Home » categories » rare book library » Wodiska. A Book of Precious Stones.

Ch. 28: Gem Lore

Ch. 27: Imitation Gems Page of 451 Ch. 28: Gem Lore Text size:minus plus Restore normal size   Mail page  Print this page
     
     
 
CHAPTER XXVIII
 
 

 
 
FOLK-LORE
BECAUSE of their density and hardness, gems are among the most permanent of substances, and yet, to a greater degree, per­haps, than any other kind of property, their value rests on sentiment. The associations of gems in the human mind are so numerous and varied, that no writer has ever attempted to as­semble all of them; some are well substantiated in history, others only in legend; they are iden­tified with many religions, but most of them are black with superstition, its origin generally ob­scure. This phase of the general subject of gems can be properly covered under the term and title of " folk-lore." The Bible's many references to gems are familiar alike to Hebrews and to all Christian readers of Holy Writ. Be­sides the scattered references and metaphorical use of the names of gems, the Bible contains three lists of precious stones. The first is an account of the jewels on the ephod, or short
228
 
 

 
     
Ch. 27: Imitation Gems Page of 451 Ch. 28: Gem Lore
Suggested Illustrations
Other Chapters you may find useful
bullet Tag
This Page