Precious Matter

The worlds mountains, lakes, and waters are the repositories of hidden treasures -- revealing the unexpected presence of pearls inside craggy oysters or substances such as metals and minerals that can be mined and transformed into objects of extraordinary beauty. In the past, the fascination with these materials stemmed from their colors or brilliance, but durability also played a part. Gold could last forever without tarnishing or corroding, and stones, cut and polished, seemed equally impervious to change. In a fragile, uncertain world, such beauty and permanence must have appeared to have magical, almost divine, properties.

Coral

In the 16th century, it was believed that the only way to cross rivers safely or to calm a raging tempest, was to carry a piece of red or white coral. But alleged powers of coral went far beyond this. Coral was thought to staunch the flow of blood from a wound, cure madness, imbue the wearer with wisdom, and offer protection against enchantments. Sprigs freshly gathered from the sea. are deemed most powerful. To this day, many people give children coral jewelry to protect them from harm.

Pearl

Symbol of beauty and perfection. It is linked to the realm of the feminine -- the moon, chastity, patience, and purity. Chinese dragons are often portrayed clasping a pearl, symbol of wisdom, immortality, and light. Pearls were once thought to be the tears of the gods.

Mother of Pearl

The shell's symbolism represents fertility and rebirth. It's luster and iridescence make it perfect for honoring the gods.

Amber

With it's bright and golden sheen, amber was thought to be congealed in sunlight; in ancient Greece it was  sacred to the sun god, Apollo. In Norse and Greek myth, amber was thought to be tears -- for the Vikings it was "Freya's" tears for Svipdag, and for the Greeks it was tears shed over the death of Phaeton.

Jet

When in direct contact with the skin, jet was believed to become a part of a person's body and soul and to safeguard the wearer. It could protect against poisons, illnesses, and storms. In the 19th century, jet became associated with death and mourning, and was worn as a symbol of love for a lost friend.

Ivory

Symbol of purity and associated with the Virgin; it was favored material for crucifixes. Ivory is also associated with moral strength.

Silver

Linked to the moon because of it's color, silver is bright, but also tarnishes, symbolizing the corruptible side of human nature, which needs cleansing. In China, silver is lunar, feminine yin; in Christianity, it is purity, chastity, and eloquence.

Copper

The power of copper to conduct made it symbolic of connection. In alchemy it is the sphere of Venus, and is also linked to warmth and femininity. Among North American tribes, copper denoted status.

Lead

As the heaviest metal, Lead symbolizes weight, as well as a heavy heart or a person burdened by sin.

Iron

Iron denotes power, durability, and inflexibility; to rule with "an iron fist" is to be harsh and unyielding. In Chinese, Egyptian, and Islamic belief, iron was darkness and evil. In Mexican and Minoan cultures it represented male strength.

Rock

In the Bible, a rock represents the strength and protection of God. It is symbol of St. Peter, the name Peter coming from the Greek "petros," rock. In Greek myth, the wicked king of Corinth, Sisyphus, was punished by having to push a huge stone up a hill and watch it forever roll down again.

Lodestone

It's magnetic properties imbued lodestone with quasi-sexual powers. In ancient Greece it was believed that a man could ensure his wife's faithfulness by placing a lodestone under her pillow while she slept. In Sanskrit the word for lodestone means "kisser," and in Chinese the word means "loving-stone."

Crystal

Crystal symbolizes purity, clarity, and also the mind. In Christianity a crystal ball represents the world of the light of God. Crystals are widely thought to have magical powers, To Australian Aboriginals a crystal is a symbol of the Great Spirit. Crystal balls hold secrets of the future, and wearing a crystal is believed to promote health.

Gold

Regarded as the most precious of all metals, Gold is the symbol of all that has the highest value or is the hardest to attain. In most cultures, gold is linked to the sun, giver of light, fire, and life. The sun god Apollo, symbol of all that is radiant and beautiful, rode a chariot of gold across the skies.