G e m s

A stone is as ancient and aged as our planet Earth. During several million years it was on its own. Only after the human was born, the stone had obtained its second life. Already primitive humans were using the stone as the tool for labor and fight. The process of formation of precious stones had been taking place during every geological epoch, starting from the Archaic Period billion years ago (Blue Spar and Spinel) – almost until present.

Formation of the Amber on the Baltic Seaside had been taking place since the period with the temperature 20000⁰C and atmospheric pressure 5000 up to normal temperature and atmospheric pressure, which is typical for the granite crust. Despite similar geological and physical-chemical conditions, precious stones are rare because there formation requires extreme natural conditions. Extraordinary conditions of formation distinguish precious stones from other associations of minerals making them unique.

History of utilization of precious stones is as old as the history of humanity itself. It always attracts human attention. Colored stones had already been used during the Upper Paleolith.

The precious stones had been symbol of friendship, seal of oath, fine messenger and key. It was easily fitted in the gates of the cities and bastions. The precious stones take big place in Georgian legends, stories and poetry. In ancient Georgia, making jewelry was directly connected with refining and processing precious stones. At that time, Mtskheta Stone Refinery Studio was of state importance and equipped with delicate tools for refining the precious stones. By then, precious stones (namely, Hem) used for the decorations in Mtskheta features mineralogical diversity.