The jewels of the new Jerusalem
The jewels of the new Jerusalem In Revelation 21 and Exodus 28—are both rich in symbolism and meaning, particularly related to God’s covenant with His people and the idea of holiness.
Revelation 21:9-21: The New Jerusalem
In Revelation 21, particularly verses 9-21, the Apostle John describes a vision of the New Jerusalem, the heavenly city that descends from God. This city is depicted with incredible beauty, adorned with precious jewels and gold. Here are some key points:
- Foundation Stones: The twelve foundations of the city walls are decorated with various precious stones, each stone corresponding to a different one of the twelve apostles (Revelation 21:14). This signifies the apostles’ role in the foundation of the Church and the continuity of God’s plan from Israel to the Church.
- The Gates: The city has twelve gates, each made of a single pearl, representing the twelve tribes of Israel. This shows that all of God’s people, both from the Old and New Covenants, are part of this new creation.
- The Glory of God: The city itself is radiant with the glory of God, symbolized by light, gold, and jewels. The idea here is that in the New Jerusalem, God’s presence is fully manifest, making it a place of absolute purity, beauty, and holiness.
Exodus 28:15-21: The Breastplate of Judgment
In Exodus 28, God gives Moses detailed instructions for the garments of the high priest, specifically focusing on the breastplate of judgment. This breastplate is decorated with twelve precious stones, each representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Here’s what stands out:
- The Twelve Stones: The stones on the breastplate are engraved with the names of the twelve tribes, symbolizing that the high priest bears the people of Israel on his heart when he enters the presence of God. This is a powerful image of intercession and the priest’s role as a mediator between God and His people.
- The Materials: The use of precious materials like gold and specific gemstones shows the value and dignity of the priestly office and the holiness required to approach God.
Connecting the Two Passages
Both passages use precious stones and intricate design to convey the idea of holiness, value, and divine presence. In Exodus 28, the breastplate signifies the priest’s role in bringing the people into God’s presence, while in Revelation 21, the New Jerusalem symbolizes the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promise, where all of God’s people dwell with Him in eternal glory.
- Continuity and Fulfillment: The connection between these passages highlights the continuity of God’s plan from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant. The breastplate in Exodus prefigures the New Jerusalem in Revelation, showing that what was begun in Israel is brought to completion in the Church.
- Holiness and God’s Presence: Both emphasize the importance of holiness when approaching God. The New Jerusalem is a holy city because God dwells there fully, just as the high priest must be holy when entering God’s presence.
These readings invite us to reflect on the beauty and holiness of God’s dwelling place, both in the heavenly Jerusalem and in our hearts. They remind us of the importance of living in a way that is worthy of God’s presence, as both the ancient Israelites and the early Christians were called to do.
The twelve jewels of the New Jerusalem
The twelve jewels of the New Jerusalem, as described in Revelation 21:19-21, carry profound symbolic meaning. Each gemstone is rich in tradition, often associated with various properties and characteristics that have been revered throughout history. Let’s explore each one in detail, including its name, symbolism, and unique properties.
1. Jasper
- Symbolism: Jasper is often associated with strength, courage, and protection. In the biblical context, it symbolizes God’s glory and the foundational strength of His covenant.
- Properties: Jasper is an opaque stone that comes in a variety of colors, commonly red, yellow, green, and brown. It’s known for its high density and durability. Jasper is isotropic, meaning it has the same optical properties in all directions, reflecting the idea of God’s unchanging nature.
2. Sapphire
- Symbolism: Sapphire represents purity, wisdom, and divine favor. In ancient times, it was believed to protect the wearer from envy and harm.
- Properties: Sapphire, a variety of corundum, is a hard, anisotropic stone, meaning its optical properties vary when viewed from different angles. This characteristic can symbolize the depth and multifaceted nature of divine wisdom.
3. Chalcedony
- Symbolism: Chalcedony is linked to nurturing, brotherhood, and goodwill. It reflects the communal and protective aspects of the Church.
- Properties: Chalcedony is a cryptocrystalline form of silica, appearing in shades of blue, white, or gray. It is anisotropic, with a fibrous structure that can be seen under polarized light, symbolizing the interconnectedness and hidden strength within the community of believers.
4. Emerald
- Symbolism: Emerald signifies rebirth, renewal, and eternal life. It is often associated with the promises of God and the hope of resurrection.
- Properties: Emerald is a variety of beryl, known for its rich green color. It is anisotropic, displaying different colors or levels of transparency depending on the viewing angle, which can represent the layered promises of God’s covenant.
5. Sardonyx
- Symbolism: Sardonyx is a stone of strength, protection, and grounding. It represents the foundational qualities of faith and perseverance.
- Properties: Sardonyx is a variety of onyx with layers of red or brown (sard) and white chalcedony. It is anisotropic, with banded patterns that can be seen differently depending on the orientation, reflecting the layered and steadfast nature of faith.
6. Carnelian
- Symbolism: Carnelian is associated with vitality, courage, and the blood of martyrs. It represents the sacrifice and fervor of the early Christians.
- Properties: Carnelian is a reddish-brown variety of chalcedony, valued for its warm, deep colors. It is anisotropic, with an internal structure that can shift in appearance, symbolizing the passionate and dynamic faith of the believers.
7. Chrysolite (Peridot)
- Symbolism: Chrysolite, often identified as peridot, symbolizes light, beauty, and clarity. It reflects the purity and transparency of God’s truth.
- Properties: Chrysolite is an isotropic gemstone, typically olive green, that doesn’t change color when viewed from different angles. This uniformity symbolizes the clarity and constancy of divine truth.
8. Beryl
- Symbolism: Beryl is associated with protection, guidance, and the clarity of vision. It represents the clarity and focus provided by God to those who seek Him.
- Properties: Beryl can be found in various colors, including blue (aquamarine) and green (emerald). It is anisotropic, with different optical properties depending on the direction, symbolizing the different ways God’s guidance can manifest in a believer’s life.
9. Topaz
- Symbolism: Topaz represents divine favor, strength, and wisdom. It is a stone of communication and self-expression, reflecting the wisdom imparted by the Holy Spirit.
- Properties: Topaz is anisotropic, with colors that can shift under different lighting conditions. Its hardness and brilliance symbolize the enduring and enlightening qualities of divine wisdom.
10. Chrysoprase
- Symbolism: Chrysoprase is a stone of joy, happiness, and divine love. It represents the nurturing and loving nature of God’s grace.
- Properties: Chrysoprase is a variety of chalcedony, often apple-green, and is anisotropic. Its vibrant color and unique internal structure can symbolize the life-giving and restorative power of God’s love.
11. Jacinth (Hyacinth)
- Symbolism: Jacinth is associated with deep spiritual insight, transformation, and the fire of the Holy Spirit. It represents the transformative power of divine love and grace.
- Properties: Jacinth, a variety of zircon, is anisotropic, known for its fiery orange-red color. Its ability to disperse light into a spectrum of colors symbolizes the all-encompassing and transformative power of the Holy Spirit.
12. Amethyst
- Symbolism: Amethyst symbolizes piety, humility, and spiritual wisdom. It is often associated with sobriety and the protection against temptation.
- Properties: Amethyst is a variety of quartz, typically violet, and is anisotropic. Its ability to display different shades of purple depending on the light reflects the multifaceted nature of spiritual wisdom and the depth of divine mysteries.
The Collective Significance
The twelve gemstones collectively symbolize the fullness of God’s covenant with His people. Their placement in the foundations of the New Jerusalem highlights the beauty, strength, and diversity of the Church, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Christ as the cornerstone. The properties of these stones, particularly their anisotropic or isotropic nature, further emphasize the dynamic, multifaceted, and eternal qualities of God’s kingdom.
These gemstones are not just beautiful adornments; they represent the virtues, gifts, and graces that God bestows upon His people, making them precious in His sight and fitting them to be part of His eternal, holy city. As believers reflect on these stones, they are invited to consider how they, too, are being shaped and polished by God to reflect His glory and to take their place in the heavenly Jerusalem.
The jewels resumed in a table
A summarized table of the twelve gemstones, their symbolism, properties, and whether they are isotropic or anisotropic:
| Gemstone | Symbolism | Properties | Anisotropy |
| Jasper | Strength, courage, protection | Opaque, high density, durable | Isotropic |
| Sapphire | Purity, wisdom, divine favor | Hard, varied optical properties | Anisotropic |
| Chalcedony | Nurturing, brotherhood, goodwill | Fibrous structure | Anisotropic |
| Emerald | Rebirth, renewal, eternal life | Rich green color | Anisotropic |
| Sardonyx | Strength, protection, grounding | Banded patterns | Anisotropic |
| Carnelian | Vitality, courage, blood of martyrs | Warm, deep colors | Anisotropic |
| Chrysolite (Peridot) | Light, beauty, clarity | Olive green, uniform color | Isotropic |
| Beryl | Protection, guidance, clarity of vision | Varied colors | Anisotropic |
| Topaz | Divine favor, strength, wisdom | Shifts in color under light | Anisotropic |
| Chrysoprase | Joy, happiness, divine love | Vibrant green | Anisotropic |
| Jacinth (Hyacinth) | Spiritual insight, transformation, fire of the Holy Spirit | Fiery color, light dispersion | Anisotropic |
| Amethyst | Piety, humility, spiritual wisdom | Shades of purple, varied appearance | Anisotropic |
This table summarizes the key aspects of each gemstone in the context of the New Jerusalem as described in Revelation 21. Each stone’s properties, whether isotropic or anisotropic, further enhance their symbolic meaning.
The gemstones in ancient times and their provenance
The vibrant stones you’ve explored, described in the Bible and revered throughout history, were indeed known in ancient times. These gemstones were prized for their beauty, rarity, and the symbolic meanings attributed to them. Let’s delve into a bit of history regarding their origins and how they were discovered and valued in ancient times.
1. Jasper
- Ancient Use: Jasper was known in various cultures, including ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Greece. It was often used for seals, amulets, and ornamental objects.
- Sources: Ancient jasper was mined in regions like Egypt, India, and Persia (modern-day Iran). The Red Sea and the island of Cyprus were also known for their jasper deposits.
2. Sapphire
- Ancient Use: Sapphires were known in antiquity, though what was called “sapphire” might have also included lapis lazuli. Sapphires were associated with royalty and divine favor.
- Sources: Ancient sources of sapphire include Sri Lanka, India, and Kashmir. The stones were traded across Asia and the Mediterranean.
3. Chalcedony
- Ancient Use: Chalcedony has been used since antiquity for tools, beads, and seals. It was highly valued in ancient Rome and Greece.
- Sources: Chalcedony was sourced from Turkey, Egypt, and parts of Europe. It was commonly found in regions rich in volcanic activity.
4. Emerald
- Ancient Use: The ancient Egyptians famously valued emeralds, associating them with fertility and rebirth. Cleopatra was particularly known for her love of emeralds.
- Sources: The earliest emerald mines were located in Egypt’s Eastern Desert, known as Cleopatra’s Mines. Later, significant sources were discovered in Colombia.
5. Sardonyx
- Ancient Use: Sardonyx was used extensively in Roman times for cameos and intaglios due to its layered color. It was also popular in ancient Greece and Mesopotamia.
- Sources: Sardonyx was found in India, Persia, and the Arabian Peninsula. It was also mined in parts of Europe.
6. Carnelian
- Ancient Use: Carnelian was favored in ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Indus Valley. It was used for seals, jewelry, and amulets.
- Sources: Carnelian was primarily sourced from India, particularly the Gujarat region. It was also found in Egypt and Arabia.
7. Chrysolite (Peridot)
- Ancient Use: Known as the “gem of the sun,” peridot was valued in ancient Egypt. It was believed to protect against evil spirits.
- Sources: The most famous ancient source of peridot was the island of Zabargad (St. John’s Island) in the Red Sea, which supplied stones to the Egyptian pharaohs.
8. Beryl
- Ancient Use: Beryl, especially in its emerald variety, was highly prized. Other varieties of beryl, such as aquamarine, were also known and valued.
- Sources: Beryl was mined in Egypt, Austria, and later in the Ural Mountains in Russia. Emerald beryl was sourced from Cleopatra’s Mines in Egypt.
9. Topaz
- Ancient Use: Topaz was believed to have healing properties and was used by the Greeks and Romans as a protective stone.
- Sources: Ancient topaz likely came from deposits in Egypt, specifically from the island of Zabargad, and later from Sri Lanka.
10. Chrysoprase
- Ancient Use: Chrysoprase was prized by the Greeks and Romans, used in jewelry and for carving cameos.
- Sources: Chrysoprase was primarily found in Poland and regions of what is now Turkey. It was also sourced in parts of modern-day Germany.
11. Jacinth (Hyacinth)
- Ancient Use: Jacinth, or hyacinth, was used by the ancient Greeks and Romans, often associated with protection in battle.
- Sources: Jacinth was found in regions of Sri Lanka and India. It was also sourced in parts of Southeast Asia and Europe.
12. Amethyst
- Ancient Use: Amethyst was highly valued in ancient Egypt and Greece. The Greeks believed it could prevent intoxication.
- Sources: Ancient sources of amethyst included deposits in Egypt, Greece, and the Urals in Russia. Amethyst was also mined in parts of Persia and South America.
Trade and Discovery
Many of these stones were traded across vast distances through ancient trade routes, such as the Silk Road and maritime routes connecting the Mediterranean with Asia and Africa. Gemstones were a significant part of trade, often reserved for the wealthy and powerful, used to display status and for religious purposes.
The knowledge and use of these gemstones date back thousands of years, and their significance has been woven into the fabric of various cultures and religions, including Christianity, where they are immortalized in the vision of the New Jerusalem.
The vibrant colors, unique properties, and the rarity of these stones made them highly coveted, and their discovery often involved extensive mining efforts in remote and challenging locations. Over time, the symbolism associated with these stones grew, influenced by their physical characteristics, cultural significance, and the spiritual meanings attributed to them by ancient peoples.
Resumed in a table
| Gemstone | Ancient Use | Sources |
| Jasper | Used for seals, amulets, and ornaments in Egypt, Mesopotamia. | Egypt, India, Persia, Red Sea, Cyprus. |
| Sapphire | Associated with royalty and divine favor in various cultures. | Sri Lanka, India, Kashmir. |
| Chalcedony | Used for tools, beads, and seals in Rome and Greece. | Turkey, Egypt, Europe (volcanic regions). |
| Emerald | Prized in Egypt, especially by Cleopatra; symbol of rebirth. | Egypt (Cleopatra’s Mines), later Colombia. |
| Sardonyx | Extensively used in Roman cameos and intaglios. | India, Persia, Arabian Peninsula, Europe. |
| Carnelian | Favored in Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Indus Valley. | India (Gujarat), Egypt, Arabia. |
| Chrysolite (Peridot) | Valued in Egypt, believed to protect against evil spirits. | Island of Zabargad (Red Sea), Egypt. |
| Beryl | Highly prized, especially emerald variety; also used in jewelry. | Egypt, Austria, Ural Mountains (Russia). |
| Topaz | Believed to have healing properties by Greeks and Romans. | Egypt (Zabargad Island), later Sri Lanka. |
| Chrysoprase | Prized in Greece and Rome, used in jewelry and carvings. | Poland, Turkey, Germany. |
| Jacinth (Hyacinth) | Associated with protection in battle by Greeks and Romans. | Sri Lanka, India, Southeast Asia, Europe. |
| Amethyst | Valued in Egypt and Greece, believed to prevent intoxication. | Egypt, Greece, Urals (Russia), Persia, South America. |
This table condenses the key points about the historical uses and sources of each gemstone.
How to ornament those gemstones—whether individually or together
The decision on how to ornament gemstones—whether individually or together—depends on several factors, including the type of gemstone, its size, color, and the overall desired effect. Here are some considerations and recommendations for how best to use these gemstones in various types of jewelry:
1. Individual Ornamentation
Ornamenting gemstones individually allows each stone to shine and be the focal point of the piece. Here’s how you might use each stone individually:
- Rings:
- Emerald, Sapphire, Amethyst, and Topaz are particularly stunning as center stones in rings due to their vibrant colors and ability to be cut into large, faceted shapes.
- Chrysoprase and Chalcedony make beautiful rings because of their smooth, opaque appearance, offering a more understated elegance.
- Carnelian and Sardonyx also work well in rings, especially for those who prefer earthier tones and more antique-style settings.
- Necklaces/Pendants:
- Jasper and Beryl can be set in pendants, allowing their unique colors to be displayed prominently.
- Sapphire and Amethyst are excellent for pendants as well, where their rich hues can be the centerpiece.
- Jacinth (Hyacinth) with its fiery orange color, makes a striking pendant.
- Earrings:
- Topaz and Chrysoprase make beautiful earrings due to their lighter colors, which catch and reflect light well, enhancing their appearance with movement.
- Sapphire and Amethyst are also popular in earrings, providing a pop of vibrant color close to the face.
- Chalcedony earrings are ideal for a more subdued, elegant look.
2. Combined Ornamentation
Using gemstones together can create stunning and symbolic pieces, especially when combining stones of contrasting or complementary colors.
- Necklaces/Bracelets:
- Multi-gemstone Necklaces: A necklace featuring all twelve stones, perhaps representing the biblical New Jerusalem, can be both beautiful and meaningful. Each stone can be set in a bezel or prong setting, connected by links, with each stone’s color creating a rainbow effect around the neck.
- Bracelets: Similar to necklaces, a bracelet featuring multiple stones can be eye-catching. For instance, alternating stones like Sapphire and Topaz or Amethyst and Emerald can create beautiful color contrasts.
- Cluster Rings:
- A cluster ring featuring several of these gemstones together can be a bold statement piece. For example, a cluster of Emerald, Sapphire, and Amethyst can create a vibrant, multicolored ring.
- Multi-stone Earrings:
- Earrings featuring a combination of stones, such as Chrysoprase, Topaz, and Beryl, can be very effective. Dangling earrings with different colored gemstones can create movement and sparkle.
3. Coordinated Sets
Creating a set of jewelry that includes a matching ring, necklace, bracelet, and earrings can be a sophisticated way to display these gemstones:
- Sapphire or Emerald sets are particularly popular for their rich colors and are often used in high-end jewelry sets that include rings, necklaces, and earrings.
- A Carnelian or Jasper set might be ideal for a more earthy, rustic look, often set in gold or bronze tones.
- Topaz or Amethyst can be used to create stunning, cohesive sets that are both luxurious and versatile.
Considerations for Setting
- Metal Choice: The metal setting can dramatically affect the appearance of the gemstones. Platinum or white gold is often used to complement cooler stones like Sapphire or Chalcedony, while yellow gold can enhance the warmth of stones like Carnelian or Topaz.
- Cut and Clarity: The cut of the gemstone should maximize its color and brilliance. For instance, faceted cuts work well for transparent stones like Sapphire or Emerald, while cabochon cuts (smooth, rounded) are often used for opaque stones like Chalcedony or Jasper.
- Symmetry and Balance: When combining multiple stones, it’s important to consider the symmetry and balance of the design, ensuring that the stones complement each other without one overshadowing the others.
Final Thoughts
Whether used individually or in combination, these gemstones can create breathtaking jewelry pieces that are not only visually stunning but also rich in meaning and history. The choice between individual or combined ornamentation depends largely on personal taste, the occasion, and the message the wearer wishes to convey.
Recommendations for ornamenting the gemstones resumed in a table
Here’s a summary of the recommendations for ornamenting the gemstones individually or together in various types of jewelry:
| Gemstone | Best Individual Use | Best Combined Use | Metal Choice |
| Jasper | Pendant, Ring | Combined in multi-gemstone necklaces, bracelets | Yellow Gold, Bronze |
| Sapphire | Ring, Earrings, Pendant | Coordinated sets (ring, necklace, earrings) | Platinum, White Gold |
| Chalcedony | Earrings, Ring | Multi-stone earrings or combined in necklaces | White Gold, Silver |
| Emerald | Ring, Pendant | Coordinated sets or cluster rings | Yellow Gold, Platinum |
| Sardonyx | Ring, Pendant | Antique-style jewelry, combined in bracelets | Yellow Gold, Bronze |
| Carnelian | Ring, Pendant | Rustic or antique-style combined in sets | Yellow Gold, Bronze |
| Chrysolite (Peridot) | Earrings, Ring, Pendant | Multi-stone earrings or combined in bracelets | Yellow Gold, White Gold |
| Beryl | Ring, Pendant | Combined in multi-gemstone necklaces | White Gold, Platinum |
| Topaz | Earrings, Ring | Coordinated sets, multi-stone necklaces | White Gold, Platinum |
| Chrysoprase | Earrings, Ring | Multi-stone earrings, combined in necklaces | Yellow Gold, White Gold |
| Jacinth (Hyacinth) | Pendant, Ring | Combined in fiery colored sets (necklaces, bracelets) | Yellow Gold, Rose Gold |
| Amethyst | Ring, Pendant, Earrings | Coordinated sets (ring, necklace, earrings) | Yellow Gold, Platinum |
This table summarizes the best uses for each gemstone when ornamented individually or in combination, along with the recommended metal choices to enhance their appearance.
