BMJ Blog

Gemstones in the Bible

Posted on April 02, 2015 by Mary Hood | 0 Comments

The breast piece was part of a collection of adornments commissioned by God to signify the dignity of Aaron, a Jewish priest noted for his love of peace.

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Posted in ancient gems, bible, breastplate, gem lore, gems, gems in the bible, gemstones, jewelry, jewelry history

The Sentimental Value of Jewelry

Posted on March 29, 2015 by Mary Hood | 0 Comments

Among the ways I entertained myself at my grandmother’s home was spending hours in her bedroom trying on and organizing her large boxes of costume jewelry. Most of it was fairly gaudy, and all of it was too big for my small frame—but I loved it nonetheless.

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Posted in creative, gem lore, jewelry, jewelry stories, sentimental value

The Tradition of Healing Stones

Posted on March 12, 2015 by Mary Hood | 0 Comments

The practice of using stones as healing guides is an ancient one. The Egyptians were the first (as far as we know) to record the healing powers of stones. Later, noted Roman naturalist and philosopher Pliny the Elder explored stones’ medicinal properties.

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Posted in alternative medicine, crystals, gem lore, healing stones, traditional

How Birthstones Were Selected for Each Month

Posted on January 16, 2015 by Mary Hood | 1 Comment

Many have offered that people would wear a certain stone during its corresponding month as a talisman. For example, the healing powers of February's stone would be most powerful during February, so that stone should be worn during February, even if the wearer wasn't born during that month.

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Posted in birthstones, gem lore, gems, informational, jewelry, jewelry history

Legends of Cursed Jewelry

Posted on October 28, 2014 by Mary Hood | 0 Comments

Hindu priests placed a curse on the stone—and anyone who managed to get their hands on it. The first supposed victim of this curse was Jean BaptisteTavernier, who, if the rumors are correct, died of a violent fever shortly after stealing the stone. His body was then ravaged by wolves.

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Posted in cursed jewelry, fun, gem lore, hope diamond, jewelry

The Meaning of Pearls

Posted on June 29, 2014 by Mary Hood | 0 Comments

If you celebrated your birthday this month, you're probably aware that your birthstone is the majestic pearl (and Happy Birthday, to you!). Ancient people esteemed pearls for their beauty and rarity--and although we mostly rely on cultured pearls these days, their special magic endures. Pearls may be found in a variety of shades, but we often associate white with pearls.