corundum, color.4, gems

gems, ancient gemology, early gemology, ancient mineralogy, early trade, India, Han-Shu, Malay Peninsula, Sumatra

Fu-nan is the earliest Indianized state mentioned by the Chinese in the region now known as Cambodia. According to the History of the Souei and the New History of the T’ang, Fu-nan gradually lost its independence as it was annexed by its former vassal state, Tchen-la, under the rule of Bhavavarman and Citrasena Mahendravarman. The earliest recorded date for Bhavavarman’s reign over Fu-nan territory is 598 A.D., leading George Cœdès to conclude that the conquest likely began in the latter half of the sixth century A.D. Regardless of the precise timeline, Fu-nan’s decline occurred before the rise of Srivijaya in the seventh century. This study focuses on examining the role Fu-nan played in Sino-Indian maritime trade during the period preceding Srivijaya’s ascendancy.

gems, ancient gemology, early gemology, ancient mineralogy, early trade, India

Beads made from various materials are frequently found at ancient habitation and burial sites in South India, particularly from megalithic and early historic contexts, though terracotta beads were already known to Neolithic communities. The earliest Tamil texts, known as the Sangam literature, contain numerous references to the bead-making industry and the popularity of bead ornaments among both men and women. Sangam poets often described the beauty and youth of young women through vivid depictions of their adornments, including bead necklaces and other ornaments worn from head to toe. Notably, semi-precious stone beads, especially those made of beryl and manufactured in the Tamil region, attracted Roman interest during the early centuries of the Christian era. Tamil literature supports the historical export of such beads, along with pearls, which were sent to Rome in large quantities.

gems, ancient gemology, early gemology, ancient mineralogy, early trade, India

Magadha was a region and kingdom in ancient India, based in the eastern Ganges Plain. It was one of the sixteen Mahajanapadas during the Second Urbanization period. The region was ruled by several dynasties, which overshadowed, conquered, and incorporated the other Mahajanapadas. Magadha played an important role in the development of Jainism and Buddhism and formed the core of the Maurya Empire (ca. 320–185 BCE).

corundum, properties.3, gems

corundum, properties.3, color.4, treatments.6, gems

gems, ancient gems, glyptic, archaeology, archaeogemology, ancient history, Greek, Roman, Near East, India, China, Africa, trade, commerce, trade routes

Written by the renowned authority on ancient ships and seafaring Lionel Casson, The Ancient Mariners has long served the needs of all who are interested in the sea, from the casual reader to the professional historian. This completely revised edition takes into account the fresh information that has appeared since the book was first published in 1959, especially that from archaeology's newest branch, marine archaeology. Casson does what no other author has done: he has put in a single volume the story of all that the ancients accomplished on the sea from the earliest times to the end of the Roman Empire. He explains how they perfected trading vessels from mere rowboats into huge freighters that could carry over a thousand tons, how they transformed warships from simple oared transports into complex rowing machines holding hundreds of marines and even heavy artillery, and how their maritime commerce progressed from short cautious voyages to a network that reached from Spain to India.

gems, gemology, damage assessment, diamond

The Gem Trade Laboratories of the Gemological Institute of America are frequently called on to render opinions regarding the nature of cracks and flaws in many varieties of stones. Most often, the question is whether a crack is inherent, partly inherent and extended, or due to damage that occurred after the stone was polished. It is my purpose here to set forth the methods used by the staff of the Laboratories in arriving at an opinion based on careful microscopic observations. It is common knowledge that insurance companies do not require very much information about jewelry before issuing policies and collecting premiums. Most jewelers have experienced cases where this practice has been troublesome, if not embarrassing. Few jewelers make a detailed diagram of inherent flaws in stones they sell or appraise, other than perhaps in diamonds, since insurance companies do not demand it. Therefore, stones with inherent fractures are frequently insured that may later be mistaken for damage, causing an unnecessary and time-consuming settlement. Let us reconstruct a hypothetical case in which an insured customer first believes he has damaged a stone. One day the insured trips and falls and believes that he has struck his star sapphire on the concrete floor. His first thought, after seeing that no bones are broken, is to inspect his star sapphire. For the first time the stone is examined carefully, perhaps with strong transmitted light. Sure enough, there is a crack! The insurance company and an adjuster are notified, and he sees the crack. The jeweler is notified. He inspects the stone with his loupe and admits that he sees a crack too. All too often the insurance company pays off, but not before considerable time and effort have been expended.

beryl, emerald, Rhodesia, Sandawana, Zimbabwe, gems

gems, corundum, properties.3, synthetic corundum.7, spinel, chrysoberyl, quartz, tourmaline, zircon, scapolite, spinel inclusions