PRECIOUS STONES
TREATING OF
The Known References of Precious Stones in Shakespeare's Works, with Comments as to the Origin of his Material, the Knowledge of the Poet Concerning Precious Stones, and References as to Where the Precious Stones of his Time came from
The Author
GEORGE FREDERICK KUNZ
PH.D., Sc.D., A.M.
Honorary President of the Shakespeare Garden Committee of New York City; Vice President of the Permanent Shakespeare Birthday Committee of the City of New York; Member of the Executive Committee of the New York City Tercentenary Celebration; Member of the Mayor's Shakespeare Celebration Committee of New York.
WITH ILLUSTRATIONS
PHILADELPHIA & LONDON
IMPRINTED BY
J.B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY
At the Washington Square Press
Upon the TERCENTENARY of Shakespeare
1916
PUBLISHED JULY, 1916
TO RUBY,
MY DAUGHTER,
WHOSE MOTHER, SOPHIA HANDFORTH ,
WAS BORN IN THE LAND OF
SHAKESPEARE,
AND
TO RUBY'S DAUGHTER,
GRETEL,
(THE PEARL),
THIS VOLUME IS LOVINGLY DEDICATED
FOREWORD
As no writer has made a more beautiful and telling use of precious stones in his verse than did Shakespeare, the author believed that if these references could be gathered together for comparison and for quotation, and if this were done from authentic and early editions of the great dramatist-poet's works, it would give the literary and historical student a better understanding as to what gems were used in Shakespeare's time, and in what terms he referred to them. This has been done here, and comparisons are made with the precious stones of the present time, showing what mines were known and gems were worn in Shakespeare's day, and also something of those that were not known then, but are known at this time.
The reader is also provided with a few important data serving to show what could have been the sources of the poet's knowledge regarding precious stones and whence were derived those which he may have seen or of which he may have heard. As in this period the beauty of a jewel depended as much, or more, upon the elaborate setting as upon the purity and brilliancy of the gems, the author has given some information regarding the leading goldsmith-jewellers, both English and French, of Shakespeare's age. Thus the reader will find, besides the very full references to the poet's words and clear directions as to where all the passages can be located in the First Folio of 1623, much material that will stimulate an interest in the subject and promote further independent research.
The author wishes to express his thanks to Dr. Appleton Morgan, President of the Shakespeare Society of New York; Miss H.C. Bartlett, the Shakespearean bibliophile; the New York Public Library and H.M. Leydenberg, assistant there; Gardner C. Teall; Frederic W. Erb, assistant librarian of Columbia University; the Council of the Grolier Club, Miss Ruth S. Granniss, librarian of the Club, and Vechten Waring, all of New York City.
G.F.K.
NEW YORK April, 1916