gems, history of gemology, gem prices

A volume from the major documentary collection commonly known as Rymer’s Foedera, containing treaties, agreements, letters, charters and other official records relating to the English Crown and its dealings with foreign rulers, governments and institutions. Originally compiled by Thomas Rymer and continued by Robert Sanderson, the collection reproduces primary documents from the royal archives, many in Latin or French. Although not primarily concerned with gemstones, the records include inventories, diplomatic gifts, royal possessions, payments and transactions involving jewels, precious stones, pearls, gold and silver, making the collection an important primary source for the history of medieval and early modern royal jewelry and gem ownership. The 1818 volume belongs to the later edition prepared under the direction of Adam Clarke and Frederick Holbrooke.