Healing Sparkles The Healing of Gem Stones During the Gilded Age many people used powdered gems to "prevent" or "cure" disease. They thought sapphire would relieve insanity, powdered jet would kill toothache, and topaz to ease asthma. Even today some superstitious people wear amber beads to "cure" goiter and others fear that opals bring bad luck. Some famous gems are even believed to carry a curse.   Jewelry making was a popular hobby during the Victorian era just as it is today. Gem materials, cutting equipment, and courses in jewelry making were available in most large cities through ladies bazaars, or etiquette schools. It was very common for women of the day to retire after a dinner party to an evening of crafting in the parlor while their husbands adjourned to a study for cigars and politics.   Jewelry was crafted in various forms, from the common necklace, earrings and bracelet, to chains for a pocket watch. The stones selected depending on the purpose of the piece. Wither for aiding in healing, or as a hidden symbol or meaning of a relationship.   Pearl handled revolvers weren't just created for their beauty, for instance. It was believed in the time, that pearls aid in clarity of sight. While mother of pearl was given to a woman who was expecting a child to aid her during the physical changes of pregnancy.   Gem Stones were also weaved into garments, hats, linens and even hair styles. Peridot for instances was often embroidered into hand bags, denoting financial prosperity and abundance. A Herkimer Diamond was often placed inside a pillow to rid children of night mares or to aid in problem solving through dreams. Little known, but one advocate of this method was Alexander Graham Bell. While working his version of the telephone, he would often take naps in his workshop with a Herkimer diamond in his pillow or next to his bed to help aid in problem solving. Some historical accounts of Bell, report that he took several naps a day, sometimes up to 7. Each lasting 30 to 60 minuets.   Many of these uses of gem stones still exist today. If you're interested in learning more, visit The Pagan's Path Metaphysics 101 section on Stone Energy.