In his preface to

“The Curious Lore Of Precious Stones”

the author, George F. Kunz, is able to sum up the accumulation of decades of research, experience and his own personal life’s-passion in the first half of the first sentence;

 “The Curious Lore of Precious Stones” is the culmination of twenty five years of delving into the most microscopic facets, collecting the most esoteric and obscure texts along with actual examples of the metaphysics of precious stones and the jewellery they adorn.

The original, unabridged version published in 1913, just before the start of  WW II, is truly a labor of love. 

Not only is the depth and breadth of the project breathtaking and scholarly, but the authors personality and love of his subject are continually exposed like gem deposits in an outcropping of ore.

Precious Stones and the Supernatural

Dr. Kunz opens the book with a discussion of the source of supernatural concepts, comparing them to the benefit acquired by a person who’s outlook is improved by wearing personal jewelry;

Continuing for several chapters, containing the occasional quaint wording from the 1800’s and references to visits to countries like ‘Persia’ that no longer exist, Dr. Kunz weaves his own spell while disposing of what he calls “crass skepticism” and making a case for the reality behind superstitious traditions.

Leaving the discussion of amulets, talisman stones and engraved signet rings behind, the good doctor takes an in-depth look at “Ominous and Luminous Stones”, “Crystal balls and Crystal gazing”.

He uses this as a way to separate and emphasize the fine distinction he makes between the supernatural use of precious stones and that function gems have held in religions around the globe and throughout history.

Religious Uses of Precious Stones

Wonderful descriptions follow of the forms and types of jewellery created by the symbolic use of precious stones in all religions. 

This is followed by thorough look at the famous ‘Breastplate of the High Priest’ which the author felt contributed to the assignment of birthstones to certain months of the year.

Dr. Kunz nears the end of the book with an exhaustive look into birthstones of the zodiac. 

The final feature concerns the qualities of therapeutic and healing gemstones and the affiliation to the signs of the zodiac.

A Century of Relevance

Every reference made on the internet to birthstones, amulets and talisman stones is derived directly or indirectly from this tome written by the hand of a self educated man.

Dr. Kunz was acclaimed in his lifetime and after as the leading expert in the general field of geology, minerals and precious stones in particular.
But it is necessary to read

to get the full impact of the wealth of knowledge, fascinating conjecture and historical input of this interesting book.

The most valuable reward for reading this gem of a book is the sparkle and gleam of the authors personality as it shines forth like the light from

precious stones