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 deep, rich blue of the nighttime sky, sodalite is valued for its ability to refresh and revitalize the wearer. Its therapeutic effect has been compared to a good night's sleep. It is especially useful for stabilizing the mind and allowing rational thought to triumph. It is thought to improve perception and intellectual understanding, and to offer a clearer perspective on life. Whoever wears this heavenly blue gem will be rewarded by the spirit as well as the senses.

The delicate, lustrous beauty of the pearl has captured the imagination of men and women since the dawn of time. This gorgeous gem is formed when an irritant becomes trapped inside the shell of a mollusk, and a protective coating of nacre is formed around the object. Pearls are one of the few jewelry items to remain continuously in fashion through the centuries. It is easy to see why. They delight the eye and flatter the wearer, a true gift from nature.