Not every Pokemon has an immediately identifiable inspiration, and many are a combination of a few different color palettes, animals, mythic creatures, or even objects. The cultural, geographic, and thematic variety of inspirations for Pokemon is high enough to make each region feel like a lived-in world, and it’s worth taking a look at some of those inspirations to see what unites certain Pokemon. As such, it’s time to look at gemstones and jewels and how they’ve been incorporated into various Pokemon designs.
RELATED: Pokemon GO: All Kalos Region Pokemon Added to the Game So Far
Sableye
This Dark/Ghost Pokemon was notable for being one of the few monsters with no weaknesses due to its type combination. With the introduction of the Fairy type, Sableye can be hit with supereffective attacks just like most every other Pokemon (besides Eelektross with its Levitate ability). Its eyes are clear gemstones, and there are colored jewels on its back and chest. Given the coloration of these gems, some people have speculated that Sableye is wearing a ruby, emerald, and sapphire in reference to the main games of Generation 3, which it first appeared in.
Mareep, Flaaffy, and Ampharos
Both Mareep and its direct evolution Flaaffy are clearly based on sheep, although Flaaffy is bipedal. Ampharos is a bit less sheep-looking, although it shares the same shape as Flaaffy, so it could be partially inspired by a sheared sheep, though its Mega Evolution has a woolly mane. Each evolution has a round orb on their tails, and Ampharos also has one on its forehead and in its mane when Mega Evolved. According to the Diamond/Pearl/Platinum Pokedex, Flaaffy’s tail orb lights up if its coat becomes fully electrically charged. Ampharos’ tail gem has a direct practical use and is related to its lighthouse inspiration, as it can light up and show lost people the way.
Clamperl
This Water-type Pokemon is clearly inspired by a pearl nestled inside a clamshell, and it apparently only produces a single pearl in its entire life, which can be used to increase Psychic powers. In most of the games, there’s a small chance that wild Clamperl will be holding a Big Pearl, which in-game doesn’t have any effect on Psychic-types, so it’s unclear whether this is a pearl Clamperl produced or whether it found it. The Big Pearl can, however, be sold for a hefty amount of in-game cash.
Espeon
This Psychic Eeveelution has a single round gem in the middle of its forehead, which glows when it’s using its psionic powers, according to the Pokedex. Interestingly, Espeon is said to get more power from its hair than from the gem, as it can use its coat to predict the weather and read minds. It seems that the orb is used to store and unleash Psychic-type moves such as Confusion and Future Sight, although the Ultra Moon Pokedex entry claims that Espeon gains psychic power from bathing its orb in sunlight. This lore entry is probably related to the in-game effects and importance of the sun and moon’s light in Alola, and it may very well be that only Alolan Espeon rely on solar energy.
The Lake Trio
Also referred to as the Lake guardians, these three Legendary Pokemon protect three Sinnoh lakes: Acuity, Verity, and Valor. They also each represent a virtue, with the yellow-accented Uxie embodying knowledge, the pink-headed Mesprit upholding emotion, and Azelf being partially darker blue and symbolizing willpower. According to Sinnoh legend, they taught humanity to feel these virtues, but will also not shy away from protecting themselves and their lakes by removing these abilities entirely from threats. They also featured in the main plotline by protecting the flow of time in some of the Pokemon Mystery Dungeon games.
Dialga and Palkia
These two were the game mascots of Pokemon Diamond and Pearl, and form two-thirds of the Sinnoh creation trio, with Dialga having control over time and Palkia ruling space. As is fitting with a set of games named after gemstones, both Dialga and Palkia feature jewels in their designs. Dialga holds a blue diamond in a chest piece over its heart, which might protect that vital organ that is said in-game to keep the flow of time moving. Palkia holds a pink pearl on each shoulder, which were used in Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time and Explorers of Darkness to create a yellow sphere that allows Palkia to traverse space very quickly.
Gemstones often serve as great accents for a unified design of a Pokemon, and sometimes even fit into in-game lore about how that monster uses its powers. Some Pokemon are based off of day to day objects, some are based off easily recognizable animals, while others use elements such as jewels that are incorporated into their overall design. Clearly, a Pokemon doesn’t have to be entirely shaped around a single concept, and gemstones are a great accent for an already cool design.
MORE: Food-Inspired Pokemon are a Delicious Addition to Your Team
