Jewelry etymology: stories behind the sparkling words

It’s fascinating how words can carry hidden histories. Do you know why diamonds are measured in carats? Or why a diamond is called a diamond? Or how rubies and pearls came to be known as rubies and pearls? Let’s uncover some of the stories that have shaped the language of jewelry for centuries.

1. Carat: Everyone’s favorite of the 4C’s of diamonds, "carat" finds its roots in ancient Greece. It stems from the Greek word "keration," which translates to "carob seed." What do carob seeds have to do with diamonds? In ancient times, carob seeds were used to weigh precious materials. The small size, uniformity and consistency of carob seeds led them to be ideal for such purposes. Over time,"keration" evolved into "carat," becoming the standard unit of weight for gemstones.

2. Diamond: The precious "diamond" derives from the Greek word "adamas," meaning "unbreakable" or "invincible." Diamonds have long been regarded as the epitome of durability and brilliance. "adamas" aptly captures the allure and resilience associated with diamonds. It adds to the symbolism of engagement rings too, of how they tell the story of an unbreakable love.

3. Ruby: The precious "ruby" finds its origins in the Latin word "rubeus," meaning "red." This fiery gemstone has long been associated with passion and vitality. Its name eloquently captures the gem's deep crimson hue and enduring appeal.

4. Pearl: The elegant "pearl" stems from the Old French word "perle," which originated from the Latin word "perna," meaning "leg." This association arose from the resemblance of pearls to the small, rounded shape of a leg or knee. Over time, "perla" transformed into "pearl," becoming synonymous with the luminous, organic gemstone.

5. Garnet: The January birthstone, "garnet" has its origins in the Middle English word "gernet," meaning "dark red." It derived from the Old French word "grenate" and the Latin word "granatus," both referring to the pomegranate fruit. The deep red color of garnets resembles the rich hue of pomegranate seeds, giving rise to the name.

6. Topaz: The November birthstone, "topaz" has multiple possible origins. One theory suggests that it originated from the Sanskrit word "tapas," meaning "fire." Another theory connects it to the Greek island of Topazios in the Red Sea, where yellow gemstones were believed to be found. Regardless of its origin, topaz has long been associated with its warm and vibrant golden hues.

7. Sapphire: The precious "sapphire" traces its origins to the Latin word "sapphirus," which originates from the Greek word "sappheiros." It is believed that "sappheiros" originally referred to lapis lazuli, a deep blue stone often mistaken for sapphire. Eventually, the term encompassed the brilliant blue gemstone we now know as sapphire.

These words all offer a glimpse into the rich heritage of jewelry. Each one brings its own unique story, adding depth and wonder to the treasures that adorn us.