Since the dawn of time, men and women have adorned themselves with that which is rare and beautiful. Colored stones, polished and shaped into beads, have been especially popular both for their decorative look and for their amuletic powers. Every great civilization has prized these gems, and has ascribed to them therapeutic virtues which are relevant even today. Red and purple stones like amethyst, garnet, and red jasper are generally associated with passion, creativity and diseases of the blood. Blue stones like lapis lazuli, turquoise, and chalcedony are useful for preventing diseases of the eye and those associated with melancholy and insomnia. Yellow and brown gems such as agate, topaz and tiger-eye are felt to cure fever, liver ailments and headache, and to induce a generally cheerful mood. Green stones like jade, peridot or jasper prevent poison in the system and guard the wearer against evil. Clearer gems such as rock crystal, rose quartz, moonstone, and chalcedony purify the system, cleansing the wearer of all illness and depression. Of course, mankind has not only worn these stones for their curative powers; their rich hues and high luster have been a major factor in their popularity. To wear a necklace such as this is to continue in a tradition that dates back to Egypt, to Babylon, to China, Persia and Rome.