Portal logo
Login/Register
Bactrian Gold Treasure from Afghanistan, coming soon....
/gemstones/king-gems-decorative-stones/page_312 - 2
 

Sucoinum, Amber

Solis Gemma, Moon-stone Page of 384 Sucoinum, Amber Text size:minus plus Restore normal size   Mail page  Print this page
SUCCINUM.
303
Amber claims the highest antiquity in the list of Precious Stones used for personal ornament. It was the only one known to the early Greeks. Homer mentions no gem in his minute description of various jewels, except this, " the gold necklace hung with bits of amber " (ì,âôÜ ä'ÞëÝêôñïéóßí úöôï), offered by the Phoenician trader to the Queen of Syra (Odys. ÷ô. 460). It is seen, often carved into elegant forms, in the most ancient Etruscan jewelry. Amber scarabei alternate with others in Sardonyx, as pendants to the magnificent necklace known as the Prince di Canino's, the masterpiece of the Etruscan goldsmith. This people, hecoming acquainted with the substance from their inter­course with the Gauls, had speedily availed themselves of it as a glyptic material, charmed by its extraordinary lustre, so far superior to that of the ill-polished gems that lay within their reach. Even in the best days of Greece it was held in the highest estimation. Theophrastus (29) speaks of " the Fossil Amber, a stone produced in Liguria, possessing the property of attraction, but rare, and found in only a few countries." Even in Pliny's age, he satirically observes (xxxvii. 12) that " the price of a figurine in it, however small, exceeded that of a living, healthy slave," which we know was by no means inconsiderable. Juvenal represents his rich patron as displaying at his feast a bowl embossed with Beryls, and relievi in Amber " Heliadum crustas." Heliodorus makes the brooch fastening the
Solis Gemma, Moon-stone Page of 384 Sucoinum, Amber
Suggested Illustrations
Other Chapters you may find useful
Other Books on this topic
bullet Tag
This Page