Diamonds and gemstones

Author: Patrick Viallet
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-04-01
Features: Gems, the wonders of the mineral world, have long captivated human fascination. It seems that this natural, perfect crystallization embodies the essence of the Creator. Diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and sapphires appeared early in human history, first gaining symbolic significance due to their rarity. Later, these extraordinary gems became the treasures of the world's elite: Indian rulers possessed the most beautiful diamonds and rubies in the world; the Aztec Empire held the "hand-sized" emeralds; and European royalty,, did not lag behind, acquiring gems that had long been dreamed of from the East and the New World. The diamond fever that swept across Europe in the 19th century was merely a prelude to our era's emotions: if "diamonds are forever," then emeralds, sapphires, and rubies are just as enduring. The gemologist and traveler Patrick Viallet faithfully records the history of gems.