Sardonyx Stone History
The sardonyx is often referred to as the Gem of Courage or the Gem of Virtue. In antiquity, sardonyx was, at times, more valuable than gold, silver or sapphire. Today, it is the August birthstone for the zodiac sign of Leo and possesses a very long and colorful history dating back to ancient Greece.
Greece
Sardonyx was first found by the Greeks in Sardis, the capital city of ancient Lydia, which is now the western part of Turkey. The name is derived from sard (reddish-brown) and onyx (veined gem).
The Greeks prized sardonyx for its ability to increase courage and protect against danger. It was often carved with emblems of gods and was worn by soldiers and politicians alike.
Rome
The sardonyx was extremely popular and greatly valued throughout ancient times and was highly valued by the Romans. GemTradeNet.com reports that Roman General Publius Cornelius Scipio was known for wearing sardonyx jewelry, as was Claudius Caesar. The Romans believed that wearing sardonyx would bring them courage, honor, success and wealth. It was also believed to provide self-control, protect against various infections and even ensure a happy marriage.
Roman soldiers wore or carried sardonyx talismans engraved with heroes or gods, such as Hercules or Mars (God of war), because they believed the talismans brought the wearer the same attributes of courage and daring, as the carved figures supposedly possessed, and would protect them against evil as well.
Egypt
Sardonyx became one of the favorite gems of Egypt after the 21st dynasty, reaching a peak of use in the Ptolemaic and Roman periods. Their favorite uses were for cameos, intaglios (ornamented with a sunken or incised design, as opposed to a design in relief) and ring settings. Egyptians believed that sardonyx brought good luck and wore them as talismans.
Biblical
According to The Temple Institute, there are several references to sardonyx stones in the King James Bible. The foundations of the wall of the city of the New Jerusalem were garnished with precious stones, the fifth of which being the sardonyx. Additionally, two sardonyx stones, engraved with the names of the children of Israel, (six names on each in the order of their birth) were fixed in settings of gold on the High Priest's shoulders, one on the right and one on the left.
England
One of the most famous sardonyx stones was a gold ring, carved with the portrait of Queen Elizabeth I, given to the Earl of Essex by the Queen as a token of friendship with the promise that she would always come to his aid if he requested it. The Earl was later imprisoned for treason and condemned to be beheaded. He sent the ring to his Queen, but it fell into the hands of Lady Nottingham, whose husband was an enemy of the Earl and never reached the Queen. Believing the Earl was too proud to ask for her mercy, the Queen allowed his execution. It wasn't until the deathbed confession of Lady Nottingham that the Queen learned the truth, and it broke her heart.
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