Semi Precious Gem Collection

Holland, Leiden, Turquoise encrusted skull, found in Teotitlan del Camino (Oaxaca) Mexican art, Mixtec civilization, 15th century, Rijksmuseum Voor Volkenkunde (Ethnology Museum)

Illustration of cut quartz

Illustration of quartz and cut quartz

Illustration of Lapis lazuli

Roman civilization, gold, emeralds and semi precious stones necklace
Roman civilization, 1st century A.D. Goldsmithery. Gold, emeralds and semiprecious stones necklace

Kingdom of Amenhotep III. Burial mask of Tuya made of plastered cloth, gold leaf
Egyptian civilization, New Kingdom, Dynasty XVIII, Kingdom of Amenhotep III. Burial mask of Tuya made of plastered cloth, gold leaf, vitreous pastes and alabaster. Height cm

Jewels of Queen Hetepheres: pendant, Old Kingdom, Dynasty IV
Egyptian civilization, Old Kingdom, Dynasty IV. Goldsmithery. Jewels of Queen Hetepheres: pendant

Colour plate representing Roman jewels found at Pompeii from Houses and Monuments at Pompei
Roman civilization. Colour plate representing Roman jewels found at Pompei. From " Houses and Monuments at Pompei", Naples, 1854

Egyptian civilization, Carnelian and shells necklace with pendant depicting a lion
Egyptian civilization, 2nd century A.D. Carnelian and shells necklace with pendant depicting a lion. From Baharia, Giza, Valley of the Golden Mummies

Egypt, Amethyst bracelet and ring, eighteenth dynasty 15-14th Century B.C. Germany, Munich, Staatliche Sammlung Agyptischer Kunst (Egyptian Museum), New Kingdom, Egyptian art

Gold pectoral with scarab of Ramses II
Egyptian civilization, New Kingdom, Dynasty XIX. Gold pectoral with scarab of Ramses II

Ivory vase decorated with inlaid colored stones from Anyang, China, Shang Dynasty, Chinese civilization, 1300-1028 B. C
Chinese civilization, Shang Dynasty. Ivory vase decorated with inlaid colored stones, 1300-1028 b.C. From Anyang, China

Stone pendants and cowry shells, funerary objects of conical tumulus from Nubian Desert, Sudan
Prehistory, Sudan, Neolithic. Stone pendants and cowry shells. Funerary objects of a conical tumulus in the Nubian Desert

Nubia, tomb, royal crown from Ballana made of silver with inlaid jewels
Egyptian civilization, 3rd-6th century A.D. - Nubia - Tomb - Royal crown from Ballana made of silver with inlaid jewels

Ornament of a mummy: necklace with scarab
Egyptian civilization, 1st millennium b.C. Ornament of a mummy: necklace with scarab

Ornament of a mummy: pectoral with scarab made of lapis lazuli
Egyptian civilization, 1st millennium b.C. Ornament of a mummy: pectoral with scarab made of lapis lazuli

Iraq, Aqar Quf, Bracelet, cornelian, quartz and other stones 14th Century B.C. Iraq, Baghdad, National Iraq Museum (Archaeological Museum), Kassite civilization

Italy, Umbria, Nocera Umbra, Necklace, goldsmithery 6th Century A.D. Italy, Rome, Museo Dell alto Medioevo (Medieval Museum), Lombard civilization

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"Unveiling the Timeless Beauty of Semi-Precious Gems: A Journey through Ancient Civilizations" Step back in time to the illustrious Roman civilization, where opulence and luxury were epitomized by exquisite jewelry. Imagine a dazzling necklace adorned with glistening emeralds and an array of semi-precious stones, a testament to their love for all things precious. Intriguingly, an illustration of cut quartz transports us to Holland's Leiden, showcasing the mesmerizing beauty that lies within these translucent gems. Its delicate facets reflect light like no other, captivating hearts throughout history. But our journey doesn't end there; we venture further into Teotitlan del Camino in Oaxaca. Here lies a turquoise encrusted skull—an extraordinary find that speaks volumes about ancient civilizations' fascination with vibrant hues and intricate craftsmanship. Returning to quartz once more, another illustration showcases its allure—a gemstone that has captivated humanity for centuries. Its versatility as both a raw mineral and when skillfully cut is truly awe-inspiring. Lapis lazuli takes center stage next—a deep blue gem treasured by the Romans for its celestial hue. Such was its allure that it graced necklaces worn by noblewomen during this golden era. We then delve into Egypt's rich heritage—the Kingdom of Amenhotep III reveals burial mask details featuring Tuya's necklace made from plastered cloth, gold leaf, vitreous pastes, and alabaster. This masterpiece exemplifies the grandeur Egyptians bestowed upon their adornments. Queen Hetepheres' jewels take us even deeper into Egypt's Old Kingdom—pendants from Dynasty IV evoke timeless elegance fit for royalty itself. These treasures remind us of the profound significance jewelry held in ancient societies. A color plate depicting Roman jewels discovered at Pompeii offers a glimpse into everyday life during this prosperous period. The meticulous craftsmanship exhibited in these finds serves as a testament to the Romans' love for beauty and extravagance.