History dates gemstone use in Greek History to 1600 BC. Romans also believed in the metaphysical powers of gemstones like Greeks and Egyptians. In 500 BC the first amulet made of gemstones appeared. They used sapphires, garnets, and pearls.

When was the first gemstone discovered?

The oldest gemstone formed on Earth is zircon. In 2001, researchers found a piece of natural zircon in Jack Hills, Western Australia and dated it back to around 4.4 billion years.

Where did gemstones originate from?

Gemstones are formed below the Earth's surface and can sometimes show traces of other minerals, called inclusions. Gemstones are a product of the earth. Some, like diamond and zircon, were formed deep in the earth and brought to the surface by explosions of molten rock.