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Dr. Kunz America’s foremost gemmologist, long consultant to Tiffany’s prepared the definitive book on this fascinating, traditional gem lore. Ranging over a wide wealth of sources-oral, ancient lapidary manuals from the Middle Ages, Greek and Roman geographical accounts, the Eddas, archeological discoveries in Egypt, the Bible, oriental gem books, travelers’ accounts in the primitive world, historical documentation of the fated gems of the world-he provides an unmatched account of the inner life of the gem. Among the larger topics which he covers are: exotic beliefs about gems, the use of gems as amulets and talismans, carved and engraved magical stones (including scarabs), luminous stones, stones of ill omen, crystal balls and crystal gazing (scrying), the religious use of precious stones, the magical and therapeutic value of gems, and much else. |