Gemstones: Difference between revisions

From Cunnan
Jump to navigationJump to search
No edit summary
 
m (typos)
Line 1: Line 1:
A large number number of gemstones were known to many cultures during the medieval period. Which gemstones were known in which time and place is harder to ascertain. Such small precious goods could travel vast distances via trading, a trade which had been widespread in the time of the ancient myceneans (2000BC?), so it is only via the evidence of archeological finds and writings of gemstones that we can be sure which stones reached which cultures. Trade goods were more likely to reach prosperous outwards looking cultures than ones undergoing war, famine or internal unrest.
A large number number of gemstones were known to many cultures during the medieval period. Which gemstones were known in which time and place is harder to ascertain. Such small precious goods could travel vast distances via trading, a trade which had been widespread in the time of the ancient myceneans (2000BC?), so it is only via the evidence of archeological finds and writings of gemstones that we can be sure which stones reached which cultures. Trade goods were more likely to reach prosperous outwards looking cultures than ones undergoing war, famine or internal unrest.


Many names occur for the same gemstones in medeival literature, making it difficult to identify the gemstone named. The same name may also be applied to several similar looking gemstones, eg [[carbuncle]] could refer to [[ruby]] or [[garnet]].
Many names occur for the same gemstones in medieval literature, making it difficult to identify the gemstone named. The same name may also be applied to several similar looking gemstones, eg [[carbuncle]] could refer to [[ruby]] or [[garnet]].


Common gemstones (known in most times and cultures):
Common gemstones (known in most times and cultures):
Line 20: Line 20:


Moderately expensive:
Moderately expensive:
*amethyst (bigger discoveries in the modern period have brought the price down modernly, making it a good value choice for the modern reenactor)
*amethyst (bigger discoveries in the modern period have brought the price down, making it a good value choice for the modern reenactor)
*?garnet
*?garnet


Line 28: Line 28:




Out-of-period gemstones (or gemstones which were so excessively rare as to not have names in medeival europe):
Out-of-period gemstones (or gemstones which were so excessively rare as to not have names in medieval Europe):
*black opal
*black opal
*jade (not availible in europe, rare in the middle east, common in china)
*jade (not available in [[Europe]], rare in the Middle East, common in [[China]])
*tiger eye[[http://www.pbm.com/~lindahl/cariadoc/gemstones.html]]
*tiger eye[[http://www.pbm.com/~lindahl/cariadoc/gemstones.html]]
*labradorite
*labradorite
*tourmaline
*tourmaline


Also fake gemstones (eg [[Carbachons]] - coloured glass jewels backed with metal foil) existed in medieval times, as a cheaper way to make things more ostentacious. They are more likely to be used in uses such as garments and belts, than on the crown jewel. Just remember that in some times glitz was popular with more being better, but in others obvious use of fake gems would mark one as a cheap tryhard, and a few fine pieces of real gems might be preferred. [[Ennamel]] could also be used to create brightly coloured blobs that pass for gems at a distance.
Also fake gemstones (eg [[Cabochons]] - coloured glass jewels backed with metal foil) existed in medieval times, as a cheaper way to make things more ostentatious. They are more likely to be used in uses such as garments and belts, than on something like the crown jewels. Just remember that in some times glitz was popular, with more being better, but in others obvious use of fake gems would mark one as a cheap tryhard, and a few fine pieces of real gems might be preferred. [[Enamel]] could also be used to create brightly coloured blobs that pass for gems at a distance.


Other items were also used in the same manner as gemstones - [[glass]], [[ivory]], very small mirrors,
Other items were also used in the same manner as gemstones - [[glass]], [[ivory]], very small mirrors.


For the lower classes cheaper alternatives than gemstones existed for jewelry - [[bone beads]], cheap stone, wooden or cheap glass [[bead]]s and similar items.
For the lower classes cheaper alternatives than gemstones existed for jewelry - [[bone beads]], cheap stone, wooden or cheap glass [[bead]]s and similar items.

Revision as of 11:49, 8 October 2003

A large number number of gemstones were known to many cultures during the medieval period. Which gemstones were known in which time and place is harder to ascertain. Such small precious goods could travel vast distances via trading, a trade which had been widespread in the time of the ancient myceneans (2000BC?), so it is only via the evidence of archeological finds and writings of gemstones that we can be sure which stones reached which cultures. Trade goods were more likely to reach prosperous outwards looking cultures than ones undergoing war, famine or internal unrest.

Many names occur for the same gemstones in medieval literature, making it difficult to identify the gemstone named. The same name may also be applied to several similar looking gemstones, eg carbuncle could refer to ruby or garnet.

Common gemstones (known in most times and cultures):


Rare gemstones (known to very few cultures and time periods):


Expensive gemstones (on average for most medieval times and places):

  • diamond
  • ruby
  • sapphire
  • emerald
  • ?pearl

Moderately expensive:

  • amethyst (bigger discoveries in the modern period have brought the price down, making it a good value choice for the modern reenactor)
  • ?garnet

Cheap:

  • rock crystal
  • agate


Out-of-period gemstones (or gemstones which were so excessively rare as to not have names in medieval Europe):

  • black opal
  • jade (not available in Europe, rare in the Middle East, common in China)
  • tiger eye[[1]]
  • labradorite
  • tourmaline

Also fake gemstones (eg Cabochons - coloured glass jewels backed with metal foil) existed in medieval times, as a cheaper way to make things more ostentatious. They are more likely to be used in uses such as garments and belts, than on something like the crown jewels. Just remember that in some times glitz was popular, with more being better, but in others obvious use of fake gems would mark one as a cheap tryhard, and a few fine pieces of real gems might be preferred. Enamel could also be used to create brightly coloured blobs that pass for gems at a distance.

Other items were also used in the same manner as gemstones - glass, ivory, very small mirrors.

For the lower classes cheaper alternatives than gemstones existed for jewelry - bone beads, cheap stone, wooden or cheap glass beads and similar items.

references:

  • ["On gemstones"]
  • Lois Sherer "30,000 years of beads" Available from many places including Melbourne University Library