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The following article was published in our article directory on September 23, 2010.
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A Quick Review of Gemstone History

Article Category: Recreation

Author Name: Kellie

Gemstone history is long, confusing, but nevertheless interesting and exciting. Different countries all over the world tell the tales as regards the discovery of these precious stones, side by side the famous, wealthy, powerful and well-known personalities who have a penchant for them. This article gives a quick review of some of the most important milestones in gemstone history.

Egyptian Jewelry which dates as far back as 3000 BC stood for some religious beliefs, with particular stones believed to have certain effects like protection from death, illnesses and disorders. Gold was mostly used by the Egyptians, and in terms of gemstones, lapis became highly valued due to its blue color. Back then, blue was used to symbolize royalty. On an interesting note, Cleopatra was known to have emerald as her favorite.

Meanwhile, the jewelry of ancient China started more than 5,000 years ago and at that time, jewelries likewise had religious symbolisms. The term Chinese Imperial jade came about because jade was considered the most prominent gemstone during this time.

Now the Hellenistic Age in Greece showed a remarkable increase in the usage of what may perhaps be called fancy or semi-precious stones like pearls, peridot, amethyst and chalcedony. Glass paste was also used to substitute for more expensive gems.

Plundered jewelry is perhaps what best describes the gemstone history of Persia, in which diamonds and emeralds in particular, were among the plundered treasures among warring regions. Needless to say, the Persians at that time fell in love with diamonds and emeralds, making the most valuable imperial crown jewels.

During the Roman period, pearls combined with emeralds, peridots, carnelians, jaspers, onyxes and lapis became really popular. Amber was the Roman's favorite gemstone, but towards the fall of the Empire, blue sapphire and topaz became plentiful in the region.

The jewelry of the Renaissance period demonstrated a person's status in life, and at the same time, it was a way to hold on to one's wealth – some kind of financial insurance from the possibility of a relapse to the Dark Ages. Diamonds were added to the list of the precious jewels that made its way along the Silk Road, and during this time, Amsterdam and Antwerp became the centers for gem-cutting trade. It was also during this period when the superstition that gems had healing powers became prevalent, thereby serving as 'talismans'.

From the 18th to the 19th century, hair accessories became predominant as they were inlaid with precious gemstones. When Queen Victoria's husband, Prince Albert, died in 1860, darker stones like the black onyx came to appear in jewelry, symbolizing the nation's mood at the time.

Today, diamonds, pearls, rubies together with many other gemstones are held in high esteem within the society. There are many artisans that specialize in specific gem cutting techniques and even specific gemstone preferences that their names, at times, are synonymous to gemstones themselves. As jewels were given importance throughout history, so did the art and science of gem cutting progressed. Note that gems in their natural form do not look very good, and their luster, brilliance and shine depend on how they are cut.

Gemstone history shows how jewelry has really come to be part of humankind's lifestyle. It symbolized trade practices, wealth, values, beliefs and at times, moods and events of a particular era. People have identified themselves with particular gemstones, and held them in high regard as they would their treasures.

Keywords: gemstone history, rockhounding for gemstones, sapphire gemstone, gemstone jewelry

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