Real Gem Stone

Gem Stones

History of Gem Stones

Globally gemstones have been present in rock formations that have been confirmed to be over 200 million years old. Most are composed of metaphoric rock that crop up beneath young mountain ranges. After millions of years the stones began to dig their way upward toward the earth.s surface through the process of erosion. While most precious stones are found in mountainous areas, some have been known to show up in riverbeds.
There are 2000 identified minerals, and of that group 100 are considered to be gemstones. Out of this group only 16 have a prominent place in the gemstone market. They are: beryl, chrysoberyl, corundum, diamond, feldspar, garnet, jade, lazurite, olivine, opal, quartz, spinel, topaz, tourmaline, turquoise, and zircon.
Early in geologic history several continents were combined. This great land mass is known today as the ancient continent of Gondwanaland. Eventually, this land mass broke down into the modern day continents of South America, Australia, Africa, the Indian sub-continents and the islands of Madagascar and Sri Lanka. Most precious stones can be found in these areas, but gemstones show up in Asia and North America as well. They can be found all over the world.
The first men, our ancient ancestors, found them protruding from the ground and amidst rock the formations that were right in their neighborhood. Later, these shining objects would be come to be known as "Tears of Heaven", and "Supernatural Drops of Blood". Mesopotamians were some of the earliest astronomers, and they knew the gem stones they found were special. So, they looked to the heavens for an answer, and began assigning the various stones to the celestial bodies circling the sun. Then they began cataloguing certain human traits that might be attributed to the gemstones. The modern-day concept of birthstones probably originated during this period of history. Eventually, certain gems were assigned to different months of the zodiac.
In ancient cultures gemstones were meant to be used by the upper classes in society. The common population was forbidden to own them, and sometimes the penalty for disobeying the rule was imprisonment or even death. The law enforcement units of these periods concluded that the stones had been stolen, and the penalty for theft in many cultures was death. In a lot of civilizations a woman could not own a precious stone; however, this stigma began to change when women showed a lot more interest in the beautiful rocks than their male counterparts. This gave rise to a whole new industry 'the jewelry trade'.
Gemstones also were said to have spiritual or occult qualities that could be passed on to the individual possessing them. In Jewish culture 12 gems could be found on the breastplate of the high priest. Each stone represented one of the 12 tribes of Israel. In early Christianity gemstones were associated with the 12 apostles of Christ. The lore surrounding gemstones spread to the Greek, Roman and Germanic cultures. Each culture had their own viewpoint about how gemstones related to heavenly and earthly matters. In almost every part of the world miraculous properties were attributed to gemstones.
As an example: If a soldier wore a diamond during battle, it was supposed to give him an edge over his enemies. Some thought that the diamond gave protection against ghostly visions and different forms of magic.
The Sapphire was said to have heavenly qualities. Anyone who wore it showed that they were faithful. If someone wore an Emerald under the tongue they had the gift of prophecy. The Amethyst, in earlier times was used as protection against drunkenness, and gave the owner great wisdom. So, if someone possessed an Amethyst they could go out for a night on the town, and still remain sober and keep all the great wisdom that the Amethyst passed on to them. Jade in Chinese communities was used a lot in the decorative motifs of castles, and was a symbol of the ruler of the heavens. Even in the Christian Book of Revelation gemstones make a debut. St. John describes the heavenly city as a place built on precious stones, with walls of Jasper and gates made of pearl. Hence, the phrase, "I'll meet you at the pearly gates!"
Today, the purchase of beautiful jewelry is an every day event. Diamonds are the gems that people hear about most because they are such an important part of traditions throughout the world. They receive special treatment by gem cutters and engravers because they are so hard.
There is a whole ritual surrounding the selection of a diamond engagement ring. Couples peruse the jewelry stores to pick out the nicest ring and, in most cases, see how cheaply they can get it. The wedding ring or band is often purchased separately. It didn.t take long for jewelers to start becoming among the wealthiest members of any advanced civilization.
Ancient engravers and cutters were truly artists, and they continue in that tradition today. Without them the jewelry trade as we know it would not exist. The tools used today may be a little more refined, but they are essentially the same as they were when the first jewelers picked up gleaming rocks and realized they could make something beautiful, and magical out of them. It was a case of using what they were given by the Gods, and making it even better. Engravers come from a long line of craftsmen who not only loved and honored their craft, but felt that what they were doing bordered on something divine. The wheel technique used to engrave harder stones began in Mesopotamia in 4000-3000 B.C. The Minoans picked up similar techniques in 1750-1580 B.C. These basic processes are still in use today.
Cutting processes have changed. Today electric lathes are used, and a special powder is spread on the drill. On a diamond a special powder and oil is used. It is known that the Romans might have used emery powder in their process. The electric lathe allows greater control by the artisan, and allows the procedure to be done faster.
Works of art do not just speak to us from the walls of museums. A great masterpiece might be seen on the finger of a friend, or hanging around the neck of the wife of a visiting dignitary. Remember where those rocks she is wearing came from: buried deep in the ground waiting to be discovered by man who was just walking down a nearby path.

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