ACROSTICS FORMED WITH STONES

In France and England, during the 18th century, rings, bracelets, brooches, etc., were often set with gems the first letters of which, combined, formed a motto or expressed a sentiment. The following is a list of those that may be used in this way. The choice of stones afforded here brings these pretty devices within the reach of all.

FAITH
Fire-opal.Feldspar.
Alexandrite.Amethyst.
Iolite.Idocrase.
Tourmaline.Topaz.
Hyacinth.Heliotrope.
HOPE
Hyacinth.Hematite.
Opal.Olivine.
Pearl.Pyrope.
Emerald.Essonite.
CHARITY
Cat’s-eye.Carbuncle.
Hyacinth.Hematite.
Aquamarine.Amethyst.
Ruby.Rose quartz.
Iolite.Idocrase.
Tourmaline.Topaz.
Yellow sapphire.Yu (Jade).
GOOD LUCK
Golden beryl.Garnet.
Opal.Onyx.
Olivine.Obsidian.
Diamond.Dendrite.
Lapis-lazuli.Labradorite.
Uralian emerald.Unio pearl.
Cat’s-eye.Carnelian.
Kunzite.Krokidolite.
FOREVER
Fire-opal.Flèches d’amour.
Opal.Onyx.
Ruby.Rutile.
Emerald.Essonite.
Vermeille.Verd antique.
Essonite.Epidote.
Rubellite.Rose quartz.
REGARD
Ruby.Rubellite.
Emerald.Essonite.
Garnet.Garnet.
Alexandrite.Amethyst.
Ruby.Rock-crystal.
Diamond.Demantoid.
ZES
Greek, meaning “Mayest thou live.”
Zircon.Zonochlorite.
Emerald.Essonite.
Sapphire.Sard.
MIZPAH
Moonstone.Moldavite.
Indicolite.Idocrase.
Zircon.Zonochlorite.
Peridot.Pyrope.
Asteria.Aquamarine.
Hyacinth.Hematite.
FRIENDSHIP
Flèches d’amour.Feldspar.
Ruby.Rock crystal.
Indicolite.Idocrase.
Emerald.Epidote.
Nephrite.Nicolo.
Diamond.Diopside.
Sapphire.Sard.
Hyacinth.Hematite.
Iolite.Idocrase.
Pearl.Pyrite.
DEAREST
Diamond.Demantoid.
Emerald.Essonite.
Alexandrite.Amethyst.
Ruby.Rubellite.
Essonite.Epidote.
Sapphire.Spinel.
Turquoise.Topaz.
SOUVENIR
Sapphire.Sunstone.
Opal.Onyx.
Uralian emerald.Utahlite.
Vermeille.Verd antique.
Emerald.Epidote.
Nephrite.Nephrite.
Iolite.Indicolite.
Ruby.Rock-crystal.
BONHEUR
Beryl.Bloodstone.
Opal.Onyx.
Nephrite.Nephrite.
Hyacinth.Hematite.
Emerald.Essonite.
Uralian emerald.Utahlite.
Ruby.Rhodonite.
AMITIÉ
Alexandrite.Almandine.
Moonstone.Moonstone.
Indicolite.Indicolite.
Tourmaline.Topaz.
Idocrase.Idocrase.
Emerald.Essonite.
LOVE ME
Lapis-lazuli.Labrador spar.
Opal.Onyx.
Vermeille.Verd antique.
Emerald.Essonite.
Moonstone.Moonstone.
Essonite.Epidote.
AEI
Greek, meaning “forever,” “eternity.”
Alexandrite.Almandine.
Emerald.Essonite.
Indicolite.Idocrase.

An attractive engagement ring can be formed of a central diamond from which extend the rays of a five-pointed star. Between the rays are set the stones emblematic of the zodiacal sign, of the guardian angel of the month, of the planet control of the hour and also the two stones indicating the initial letter of the two Christian names. This ring is in the form of the mystic Pentagon, the grand symbol of constancy and durability, since the number five is composed of three, which signifies creative power, and two, which typifies the balance, that is, stability.

As, according to the old fancy, the influences due to the light emanations from the planets or fixed stars, or from the combination of the stars in a zodiacal sign, would have a peculiar and more or less intimate connection with the fate of one country rather than of another, an attempt is here made to give a characteristic stone for each country. In the case of the United States the various gem-stones found within the boundaries of each of the States of the Union are given. That this special influence was exceptionally potent in regard to those born in the countries in question was also taught and hence a national gem would have a greater talismanic power than any other for the natives of each separate country. For those who may feel a certain degree of sympathy for time-honored fancies, and who may perhaps also have a trace of superstition hidden away in some part of their consciousness, one of our State gems would have a similar significance.