Aqiq

Aqiq is the Sirdabi word for gemstones in the chalcedony family, especially but not limited to agate. Other stones referred to as aqiq include carnelian, sard, jasper, marzite, chrysoprase, bloodstone, and onyx.

Although most varieties are not as rare as truly precious gems like emerald or ruby, aqiq stones are highly prized within Azadi culture for their association with the Prophet al-Azad and before him with such honored figures as Shamsar, the legendary ancient king of the Marzumite Yehani. Aqiq are often engraved with small symbols and calligraphic mottoes to make personal signet rings.

The First Aqiq Ring

The very first aqiq ring in the style of those worn by many Azadi today was that belonging to the Prophet al-Azad. His third wife Haleb had tried to bestow on him the marriage gift of an aqiq originally worn in the crown of her ancestor King Shamsar, a marzite engraved with the image of the sun-crowned fish eagle once used to symbolize Elu-Hani. When al-Azad turned this well-meant gift down due to its traditional Yehani imagery, Haleb grew upset and offended, her pride stung by this perceived slight to herself and her ancestry. Seeing this, the Prophet eventually relented -- but only on condition that the marzite should be engraved on its reverse side with the first line of the Surah of Oneness, and that it should be set within a ring with the original image turned to the ring's backing and out of view. Al-Azad told his bride-to-be that this would symbolize the overturning of the old ways and beliefs, while reaffirming the link between the first worshipers of the One God and those who now now knew It correctly as Annur, the illuminator of the now-Perfected Song. Haleb agreed to this request, having the stone worked and set as requested in a simple silver band, and so was the first aqiq ring devised.