The amethyst ring on the right was made about 3,800 years ago. No doubt the ancients experienced the same sense of beauty that we do today when looking at this beautiful purple color. The piece proves that by this tome, humans were already considering jewelry containing gemstones as beautiful and valuable items. Considering the automobile’s history of 100 years, or the Internet’s history of some 15 years, jewelry’s presence carries considerable weight.

Looking carefully at the photograph, it is apparent that a hole had been drilled through the gemstone, and a gold wire passed through it. In an age when tools were limited, a bit and sand surely were used over a period of months to slowly open this hole. It is evidence of the extraordinary effort expended to make this precious piece of jewelry. Also, note the matted texture of the surface, and how this condition is present in the carved areas of the scarab as well. This is probably not a result of extensive use, but rather a long-term effect of the tiny mineral particles that make up dust. This piece was unearthed in the 20th century, after spending ages on a chamber deep inside a pyramid: Gemstones can wear down even if they are not used.