Aries Gemstone
ARIES {March 21 to April 20)
The Diamond
The Diamond is the Zodiac gem of those born under Aries and ruled by the planet Mars. A sparkling precious stone, white or "blue" in colour. It is the traditional symbol of purity and innocence, and has the legendary power of protecting its wearer from evil, especially when worn on the left side of the body. By tradition the Diamond promotes constancy between lovers, hence its popularity as a gem for the engagement ring.
The hardest of all precious stones, a crystalline form of carbon —the word "diamond" in fact comes from "Ade-mas" meaning indomitable. Its most popular modern cut for rings is the many faceted "brilliant" cut; however, it is often found in antique jewellery with the "rose" cut of fewer facets, but still sparkling like a dewdrop in the morning sun. The "Marquise" cut is sometimes used for particularly fine large stones, and the pear drop is used for large diamonds set in precious necklaces —much of Queen Elizabeth's Diamond jewellery features this particular cut.
In Roman days the Diamond was said to bring the warrior fortitude and great courage and was highly prized to be worn as an amulet. Bui so precious is the Diamond that a history of tragedy and misfortune has grown up around many of its more prized examples. And stones like the Hope Diamond were so unfortunate and brought such ill-luck that the very mention of them struck terror into people's hearts. However, the gem itself is not unlucky, the ill-luck being mainly brought about by the greed and lust with which man has fought and thieved and connived at obtaining such great wealth. A Diamond bought for greed, or stolen, or won from another will not bring good luck to the wearer. A Diamond that is a gift, or is a token of trust and affection between lovers can never bring ill-luck.
If you are Arian born, wear the Diamond lo bring you strength and luck and freedom from evil. The Sapphire
The Sapphire, a sparkling blue precious stone, is also the lucky stone assigned to the sign of Aries. It stands for hope and tranquillity, truth and virtue and is especially lucky for lovers. Therefore it seems that the best choice for luck-seeking Arians would be a Diamond and Sapphire engagement ring, thus bringing double luck.
In the Fourth Century St. Jerome declared that the Sapphire's inherent virtue: "Procures favours with princes, pacifies enemies, frees from enchantment and maintains freedom from captivity." When any treacherous person wore the stone it was said to become pale and lack-lustre. The most prized of Sapphires are indeed heavenly blue, but they do come in other shades, too —yellow, violet and green. A variety of corundum, it is most frequently found today in the "brilliant" cut and is a very popular precious stone for rings. In olden times it was said to ward off bewitchment if worn as an amulet and to guard the chastity of the wearer. Worn over the heart, it was held to strengthen and stimulate the beat! It was also used in medieval days as a cure for eye troubles, being ground to a powder and used as a lotion.
