Stories behind the stones: The fiery carnelian

Presenting carnelian, a semi-precious stone of boldness and nuance. Trace its unique influence from past to present, touching on the mystics, the ancients, and today’s creatives

This may surprise you. We don’t just make jewellery just because it looks cool, or beautiful. Everything we wear with says something about us, and jewellery is no exception. It’s a statement. A narrative. Nothing is accidental – everything has a meaning, a significance. That’s why, at Ryenn’s Eyes, we want to tell the stories behind pieces we craft, uncovering what shapes them beyond their surface. To encourage you to see elements in a new light. Through our eyes.

So. Here we go. In the first of our new ‘Stories Behind the Stones’ series, we put the spotlight on the fiery semi-precious stone of carnelian.

Real talk

First off, let’s put something to rest. It’s a common misconception that precious stones – aka the ‘Big Four’, diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and sapphires – are rarer than semi-precious ones, such as rose quartz, opal, or (in this case) carnelian. And if they’re rarer, that makes them more valuable, right? Wrong. In fact, the opposite can often be the case, with semi-precious stones being more the scarce.

The semi/precious distinction came about back in the 1800s, when the two terms were used to distinguish the monetary worth of stones at that time. These days, we’re a bit less rigid when it comes to defining what makes a gem desirable. Money isn’t everything. Criteria like quality and provenance are just as important – not to mention more interesting. Adding to their intrigue, semi-precious gems also come in a much broader palette of colours compared to precious varieties. Commonplace they are not. These gems are much more individual. 

A subtle spectrum

Back to carnelian. As part of the chalcedony quartz mineral family, carnelian is characterised by a subtle translucency and striking fiery colour (a beautiful by-product of iron oxide impurities). If asked to picture one, gemstone aficionados might conjure up the image of a stone with a bold oxblood hue. Actually, friend, carnelian is a stone of nuance. It comes in a wide spectrum of shades, ranging from a delicate pale orange or pink through to a deeper, darker, almost black tone. Carnelian has been unearthed in countries all around the world, from Sri Lanka and Indonesia through to India, Peru, Madagascar, and beyond.

Let’s vibe

Good news – carnelian is regarded as a lucky stone. One with rich, vibrant energy. Of warmth and emotional fortification. Those who believe treasure it for its perceived ability to stimulate vitality, creativity, prosperity, and passion. Alleged healing properties include stimulating blood circulation and the metabolism. Even menstrual cramps. The astrology lovers amongst you might recognise carnelian as Virgo’s birthstone. And, as Virgo is the only sign represented by a woman (The Virgin), this means it also symbolises – you got it – powerful feminine energy. 

Past dues

Carnelian has been prized by civilisations over millennia. For reasons sacred and mystical, as well as decorative. Ancient Egyptians would fashion it into beads, amulets, and jewellery, often combined with turquoise and lapis lazuli. Known as the ‘Blood of Isis’, a carnelian talisman would be placed on the throat of mummies to evoke the goddess’ protection during a soul’s journey to the underworld.

Meanwhile, the Romans regarded it as a stone of courage. Synonymous with strength. They, like the Greeks, before them, carried it to protect against the evil eye. It was also used it to adorn armour and swords for added protection in battle. In Tibetan Buddhist culture, carnelian is crafted into mala beads to aid spiritual practices of mantra and meditation. 

A modern muse

Does he keep you warm at night?

Like carnelian around my neck

Does he live by the moonlight?

Wear carnelian in our bed

Tom Aspaul – ‘Carnelian’ (2020)

Today, though it holds a humbler, more niche status than glitzier semi-precious cousins like moonstone or amethyst, carnelian’s quiet influence still prevails from the fringes of contemporary cultural consciousness.

For starters. In the world of music, experimental Californian solo artist Gabby La La chose it as the titular title of her blissed-out 2020 track ‘Carnelian’. So did classical Swedish composer Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen for his hauntingly beautiful 2023 single, featuring the talents of violinist Hanna Ekström and chamber musician Anna Dager. Queue Ryenn’s Playlist. Last year, American multimedia artist Lex Brown created a powerful video installation, Carnelian (2023), following the story of three mythical characters in the face of an impending catastrophe.

The power to charm

We don’t pretend to make any assumptions about you. Why carnelian appeals. Why you’re drawn to it. A magpie sensibility. Perhaps it’s the beautiful blazing colour. Or the rich warmth it casts on skin. Maybe you hope to evoke its enduringly mystical qualities. Channel some courage. Find some luck. Hey, Virgo, it’s your stone after all. Us? We chose it for our Loveblood collection because of all these factors. And more. Whatever your reasons, carnelian is a powerful stone to pick when it comes to finding your own modern-day talisman.