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Birthstone Jewelry, Gemstone Jewelry, Gift IdeasValentine’s Day Jewelry: The Symbolism of Red & Pink
Historically, red was considered a powerful color, primarily because of its association with blood. Neolithic man used red ocher and sometimes blood in cave art and in burials. As time passed, the color was linked to strength and protection. Early hunters painted stone spears red to increase their effectiveness. The Romans used a red flag as a signal for battle and drank the blood of their dying enemies to absorb their strength. Early Christians associated the color with the cross and Christ’s blood.
Garnet and Diamond Ring
The Israelites painted their doors red with lamb’s blood to save their sons from the final plague. During the Middle Ages, red rubies and garnets were worn to make the wearer invincible against evil and disease. The red flag symbolized insurrection during the French and Bolshevik Revolutions.
In spite of its association with violence, red is the primary color associated with Valentine’s Day. Why? Blood not only implies power, protection, and even death, it also denotes life and is the color of the heart. According to Greek Mythology, Adonis was an extremely handsome man loved by both Aphrodite and Persephone. When he was tragically killed by a wild boar, drops of his blood turned into red roses and became symbolic of eternal love. Red apparel has been a part of wedding apparel in many cultures. Early Roman and Greek women wore red veils. Chinese brides, historically and even today, were gowned in red.
Handmade Burma Ruby ring by African Gems
Red has other meanings. The Russian word for red also means “beautiful”. For Indians, red denotes the military. Red symbolizes Communism, as well as the feelings of anger and embarrassment. Regardless of the culture or the era, red seems to imply strength and intensity, whether in war or in love.
The Color Pink is also used in Valentine’s Day. Pink is a pale, warmer, gentler version of red. Pink is created when red is mixed with white, the symbol of purity and spirituality.
Imagine Designs Pink Sapphire & Diamond Ring
The white soothes the harshness of vivid red. Pink is often symbolic of the innocent love of youth, with freshness, and with warmth and caring.
Gemstones are found in many shades of red and pink. Red gemstones include ruby, garnet, alexandrite, beryl, coral, corundum, diamond, rhodolite, and tourmaline. Pink gemstones include pink sapphire, rhodonite, pink tourmaline, rose quartz, garnet, pink topaz, and spinel. Beautiful red and pink jewelry can be found incorporating many of these stones.
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