Surrounded by folklore and mysticism, gemstones are among the world’s more bewitching natural wonders. Literally. Ancient civilizations, like the Greeks and Babylonians, believed that different varieties had the power to facilitate conception, induce love or hate, promote faithfulness, invisibility and a whole lot more. Beyond intrinsic gifts, gemstones are visually spellbinding. Each has an enigmatic past, born in a river, mountain, cave…and each is as individual and unique as we are. The above and below images, captured by National Geographic, display the rocks’ entrancing attraction—clearly evidencing why we want to wear them.

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Star Sapphire

Ruby

Yellow Diamond