A brief story of gemstone jewels, the origins, the design, the essence for those captivated by the colour, energy and diversity.
In the beginning
Ancient people collected gem minerals because they were attracted to the colours, lustre, and crystal forms. Soon they began to use them as amulets, charm stones, and personal adornment. Prehistoric caves revealed findings of amber used as simple jewellery many thousands of years ago. There is archaeological evidence of amber trading in Northern Europe during the fourth and third millenia B.C.
When jewellery as we know it started to be shaped in silver and gold, gemstones were often used to decorate items. The Minoans used semi-precious gemstones to decorate their jewellery. During the late Roman Empire, gems were not only used for the Emperor’s robes but also for decorating chariots, harnesses, and utensils, in the Imperial household. The gems most popular were amethyst, agate, amber, jasper, chalcedony, rock crystal, ruby, emerald, opal and coral.
Interest in gemstones declined during the early Middle Ages due to Christianity putting an emphasis on afterlife rather than worldly pleasures.
Gemstone revival in France
Gemstones in the Gothic period were only smoothed to remove blemishes, then, drilled through and polished, leaving the stone looking as large as possible. The fashionable gems of the period were ruby, sapphire, emerald, spinel, rock crystal, and amethyst. With progress, the first facet cuts appeared. During the 14th- century gems began to be used to decorate religious items and as well as spectacular royal crowns made as well. Wearing jewellery now became the fashion at royal courts and among the nobility.
The Renaissance aroused interest in smaller precious gems with diamond, transparent pale-coloured stones, and turquoise. The 17th- century brought about the development of new facet cuts, such as the rosette and brilliant cut. These enhanced colour play and lustre of diamonds.
Wearing beautiful gems
Ancient Egyptians wore necklaces and rings that shone, as intensely did the ancient Greeks. It has been noted by Homer in his writings, of the precious priceless earrings of Hera and of the amber necklace that Eurymachos gave to Penelope.
Transparent stones of bright colours often look better on women than men. Stones with deeper tones of a less conspicuous colour usually suit males. Naturally, jewellery must match clothes and appropriate for the occasion. Formal evening clothes for the theatre do not go with brightly coloured stones noticed from afar, and when several jewellery items are worn together, they should match.
