Blue sapphire gets its color from the irm and titanium found in
corundum. Sapphire is a precious gem of corundum. Except for
ruby, all corundum is called sapphire.
There are many colors of sapphire available: blue, pink, yellow,
orange, violet, green and colorless.
Blue Sapphire is sometimes called the Stone of Clear Thinking.
Kings wore sapphire around their neck as a powerful defense against
harm. It was believed sapphire preserved the wearer from envy and
attracted divine favor.
Ancient Persians believed the earth rested on a giant sapphire and its
reflection colored the sky.
Sapphire represents truth, faithfulness, sincerity and consistency.
A sapphire engagement ring is a symbol of commitment and loyalty.
In the US, sapphire is mined in Montana. |
|
Lapis Lazuli |
 |
Lapis has
been mined in Afghanistan for more than 7,000 years. The "Armenian
Stone" is an enduring rock composite of several minerals - sodalite,
calcite and pyrite. Lapis forms in igneous and volcanic rock.
The dark blue color comes from the mineral lazurite. It is a very
porous stone.
For thousands of years, it has been a highly prized stone in Egypt,
Persia, Greece and Rome.
The name lapis is Latin plus azul which is Aztec for blue.
The Romans believed lapis was an aphrodisiac.
During the middle ages, it was thought to keep the soul free from error,
envy and fear.
It symbolizes power, ability, success and wisdom.
Today, Lapis is a very fashionable stone to wear.
To clean lapis, just wipe with a damp soft cloth - do not use cleaners,
ultrasonic machines or water. |
| October: |
|
Opal |
 |
Opal is a
semi-precious stone long valued for its play of colors.
Opal symbolizes fidelity, hope, happiness, truth, innocence and purity.
Opal is also associated with religious emotion and prayer.
Opal is sometimes called the Stone of Hope.
The name opal comes from the Latin word "opalus" which means "seeing
jewel".
The English language is quite insufficient to describe this unique gem
because of its brilliant mini-rainbow effect. Thus, the term
"opalescence" was coined to describe this striking quality. This
rainbow is composed of hydrated (5-10% water trapped inside) silica
spheres, a very different formation process from other gems.
Wavelengths of light are refracted and reflected by the opal. Rich
solutions of opal can be found in cavities of sedimentary and volcanic
rock. Look for pure color and absence of dead spots in opals.
Opals are set in the crown jewels of France. During ancient times,
opal symbolized faithfulness and confidence. To Romans, opal
symbolized hope and purity. To Greeks, opal symbolized foresight
and prophecy. The Arabs believed opal fell from heaven in flashes
of lightning. Shakespeare referred to opal as the "Queen of Gems"
in Twelfth Night.
In Sir Walter Scott's novel Ann of Geierstein, the novel's heroine owned
an opal that had her life force caught inside. It burned fiery red
when she was angry. The opal's fire extinguished and turned ashen
gray upon her death.
Napoleon gave Josephine an opal named "The Burning of Troy" as a symbol
of his love.
Opals require special care because they will dry and crack. Rub
opals with oil to moisturize and preserve them. Protect them from
heat and detergents. Do not let opals dry out. |
|
Pink Tourmaline |
 |
Tourmaline comes in many colors and hues.
Tourmaline is mined in the US in California, Texas, Connecticut, Maine
and New York.
Legend is tourmaline will protect you from danger and misfortune.
During the Manchu Dynasty of China, members of the Mandarin class wore
round buttons of red tourmaline to distinguish themselves from other
classes of citizens. Empress Tzu Hsi was fascinated with the
colors of Tourmaline and had more than 1 ton in her jewelry collection. |
| November: |
|
Topaz |
 |
Topaz is
free-growing crystals of an aluminum silicate mineral.
It can be colorless, yellow, blue, etc.
Topaz got its name from the Greek work meaning "to shine" and it also
implies "fire." The Greeks believed topaz gave the wearer
strength. The Egyptians believed the golden glow from topaz
protected them from hardships. The Romans believed topaz was
associated with Jupiter, the god of the sun.
The most famous topaz is in the Portuguese crown jewels and is called
the Braganza.
Topaz is mined in the US in Colorado, Maine and Utah. |
|
Citrine |
 |
Citrine
got its name from the French word "citron" for lemon. Citrine is a
quartz that is deep yellow/orange in color and should have minimal brown
tones. Citrine occurs as crystals in pegmatites. It is easy
to scratch and the sun will fade its color.
During ancient times, people carried citrine to protect them against
evil thoughts.
Citrine is believed to promote happiness and be useful against
depression. It symbolizes hope, youth, health and fidelity.
Citrine is sometimes called the Stone of Wealth.
In the US, Citrine is mined in California, Colorado. Georgia and Nevada. |
| December: |
|
Blue Zircon |
 |
Blue
zircon is a form of hyacinth found in pegmatites and igneous rock.
Zircon can be colorless, blue, yellow, red, pink, etc. Colorless
and blue zircon are more rare.
Blue zircon is sometimes called the Stone of Prosperity.
During the middle ages, zircon was used to aid sleep. It was
believed to bring prosperity, and promote honor and wisdom. |
|
Blue Topaz |
 |
Blue
topaz represents fidelity. The three colors of blue topaz are:
Sky, Swiss and London.
More about topaz. |
|
Turquoise |
 |
Turquoise
is found as solid masses in the cracks of aluminum-rich rock. It
can be any color from sky blue to green. It is a hydrated
phosphate of copper and aluminum. Turquoise is often sealed with
acrylic to enhance the color, texture and hardiness.
It is believed to warn the wearer of danger and illness by changing
colors. In the 13th century, it was believed turquoise protected
the wearer from falling.
Turquoise was worn by Pharaohs and Aztec kings.
The name is from the French word "pierre turquin" for "blue stone" .
The oldest know mines were found in Persia and Egypt.
According to legend, Native Americans believed if turquoise was affixed
to their bow, the arrow would always hit its mark. They also
believed turquoise would bring happiness and good fortune.
In the US, turquoise is mined in Arizona, California and New Mexico.
Do not clean turquoise with hot water, a steamer or an ultrasonic
cleaner. Do not expose it to cleaning agents or other chemicals.
Protect turquoise from scratches, hard blows, hot water. |
|
About
Anniversary Stones... |
|
If you follow this
chart and give her the appropriate stone for each anniversary year, she
will have a gemstone collection worthy of a Queen's envy! |
| 1st
Anniversary |
Freshwater Pearl, Gold Jewelry |
| 2nd |
Garnet |
| 3rd |
Pearl |
| 4th |
Blue Topaz |
| 5th |
Sapphire |
| 6th |
Amethyst, Garnet |
| 7th |
Onyx, Lapis |
| 8th |
Tourmaline, Aventurine |
| 9th |
Lapis, Tiger Eye |
| 10th |
Diamond |
| 11th |
Turquoise, Hematite |
| 12th |
Jade,
Pearl, Agate |
| 13th |
Citrine, Malachite,
Moonstone |
| 14th |
Opal, Moss Agate |
| 15th |
Ruby |
| 16th |
Peridot, Aquamarine,
Topaz |
| 17th |
Citrine, Amethyst |
| 18th |
Opal, Garnet |
| 19th |
Aquamarine, Topaz |
| 20th |
Emerald |
| 21st |
Iolite |
| 22nd |
Spinel |
| 23rd |
Imperial
Topaz, Sapphire |
| 24th |
Tanzanite |
|
25th |
Sterling Silver Jewelry |
| 30th |
Pearl, Diamond |
| 35th |
Emerald, Coral |
| 40th |
Ruby |
| 45th |
Sapphire, Alexandrite |
|
50th |
Gold Jewelry |
| 55th |
Alexandrite, Emerald |
| 60th |
Diamond |
The
Breastplate of Aaron... |
| Exodus 28:15-30 and
39:10-13 |
| Four rows of
precious stones were mounted for a total of Twelve Stones - One for Each
Tribe of Israel |
| 12 Tribes: Reuben,
Naphtali, Simeon, Levi, Gad, Benjamin, Joseph, Asher, Judah, Dan,
Issachar, Zebulon |
|
See note |
KJV |
CEV |
NIV |
| First Row |
Sardius (Corundum or
Quartz), Topaz, Carbuncle (Garnet) |
Carnelian (Quartz),
Chrysolite (Tourmaline or Peridot), Emerald |
Ruby, Topaz, Beryl
(Emerald) |
| Second Row |
Emerald, Sapphire,
Diamond |
Turquoise, Sapphire,
Diamond |
Turquoise, Sapphire,
Emerald |
| Third Row |
Ligure (Zircon),
Agate, Amethyst |
Jacinth (Zircon),
Agate, Amethyst |
Jacinth, Agate,
Amethyst |
| Fourth Row |
Beryl (Emerald),
Onyx, Jasper |
Beryl (Emerald),
Onyx, Jasper |
Chrysolite
(Tourmaline or Peridot), Onyx Jasper |
|
Please note: I am offering 3 translations: King James
Version (KJV), Contemporary English Version (CEV) and New International
Version (NIV) because it is very difficult to identify with certainty
the specific identity of the stones. You will see repetitions,
differences and overlapping in the lists; but remember, each stone
was precious to the Israelites and signified the value God placed upon
his people. |
The
Stones of the Twelve Apostles |
| Simon Peter |
Jasper |
| Andrew |
Garnet or Sapphire |
| James |
Chalcedony (Agate) |
| John |
Emerald |
| Philip |
Carnelian or
Sardonyx |
| Bartholomew
(Nathaniel) |
Chrysolite
(Tourmaline or Peridot) or Carnelian |
| Matthew |
Amethyst |
| Thomas |
Beryl (Emerald) |
| James bar Alpheus |
Sardonya (Onyx) or
Topaz |
| Simon the Zealot |
Jacinth (Zircon) |
| Judas bar James
(Thaddeus) |
Chrysoprase (Quartz) |
| Judas Iscariot |
none |
The
Foundation Stones of the New Jerusalem (Heaven): |
| Revelation 21:18-21 |
| Twelve symbolizes
completeness in The Bible. |
|
See note |
KJV |
CEV |
NIV |
| First Foundation |
Jasper |
Jasper |
Jasper |
| Second |
Sapphire |
Sapphire |
Sapphire |
| Third |
Chalcedony (Agate or
Quartz) |
Agate |
Chalcedony (Agate or
Quartz) |
| Fourth |
Emerald |
Emerald |
Emerald |
| Fifth |
Sardonyx (Onyx) |
Onyx |
Sardonyx (Onyx) |
| Sixth |
Sardius (Carnelian,
Corundum or Quartz) |
Carnelian (Quartz) |
Carnelian (Quartz) |
| Seventh |
Chrysolite
(Tourmaline or Peridot) |
Chrysolite
(Tourmaline or Peridot) |
Chrysolite
(Tourmaline or Peridot) |
| Eighth |
Beryl |
Beryl |
Beryl |
| Ninth |
Topaz |
Topaz |
Topaz |
| Tenth |
Chrysoparsus (Topaz
or Tourmaline) |
Chrysoprase (Quartz) |
Chrysoprase (Quartz) |
| Eleventh |
Jacinth (Zircon) |
Jacinth (Zircon) |
Jacinth (Zircon) |
| Twelfth |
Amethyst |
Amethyst |
Amethyst |
| The gates
of Heaven - Pearl |
| The
streets of Heaven - Gold |
|
More Minerals in the
Bible: Ezekiel's Lamentation upon the King of Tyrus (Ezekiel 28:
1-2) and Job's description of wisdom and understanding (Job 28: 15-19) |
|