Color Energy  |  Ruby  |  Sapphire  |  Emerald  |  Blue Topaz  |  Tanzanite Color Energy From the time gemstones were discovered, they were believed to have mystical powers and attributes that could be passed to the wearer. These glorious treasures are said to absorb and reflect color energy, which today, many psychologists believe can stimulate feelings. Below is a list of colors and their energy correspondences. Red is a strong physical and emotional color that is known to escalate the pulse. It is believed to evoke vibrancy and passion. Green is a balancing color and emotional soother. Light green evokes calm, while bright green is uplifting. Blue is the color of mental serenity and harmony. It promotes creativity and mental astuteness, while soothing the mind. Violet is an intuitive color. It empowers with both receptivity and an introspection of one’s mind and spirit. And don’t undervalue the absence of color — white. It’s graces wearers with peace and purity of heart and mind. It strengthens their body and soul, and helps protect their innocence while bringing out their best qualities. Ruby Red-hot ruby symbolizes zeal and passion. It is believed to ensure physical and mental health, bring peace and guard against catastrophe. It symbolized courage and bravery, and was said to attract and maintain love. Celebrated in the Bible and in ancient Sanskrit writings as the most precious of all gemstones, rubies have been the prized possession of emperors and kings throughout the ages. Its inner fire has been the inspiration of legends and myths, and to this day, no red gemstone can compare to its fiery, rich hues. Rubies come in many shades of red and tend to be priced by color. The closer a gem is to the vivid red 'pigeon's blood' color, the higher the price. Many rubies are enhanced by heat treating to improve color, but the color is stable after treatment and does not require special care. Some rubies have fissures or surface breaks that are filled with a glass-like byproduct of the heating process. These stones do require special care in cleaning and wearing, but they are generally more affordable. Because of its lovely red color, ruby has been associated with the heart, the blood and the centers of passion throughout its history. Today, many people associate its brilliant crimson colors with passion and love, making ruby an ideal choice for an engagement ring. This most sought after gemstone is available in a range of red hues, from purplish and bluish red to orangish red. Ruby is more available in sizes up to two carats, gems over five carats have become scarce. However, in its finest quality, any size ruby can be rare. In readily available small sizes, ruby makes an excellent accent gemstone because of its intense, pure red color. Today ruby is the July birthstone, the 15th and 40th wedding anniversary gem, the Hindu zodiac gem for Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 21) and represents Gemini Taurus (April 21-May 21) in Arab tradition. Sapphire Cool blue sapphires are said to relax and clear the mind. It also protects its owner from fraud, envy and ill health. Identified with chastity and piety, it is said that King Solomon wore a sapphire ring. And according to one version of the book of Exodus, God gave Moses the Ten commandments on tablets of sapphire. Heavenly sapphire has historically been associated with the scared and divine, guardian of innocence and bestower of truth. It is known as the stone of prosperity and wisdom. Sapphire comes in a wide range of blues, varying from very light blue to a deep blue that is almost black. The very finest sapphires are a velvet, slightly violet, medium to medium dark blue. When pricing sapphires, medium blues are usually the most expensive. White sapphires, however, have become a popular substitute for diamonds. In fact, Prince Charles gave Diana a sapphire engagement ring, not a diamond To improve a sapphire's color and clarity, it is often subjected to controlled heating. This is a permanent enhancement that is well accepted by jewelers. Sapphire is second only to diamond in hardness. Cut stones are available in sizes up to 10 carats, with one to five carat gems most common. Among the most famous sapphires are two of the world’s largest: the Smithsonian’s Logan Sapphire is a 423-carat stone that is set in a brooch surrounded by diamonds. The second is the 258-carat bright blue sapphire from the Russian crown, kept in the Diamond Fund in Moscow. Sapphire is remarkably tough and safe in most types of cleaning. However, it should be given the same care as any other precious gem to avoid scratching. Most damage to sapphires occurs from rubbing them against another sapphire or diamond, careless handling and hard knocks directly to the stones. With the magnificent range of sapphire colors available at all price levels, sapphire is not just the gem of wisdom, it's a wise buy as well. Today blue sapphire is the September birthstone, the fifth and 45th wedding anniversary gem, the Hindu zodiac gem for Taurus (April 21-May 21) and represents Gemini (May 22-June 21) in Arab tradition. It has become one of the world's most popular gems. Emerald Emerald symbolizes rebirth and youth. In ancient times, it was believed to empower the owner with foresight into the future, and were regarded as an amulet for good fortune that guarded against evil spirits. It has a calming, healing affect on those who wear it. Scientifically speaking, green color is the least fatiguing on the eyes because green light is pure light. Historically, emerald is associated with love; the Romans dedicated the emerald to Venus, their Goddess of Love and Beauty. When buying an emerald, the most important factor is color; the more vivid the green, the more valuable the stone. Don't be put off by a few fissures, or inclusions, in your stone. It is rare to find an emerald without these natural birthmarks, and they do not distract from the stone’s beauty or value as they might with another type of stone. While emerald is a hard stone, these fissures make the emerald brittle and affect its care. Emeralds will remain beautiful for years if taken care of properly. Avoid abrupt temperature changes and contact with rough or sharp surfaces, including those of other gemstones. Clean emeralds with a soft, damp cloth, warm water and a soft brush. To ensure a long and safe life, have your jeweler check the setting at least once a year. Whether the emerald actually has the power to heal illness or improve vision as some ancient peoples believed, few can resist its universal beauty. Regarded as one of the rarest and most precious gemstones in the world, a mesmerizing green emerald set into a ring or pendant can bring years of pleasure to its owner. Today blue sapphire is the May birthstone, the 20th and 45th wedding anniversary gem, the Hindu zodiac gem for Cancer (June 22-July 22) and represents Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) in Arab tradition. Blue Topaz The icy-blue of topaz is said to give its wearer a pleasant disposition and patient attitude. It is a symbol of fidelity and love, and is said to cure many diseases. Tradition held that topaz could relieve bad dreams, calm the temper and cure madness. The gem was said to lose its color in the presence of poison, thereby protecting its owner. Topaz can be found colorless or in shades of yellow, orange, red and brown. It is treated with irradiation to create lovely pale to medium blue colors. When enhanced to blue hues, it is in great demand due to its affordability and availability in a wide range of sizes and shapes. The enhancement process is permanent and does not require any special care. As with all stones avoid sharp blows, intense heat and strong light. An enduring symbol of love and affection, today blue topaz is the November birthstone and the accepted anniversary gemstone for the fourth year of marriage. Tanzanite Among the important gems discovered in the last 90 years, only one has been added to the official birthstone list: Tanzanite, a violetish-blue gem that often resembles the finest royal-blue sapphire with hints of amazing amethyst. Discovered in Tanzania in the 1967, Tiffany & Co. named it after its East African birthplace, and began an aggressive marketing campaign to introduce tanzanite to the world in the 1980s. Tanzanite is renowned for the exquisite combination of purple and blue hues. In smaller sizes, tanzanite tends toward the lighter tones, and the lavender color is more common. While in larger sizes, tanzanite typically displays deeper, richer color. Virtually every tanzanite is heated to permanently change its color from orange-brown to the spectacular violet-blue color for which this precious gemstone variety is known. Warm soapy water and a soft brush is your best bet to clean tanzanite. Do not use ultrasonic or steam cleaner. Avoid contact with acids and sudden temperature changes (as may occur in some jewelry repair work). The American Gem Trade Association has adopted tanzanite as a December birthstone, the first stone to join the list since alexandrite in 1912. It shares its last-month-of-the-year membership with blue topaz, turquoise and zircon. Although this newcomer lacks the rich gem legend and lore, affordability and distinctive beauty have earned this dynamic gem a status that rivals sapphire's.