Introduction

Imbued with religious and supernatural significance, gemstones have been a source of fascination for humankind since the earliest ages. They are worn as adornment, exchanged as valuable commodities, and regarded as purveyors of health, good fortune, and status.

Any story of human development—be it of religion, art, culture, trade, commerce, or the rise of scientific knowledge—will inevitably touch, at some point, on humanity’s relationship with gems.

From the times of antiquity through the Classical, Neo-Platonic, and Middle Ages, and into the modern age with its fascination for the healing properties of crystals, gemstones have been valued as a magical remedy for both body and soul.

Indeed, the modern term for a gem cutter, lapidary, is derived from the medieval books assembled by those who assessed the medical properties of gems.

This book features a selection of the most beloved gemstones, with examples of jewelry fashioned from each. Sit back, relax, feast your eyes, and assuage your heart as you peruse the following pages to learn more about the beautifully inspiring gemstones of the world!