gems, gemology, history of gemology, early lapidaries, glyptic, engraved gems, ruby, diamond, emerald, agate, topaz, sapphire, spinel, cameos, intaglios, rings

The anonymous author surveys precious stones from historical, mineralogical, commercial, and social perspectives, arguing that much of their exceptional monetary value and prestige derives from fashion, rarity, and human convention rather than intrinsic usefulness. The article discusses diamonds and the principal colored gemstones, their celebrated historical examples, sources, physical properties, cutting, valuation, and use in personal ornament, while examining changing preferences for particular gems in different periods and societies. Considerable attention is given to famous jewels and royal collections and to the influence of new discoveries and changing supplies upon prices. The author contrasts the enormous sums paid for certain stones with their limited practical utility and emphasizes the roles of taste, scarcity, fashion, and social display in creating demand. The article provides a broad mid-nineteenth-century view of the gem trade and of contemporary attitudes toward the economic and cultural value of precious stones.