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The Anglo-Saxons appear to have been well acquainted with precious stones. In the MSS. Tib. A. 3 (British Museum) twelve sorts of them are thus described as mentioned in the Apocalypse:--"The first gemkind is black and green, which are both mingled together, and this is called giaspis; the other is saphyrus, this is like the sun, and in it appear like golden stars; the third is calcedonius, this is like a burning candle; smaragdus is very green; sardonyx is like blood; onichinus is brown and yellow; sardius is like clear blood; barillus is like water; crisoprassus is like a green leek, and green stars seem to shine from it; topazius is like gold; and carbunculus is like burning fire."
The crowns of the Anglo-Saxon kings are described by the contemporary biographer of Dunstan, as made of gold and silver, and set with various gems. Their gold rings contained precious stones, and even their garments, saddles and bridles were sometimes jewelled. Among other ornaments mentioned in Anglo-Saxon documents we read of a golden fly beautifully adorned with gems. Golden head-bands, half-circles of gold, neck-bands, and bracelets, are described in wills and inventories. Amongst other female ornaments, we find earrings, golden vermiculated necklaces ornamented with precious stones. |
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Precious Stones Vol 11
>> About Precious Gem Stones in the Anglo-Saxon Culture
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