Tales of Carnelian
Carnelian has been treasured across cultures throughout history. Continue reading to explore some notable tales of the gemstone.
In Ancient Mesopotamia, carnelian gemstones were highly prized and imported from the Indus Valley. They were carved into signet seals for signing official reports. They were also used as adornment, as evidenced in the tomb of Sumerian Queen Puabi (in modern-day Iraq). Her headdress and cloak pins were embellished with the fiery gemstone.
Later, in Ancient Egypt, carnelian was thought to symbolise the protective energy of the sun. It was frequently worn as a safeguarding talisman by pregnant women and believed to promote nourishment. Valued for its mystical qualities, it was even embedded into the iconic golden burial mask of the Boy King, Pharaoh Tutankhamun.
Carnelian was similarly thought to be protective in Ancient Rome, where it was often worn in battle. Interestingly, rather than using loose signet seals like the Mesopotamians, the Romans set carnelian into signet rings, allowing wearers to carry a personal, inscribed signature.
Religious history also reflects a deep respect for this gemstone. Carnelian is explicitly mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments, and in Islam, it is highly treasured as the Prophetic stone.
A unique display of this red-orange stone can be found in the pietra dura work of the Taj Mahal, where, amongst many gemstones, it has been inlaid into white marble. The Taj Mahal was commissioned in 1653 by the Emperor Shah Jahan as the final resting place for his beloved wife, Mumtaz. Lore has it that carnelian was her favourite gemstone.
At FIHR, our carnelian pieces highlight the natural beauty of the stone. The timeless flat cabochon stone is a nod to the historical use of signet rings. The double-sided, biface gemstone design provides a tactile grounding comfort, and the adjustable sizing allows for effortless wear and gifting.
