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Summary:Quite often, the inherent value of a gem based on its quality and size is magnified disproportionately merely because it belongs to (or once belonged to) a celebrated personality. If the gems on the crown of the king or queen of England were to be sold, they would fetch a price far in excess of what would be paid for identical stones in a jewelers shop.
Man and Stones
Mankind has always had a fascination for various metals and stones right from
the earliest known communities and civilizations. Initially it was the utility
value of these objects that attracted humans towards them. Iron ore was melted
and crudely crafted into implements for hunting, agriculture and domestic
purposes. Hard stones, like granite, were roughly hewn into objects suitable for
regular use. During these times, survival of the individual, the community and
the species was the primary instinct that motivated all activity. The only needs
were food to keep the body healthy, and protection from extremes of nature, wild
animals and hostile tribes. As the early nomads began to settle down in areas
that were more hospitable and fertile, their lifestyle began to change. The
communities had progressed sufficiently in numbers and skills to protect
themselves from wild animals and other hostile tribes, and also to develop an
agricultural system that provided them with food without their having to move
around in search of it. Shelter became stronger and permanent. As life became
more relaxed and secure, man's thoughts began to be attracted to things other
than mere survival. Social structures and cultural activities developed and the
acquisition and accumulation of individual wealth became desirable. Individuals
began to project their economic and social status. An individual's status - and
consequently power - in the community began to be linked to the possessions he
had. The need for the more prosperous to appear more distinctive led to their
adorning themselves with embellishments that would make them stand out. Various
metals and stones were used to craft ornaments. The rare "yellow metal" - gold -
along with copper and an assortment of polished stones, soon became a standard
decoration for the erstwhile semi-naked peoples! In those days men were as
attracted to adorning themselves with colorful ornaments as women. The precious
metals and stones that were rare began to attract a higher value and prestige.
In course of time, people began to realize that accumulating wealth in the form
of imperishable metals and stones was more desirable than having it in the form
of perishable livestock and agricultural produce. Possessing precious metals and
stones made the owners economically strong, and wearing them as ornaments made
them socially prominent.
Gems and Spirituality
Another interesting aspect of man's connection with gems is that even from
ancient times he has had a special reverence for some of these precious stones.
Certain gems appeared to exert an extraordinary power over those who were in
close contact with it. Science is aware that some stones (especially crystals
like quartz) discharge a vibration. Regular vibrations emanating from various
gems have been detected. There are also theories that wearing certain gems can
have a markedly positive effect on the wearer, arising from the possibility that
these vibrations can stimulate corresponding vibrations from certain organs or
specific regions within the body. Different gems were attributed with different
powers to give physical healing, emotional harmony and even financial
prosperity. Some were believed to have power to ward off attacks from evil
spirits and other harmful influences. All this has even led some individuals and
communities to worship different precious gems, believing them to have a divine
power. Ancient astrologers from different parts of the globe developed systems
attributing different gems to different signs of the zodiac. These gems were
believed to beneficial to those born under that particular astrological sign.
Even in modern times a lot of significance is attached to the beneficial powers
of birthstones. Consequently there has been a natural appreciation in the social
and economic value of these gems.
Gemology and the Socio-economic value of gems
The burgeoning interest in accumulating gems led to a professional approach
being adopted for the purpose of classifying and valuing them. It can be seen
that even from ancient times different civilizations followed an almost similar
pattern in appraising gems for value. Besides the inherent beauty of the stone,
its size and rarity also played an important role in determining its economic
and social value. Quite naturally the costliest gems (the rarest, largest and
most attractive) always ended up in the hands of the ruling class and other
celebrated members of society. While it is common for the male members of
royalty to wear crowns and other ornaments elaborately adorned with precious
stones, even the common male can be seen wearing rings and other small ornaments
decorated with gems. Investors and collectors have a preference for diamonds,
but other stones are also much sought after. Sapphires, rubies and emeralds are
valuable gems that higher sections of society like to add to their collections.
A matching pair of natural or cultured pearls can be very expensive, and a
string of them would be priceless.
Celebrity Influence on the Socio-economic Value of Gems
Quite often, the inherent value of a gem based on its quality and size is
magnified disproportionately merely because it belongs to (or once belonged to)
a celebrated personality. If the gems on the crown of the king or queen of
England were to be sold, they would fetch a price far in excess of what would be
paid for identical stones in a jewelers shop. The Kohinoor diamond would be
valued much higher than another diamond equal in quality and size. The diamond
presented by Richard Burton to Elizabeth Taylor is another example of a
celebrity gem. Called the Burton/Taylor diamond, its value is determined by the
social status of the famous owners. According to legend, Cleopatra owned a
priceless pair of matching pearls which she powdered and dissolved in wine that
was served at a dinner she hosted for Mark Anthony. The pearls became famous
only because they belonged to the famous queen. And there are several other
examples of unique gems that would be valued very highly simply because of the
social status and prominence of their owners.
Society and the Value of Gems
While diamonds have been found suitable for various industrial applications,
most precious stones have very little practical use. The value of a gem is not
determined on any practical considerations but purely by the value society
attaches to it. Quite often, even the natural economic laws of demand and supply
do not have any influence in determining the cost of some gems. And in the final
analysis, the social value of gems determines their economic value.
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Belly Button Piercing
The Egyptians, the Indians and many other cultures pierced this humble button to show the significance of the person sporting a pierced navel - Royalty, Warriors, exceptional Beauty. |
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