ical,” (NAPSA)—Gemstones have long been believed to carry healing, gemstones, are also thought to be advantageous for business/money protective and even magical propexties. Today, gemstones are ventures. Ruby—Ruby is raade of aluminum oxide (corundum). The red in rubies is caused by trace amounts of chromium-—-the redder the gem, the more chromium. Rubies are found primarily in Myanmar, Thailand and Sri Lanka. The ruby represents the sun enjoyed for their beauty in jewelry and if, by chance, they carry some mysterious qualities that repel imsects, heal illnesses, protect trav- elers or attract love...why not aceept a bit of chance good fortune? When shopping for a gernstone, consider going to a retailer who has been educated by the nonprofit Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the world’s foremost authority in gemology, as a Graduate Gemologist or an Accredited Jewelry Professional, in order to be assured of knowledgeable and reliable service. Following is a sampling of gemstones and a description of their qualities and lore: Diamond--Diamonds have the longest endurance of any substance knewn to man. Carbon dating bas established that diamonds, on average, are 3.4 billion years of age-— now that’s timeless beauty! he word “diarmond” comes from the Greek word odamas, meaning “anconquerable and indestructible.” Diamonds were worn ip ancient times to promote strength, invincibility and courage. Diarnond is also the gemstone of love: when carried or worn, diamond is said to advance positive relations with the opposite sex, to conquer infertility aod to ensure fidelity. The earliest record of a man giving a diarnond to a woman for her hand in marriage was in 1477, nificent power in Hindu ancient writings, Many gemstones, treasured for their beauty today, were once believed to have magical powers. when the Archdukeof Austria gave one to Mary of Burgundy. Now, more than 506 years later, diamonds are still the most popular gemstones in engagement rings. Emerald—The word “emerald” comes from the Greek word smaragdos, meaning “green.” A member of the beryl mineral species, it contains ehromium, which gives emeraldits green color. Tn ancient Egypt, this tranquil green gem was highly prized hy the wealthy and by priests. It is said that Isis wore a green emerald in her headband and that those who looked uponit would be able to conceive. Emeralds in ancient Rome were highly prized and valued for their calming and soothing effects. Nero watched the Roman games in the Colosseurn througha set of highly prized emerald glasses. Emeralds, hke almost all green and is said to have been given as an offering to Buddha in China and Krishna in India. An ancient belief about rabies was that dreaming of them meant the coming of success in money matters andlove. Sapphire—Sapphire is also made of aluminum oxide and is considered the sister stone to the ruby. It comes in all colors except red, which has been designated as “ruby.” Blue sapphires have enjoyed inereased popularity in recent years, which fashion mavens credit to the necklace worn in the film Titanic. The Buddhists believe that the sapphire favors devotion and spiritual enlightenment. The ancient Greeks linked sapphire with Apollo, and wore it as an aid to prophecy when consulting oracles. To learn more about gemstones, contact the Gernological institute of America (GIA) and find out about its world-renowned gem and jewelry educational programs and courses. Call 1-800421-7250, ext. 4001 or visit the Website at www.gia.ec.
