Ch. 2: Superstitions of Gemstones

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	SUPERSTITIONS AND RELIGIOUS USES In a poem addressed to Marguerite de Valois by Jean de la Taille de Bondaroy¹ we read of a diamond which came from gold and from the sun. But we are told that not only are precious stones endowed with life, they are also subjected to disease, old age, and death; "they even take offense if an injury be done to them, and become rough and pale." The sickness of the pearl has been a theme for centuries, and in many cases is only fancied. It is but a subterfuge or deception for a lady to remark that her pearls have sickened; by referring to this sickness, her friends are naturally led to believe that one time they were fine, perfect pearls, when in reality they may never have been so. It is supposed in the East that a living spirit dwells within these stones, a spirit potent for good. Like all the precious stones, the diamond was accredited with many marvelous virtues; among which were the powers of averting insanity and rendering poison harmless; and in the Middle Ages it was known as the peacemaker between husband and wife. Of the birthstones, the diamond is awarded to April and is said to typify purity and to preserve peace. Undoubtedly it has preserved peace under many threatening conditions as motives are to be found hiding somewhere behind every superstition. Time was when owners of jewels rejoiced not only in their beauty and their value, but likewise in their influence upon the physical and moral nature of man. The diamond protected young ladies from the visits of those extremely ¹ Jean de La Taille de Bondaroy, "Le blason de la Marguerite", Paris, 1754. 11

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