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Introduction
Gems are among the most fascinating and exciting of
objects. They have intrigued mankind since before the
dawn of recorded history. Even today nothing creates
quite as effective an image of pure, tangible, concentrated
value as a box overflowing with jewels.
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This
mystique is unrivaled among the commodities held precious
by mankind. The fact that the mystique exists is seldom
questioned, but its nature is harder to determine. |
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Basically,
the entire lore, history, and value of gems is based on the
combination of beauty and utility they possess. Man has a
deep-seated need to create artistic works and to adorn himself.
Although many kinds of natural materials; such as min¬eral
pigments, can be applied to this end, gems occupy a special
place.
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DIAMONDS,
GEMSTONES & CRYSTALS
FACTS & FIGURES |
| Introduction
Jewels
are found among the remains of most human civilizations,
and tell us as much about their creators in some
cases as pottery, clothing, and tools.The high
value placed on gems since earliest times is due
to their unique properties.
The colors of gem materials are among the richest
and purest in nature. For example, the depth and
purity of emerald's green hue inspired reverence
in Pre-Columbian societies, and large emeralds
became objects of worship. Gems are also hard
and durable.
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It
is easy to see how man, with his short life span
and vulnerability to nature's forces, must have
regarded such "indestructible" and perma¬nent
objects with awe. Man's embellishment of gemological
properties led to a wealth of superstitious belief
so strong and pervasive that its remnants are
with us even today.Gem value is based on such
properties as beauty, durability, and rarity,
as well as the fashion of the times. |
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These criteria have become
well established over a period of many centuries. Most gems
are mined and can be regarded as mineral resources. just as
in the case of gold mines and oil wells, the supply in any
one place eventually runs out. This adds a "collector
value" to gems from specific mines that may now be exhausted.
But gems represent a tiny percentage of the vast tonnage of
minerals mined yearly. Their scarcity is a fundamental fact
of geochemistry and the operation of laws of chance.
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