The love of precious stones is deeply implanted in the human heart and the cause of this must be sought not only in their colouring and brilliancy but also in their durability. The sheen and colouration of precious stones are the same today as they were thousands of years ago and will be for thousands of years to come. In a world of change the permanence has a charm of its own that was early appreciated.

Gems have been used at different times and among different peoples, in various ways and some of the curious ideas and fancies have gathered around them. Many of these strange ideas may seem strange enough to us now.