gems, history of gemology, gem prices

Legg and Hope publish and annotate inventories relating to Christ Church, Canterbury, accompanied by historical and topographical introductions and supporting documents. The records describe the cathedral’s ecclesiastical possessions, including vestments, plate, reliquaries, ornaments, and other treasures, preserving detailed evidence for their materials, decoration, and use. Of particular gemological interest are references to jewels and precious stones set in liturgical and ceremonial objects, providing documentary evidence for the use and terminology of gems in medieval English ecclesiastical treasures.