Since ancient times, gems have been human companions. The tradition of honoring precious stones is rooted in ancient Egypt and Rome. The Egyptians decorated themselves with amethysts, emeralds, turquoise, while the Romans preferred diamonds. The Renaissance epoch brought with it a fashion for topaz, sapphires, rubies, romanticism – a flash of interest in a semiprecious stone. Of course, untreated stone is ugly, but often nature itself processes them – with the help of wind, sand, and water. Continue reading →