Dreaming of Precious Stones

Many Oneirocritica, or "dream-books," were written or compiled in the early centuries of our era, one of the most noted being the work of Artemidorus, who flourished in the second century A.D. Every object seen in a dream was given a special meaning, and it is interesting to note that Artemidorus believed dreams of rings or other ornaments, as well as of precious stones, to be of favorable significance only for women. Such dreams indicated marriage for unmarried women, and the birth of children for those already married. If a woman was both wife and mother when she saw sparkling jewels in her dream, then the vision portended the acquisition of great wealth. Artemidorus here sagely remarks that women are by nature devoted to riches and passionately fond of ornaments. For men, on the other hand, to dream of jewels was an ill omen; probably because it foreshadowed the necessity of buying them for a good friend or a faithful wife. (Artemidori Daldiani et Achametis Sereimi Oneirocritica. ed. Regaltius, Lutetiae, 1603.)

Another of these dream-books, probably composed in the eighth century A.D., appears under the name of Achametis and is of Arabic origin. Many of the interpretations in this book are referred to a Hindu source, and among these are visions of crowns that appear to kings. Such a dream, in itself, usually portended increased power and success for the sovereign, but this depended upon the color and character of the jewels which adorned the crown. For example, we read that if the gems were red and of the kind known as lychnites (carbuncles or rubies), the dream indicated that the king would have great joy and good fortune and would be more feared by his enemies than before; but if he saw blue gems in the crown, it was a bad omen, foreshadowing the loss of part of his kingdom. If the stones were of a light green hue (the color of the leek), the king would gain a great name in the world, both by his good faith and by the greatness of his kingdom; for, the writer adds, "this color in precious stones is universally accepted as signifying good-faith and religious devotion to God." (Ibid.)

There is signified by dreaming of

Agates A journey.

Amber A voyage.

Amethysts Freedom from harm.

Aquamarines New friends.

Beryls Happiness in store.

Bloodstones Distressing news.

Carbuncles Acquirement of wisdom.

Carnelians Impending misfortune.

Cat's-eyes Treachery.

Chalcedony Friends rejoined.

Chrysoberyls A time of need.

Chrysolites Necessary caution.

Coral Recovery from illness.

Crystal Freedom from enemies.

Diamonds Victory over enemies.

Emeralds Much to look forward to.

Garnets The solution of a mystery.

Heliotropes Long life.

Hyacinths A heavy storm.

Jacinths Success.

Jasper Love returned.

Jet Sorrow.

Lapis-lazuli Faithful love.

Moonstones Impending danger.

Moss-agates An unsuccessful journey.

Onyx A happy marriage.

Opals Great possessions.

Pearls Faithful friends.

Porphyry Death.

Rubies Unexpected guests.

Sapphires Escape from danger.

Sardonyx Love of friends.

Topaz No harm shall befall.

Tourmalines An accident.