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The
specific uses of gems have varied in different historical
periods. In the Greek and Roman periods, carving attained
the state of great art, including the introduction of
the cameo, or raised relief technique, around 300 B.C.
In ancient Rome pearls were highly esteemed. Julius
Caesar is reputed to have paid the modern equivalent
of $300,000 for a single fine pearl! But opals and other
gems were also prized, and wealthy Romans tried to outdo
each other in acquiring fine stones.
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In
the centuries that followed the fall of the Roman Empire
gems re-established themselves as objects of magical
powers. For example, the signs of the zodiac were associated
with specific gems. |
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The
number 12 is of great significance in this context. Each of
the 12 tribes of ancient Israel had been represented by a
gem in the breastplate of the High Priest. Centuries later,
each of the 12 apostles was assigned a specific gemstone,
and the same for the 12 months of the year. The idea of birthstones
appears to have come along much later-probably the 18th Century.
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Greek and Roman |
| Greek
and Roman
In
the Middle Ages, the Church dominated the thinking
of European man, and gems became part of holy
rituals. Sapphire acquired status as the favorite
ringstone of high Church officials. Chalices set
with precious stones became artistic treasures..
Further mysticism embellished the already large
heritage of magical powers associated with gemstones,
and gems became tools in medical practice. The
curative powers ascribed to certain gems were
incredible.
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Doubtless
sometimes a cure was effected, since psychosomatic
illness can be cured as easily with a sugar pill
as with swallowed gem powders. |
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In
the 17th and T 8th Centuries, scholars began to seriously
study the glittering creations of nature we call minerals.
With the development of the science of mineralogy came greater
knowledge of gems, and the science of gemology was born. Scientific
tests were developed for recognizing gems and distinguishing
one from another.
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