Jewelry Articles
Agate, the Force Field of Ancient Times
Today, we have home security systems that set off an alarm if an intruder enters. In the future, we will be protected by a force field, like the one Scottie switches on when the Klingons are at the backdoor of the Enterprise and Captain Kirk starts getting nervous.
In ancient times, say roughly 20,000 B.C. the Stone Age people found comfort in agates, as a form of protection.
Amethyst: The Myths, Legends & Magic
According to the 16th Century French poet, Remy Bellau, Bacchu the Greek god of wine, revelry, and debauchery was once captivated by a beautiful maiden by the name of Amethyste. Bacchus pursued the fair Amethyste relentlessly, chasing her for mile after mile. Desperate not to become the prey of the lustful god, Amethyste called out to the goddess of chastity, Diana, for help. To protect Amethyste’s treasured virginity, Diana turned the maiden into a stone of the purest white. Humbled by her sacrifice, Bacchus poured a libation of his symbolic wine onto the stone, staining Amethyste the most glorious purple.
Dazzling Drusy Crystal: A Hot Item in Today’s Jewelry Market
Famous Gems and Beaded Jewelry: The Amber Room
In 1716, Prussia gave Peter the Great of Russia an extravagant gift honoring the peace between their nations - an entire room made of amber and encrusted with beaded jewelry. The panels were backed with gold leaf, which made the entire room glow with a topaz-like warmth.
The gorgeous Amber Room, made of real amber and beaded jewelry, glows like citrine or topaz. Image from Imaging-and-Art.com.
It was called the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” Historians estimate that today it would be worth $146 million.
