My Precious Gems

            How many heroes have given a heroine a beautiful ring, necklace, or any jewel? How many plots have been created and solved by these precious family heirlooms. I’d venture a lot. But, how much is known about these precious gems other than they are beautiful?  Could these gems offer more for an author or reader if he or she knew the many merits of these minerals taken from the womb of Mother Earth?  Oh yes. And for those of us writing, this is important.  For others, it’s just plain fun

            Something I discovered while researching Ancient Rome was that the women wore lots of jewelry, lots of gold, lots of gems but not diamonds.  Though diamonds had been discovered, because of its hardness, they were mostly used for engraving and not wearing.  I also discovered why so many readers seemed shocked that the ancients thoroughly enjoyed wearing jewelry. 

            After the fall of Rome and the rise of the Dark Ages to the Early Medieval periods, wearing jewelry was discouraged unless it was for practical uses. With the expected high necklines and long sleeves, personal adornments of earrings, necklaces, and bracelets were considered impractical. Earrings didn’t reappear until the 16^th century.  However, in England, earrings didn’t reappear until late in the Elizabethan Period and were copied after the ones already being worn during Italian Renaissance. This pearl drop earring was popular with men and women. So, pearls returned as a favorite jewel as it had been in Rome.

            Since brooches and belts were used for cloaks and clothing and rings displayed a person’s faith and loyalty, these items were considered practical.  Therefore, they became bejeweled and elaborate affairs.  The earliest and most popular brooch was the penanular (circle of any metal that did not quite close-like a C) and then later this brooch closed and became circular O. These accessories were ornamented, inscribed with a lover’s name, a statement of love, or drawings of lovers that were cast in gold or enameled. Of course, religious scenes were revered and popular.  Anyone can imagine the elaborate crosses displayed. In fact, they still adorn many museums and churches today.

            And then there were rings. Rings were practical because they could be used as “currency, identification, gifts, spiritual and physical (medicinal) protection.” (www.ladysmaidjewelry.com/history/jewelhome.html)  Rings were worn by everyone because they displayed a person’s class in society by what they were made of: iron, copper, silver, and gold. The cameo and the cabochon (a cut stone with a smooth round highly polished surface) were very popular during this period. However, until the 14^th century, none of these jewels was faceted or engraved on the gemstones to add brilliance to the stone. 

            As the necklines lowered and the sleeves rose, displays of jewelry with pearls, gold chains, semi-precious stones, gold, and cloisonné beads returned. First came the pearl chokers, then, as the necklines descended toward the waist, the longer necklaces appeared as well as bracelets. And of course, the hand displayed an excess of rings bearing a variety of large stones. Tiny stones weren’t popular until 17^th-18^th century.

            But, with what kind of gem and why this did our heroes or heroines possibly favor or seek this or that particular stone over another? Well, that is to come with each month starting with January’s garnet.

1(Appeared in MidAmericaRomance Writers and Hearts Through History Romance Writers newsletters)