Mythology and legends are not convincing to modern generation but some of the communities and cultures still have their beliefs about the usage and effects of various gemstones. About the Amber, it is said that the jewels have been made of the tear drops of a Greek God. According to popular belief in the west, the Amber cures one of rheumatism. In Germany, the garland of Ambers is hung around the neck of the infant, so that their teething takes place without trouble. In Turkey, people believe that by fixing Amber in the Hubble-bubble, the germs would not spread and will be killed even after many have puffed it.
In Greece, people think if wine is poured into the cups made of Amethyst, one does not get drunk after drinking that wine. In Rome, a talisman having Coral pieces is considered very auspicious to quell the bad effects of evil spirits. And Romans used to hang chains made from Coral to the cradle of infants to ward off evil spirits. In ancient China, rings studded with Conch or Oyster shells were believed to cure all aches and ailments of stomach.
In India also, lockets made of silver and studded with Pearls are hung around the necks of the infants to ward off evil spirits. The Greeks still believe, if women wear the Blue Sapphires on person, no sense of immorality would pollute their mind nor any fear of supernatural will affect them.
There are numerous such beliefs cutting across all cultures and communities, which are associated with the gems. These, if written would fill volumes, but a fair idea can be formed from the above that the gems held a very special place in human life since ancient times.
