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Beaded Necklaces :
Amber Necklaces : Amber And Garnet Bead Necklace
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Amber And Garnet Bead Necklace - FJ.4271
Medium: Amber-Garnet
$1,360.00
Location: United States
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| Description |
Amber, the fossilized resin of extinct trees, is one of
the oldest gems known to man. Amulets made from it
have been found in tombs dating from the Stone
Age. Of rich color, its electrical properties made it
magic to primitive man and this fascination has
continued to the present day. Widespread trade in
amber began over 9,000 years ago, when it traveled
from the Baltic region to the palaces and cities of the
ancient Mediterranean, such as Knossos and
Mycenae. It was believed in Antiquity-- as now-- that
amber could cure numerous ailments and avert evil
or prevent witchcraft. Ancient myths ascribed its
origins to the rays of the setting sun, cooled in the
ocean; to the tears of rare birds; or to the urine of the
lynx. Homer makes mention of amber in the Odyssey.
In prehistoric times, the resin oozing from trees
sometimes encased insects and other specimens of
natural life. These inclusions are highly prized today.
Amber varies in color from pale yellow, to rich honey
brown, to deep orange to red. Soothing to the touch
as well as to the eye, it is still one of the most popular
gems after the passage of millennia.
The garnet was highly prized in the Classical world.
Its rich color, the reddish purple associated with
royalty, made it especially sought after for jewelry.
The garnet was also favored in the jewelry of the
European Dark Ages and Medieval period. The
famous Sutton Hoo Treasure found in England
contains over 4,000 cut and faceted garnets. As with
many gems, the finest varieties come from India,
which was true in Antiquity as well as today.
According to Talmudic legend, the only source of
light on Noah's Ark was a single large garnet.
Therapeutically, garnet is believed to keep the wearer
free from wounds and to promote good health in
general. It is especially useful for preventing skin
disorders and giving a glowing complexion.
- (FJ.4271)
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