Eilat Stone Jewelry: The National Gem of Israel and Why It’s Called "King Solomon’s Stone"?

In 1950, Eilat Stone was officiated as Israel's national stone. Not just because of its blinding beauty, but because it signifies the unique bond between the land, its resources and people. For many, owning a piece of Eilat Stone is akin to owning a piece of Israeli history.

While the Bible does not specifically name Eilat Stone, copper mines near Eilat are popularly linked with King Solomon's legendary wealth and craftsmanship. Ancient tradition has identified the stone with Solomon's riches, imparting an aura of myth and wonder. The stone has since been called King Solomon's Stone, giving it an almost biblical mystique.

Beyond its historical significance, Eilat Stone has been embraced for its symbolism. Many believe it to hold spiritual energy, bringing balance, peace and protection to the wearer. Its blue and green mix has been regarded as a blend of heaven and earth, faith and life, divine watchfulness and human rebirth. In this way, the stone is not only cherished for its beauty but loved for what it represents.

Yes, Eilat Stone is rare and its rarity is one of numerous reasons why it is so well-liked. As opposed to most other gemstones which are quarried in multiple places across the world, real Eilat Stone is quarried only in Israel, in the southern desert near the city of Eilat.

In the past, Eilat Stone was quarried from copper mines in the Timna Valley, which are often called King Solomon's Mines. Those mines are no longer open to commercial mining, largely to permit the natural beauty and historical importance of the area to be maintained. That means no more Eilat Stone is being mined from the earth, so there is a limited supply.

As the stone is no longer quarried, genuine items in the market are either from old stock or passed down through collectors and jewelers. This scarcity makes genuine Eilat Stone jewelry more valuable and meaningful. To wear a piece of it, one is not only wearing a gemstone but also something rare, tangibly linked to Israel's land and history.

Eilat Stone has been greatly prized for thousands of years, first as a protective charm and then as the centerpiece of beautiful jewelry. Its transformation from an early amulet to modern jewelry demonstrates how the modest rock became a symbol of culture, religion and beauty.

Eilat Stone used to be worn as a talisman in earlier times, believed to ward off evil and bring blessings. It was worn in its most basic form, rough chunks, beads, or small carvings, not so much as ornamentation but as protection. As centuries went by and craftsman skills grew, the stone found itself being used in rings, pendants and other jewelry, from a hidden charm to a proud assertion of identity and craftsmanship.

The most common way that Eilat Stone is worn is as pendants. They are usually made with bigger chunks of stone so that the natural blue and green swirl can be enjoyed. Most are designed into symbolic icons like the Star of David, the Hamsa hand, or plain drops that let the stone colors speak for themselves.

Rings are also popular, usually mounted in silver or gold. The mount highlights the stone's unique patterns, so that every ring can be somewhat one-of-a-kind jewelry.

Eilat Stone earrings use smaller polished stones, sometimes paired with silver or gold for a demure but colorful effect. Bracelets are more often found with multiple stones, creating a solid band of color-shifting blues and greens that symbolize unity and protection.

Eilat Stone is commonly combined with Jewish symbols such as the Star of David, the Hamsa hand, or even menorah patterns. Such combinations blend the metaphysical properties of the stone with the deep heritage of Jewish tradition, making each piece not just jewelry but a story on the skin.

Eilat Stone is beautiful, but it is softer than certain other gemstones. That simply means it needs a little extra special care to keep its colors vividly alive and its surface scratch-free. With good habits, your jewelry can be stunning for generations.

As opposed to diamonds or sapphires, Eilat Stone is made up of softer copper-based minerals including malachite and turquoise. This also makes it more prone to scratches, chipping and discoloration if not cared for properly.

• Clean gently: Wipe the stone with a soft, damp cloth. Never use strong chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, or soap, which will damage the surface.
• Avoid water soaking: Excessive exposure to water will break down the natural bonds of the stone.
• Store safely: Keep Eilat Stone jewelry in a soft pouch or velvet box, separate from harder gemstones that may scratch it.

• Wearing it while swimming or bathing (chlorine, soap and salt can discolor the stone).
  
• Exposing it to direct sunlight for extended periods of time, causing fading of its natural colors.
• Storing it along with other jewelry without keeping them securely, which will lead to scratching.

With care, Eilat Stone jewelry remains not just a beautiful ornament but also a physical connection to tradition and the past.

Eilat Stone jewelry possesses more than color and shine, it possesses emotions, stories and heritage. For many, its wearing is like wearing a piece of Israel itself, a reminder of roots, history and religion.

When one wears an Eilat Stone pendant or ring, one is not merely showing off a gemstone. One is wearing a piece that connects them to old copper mines, to King Solomon's past and to centuries that believed in its protective nature. It turns into more than an ornament but a badge of belonging and continuity.

Though no longer quarried, Eilat Stone remains extremely important. People are drawn to it for a multitude of reasons: some love its bold and unusual colors, others appreciate its status as Israel's national stone and many are comforted by its association with protection and blessing. For Jewish families especially, the giving and receiving of Eilat Stone jewelry is a way of keeping heritage alive, passing along not just an object but a story.

Eilat Stone is not just another gemstone but a piece of history, culture and spirit in the blue and green. Having been created in the copper-rich earth of southern Israel, having been associated with the stories of King Solomon and being the national stone of Israel, it holds a place like no other gem.

From the ancient amulets to the modern-day rings and pendants, Eilat Stone has never been solely a matter of beauty. It's a matter of protection, blessing and a deep connection to the land and people of Israel. The very fact that it is scarce today only adds to its value, making every piece of jewelry more than an adornment, but a treasure linking past and present.

To wear Eilat Stone jewelry is to bear a story of heritage, strength and identity, close to the heart. It is a reminder that beauty can also be significant and that some stones are more than ornaments; they are living symbols of faith, memory and continuity.