The Tears of the Heliades or Amber as a Gem, by W. Arnold Buffum, G. P. Putnam's Sons, N. Y., 1900, is as its name implies a monograph on amber.
A good work on the history of precious stones and on historical-jewels is Gems and Jewels by Madame de Barrera; Richard Bentley, London, 1860. It deals also with the geography of gem sources. An interesting chapter on "Great Jewel Robberies" is also included.
Of still greater age but of great interest is John Mawe's old work, on diamonds and precious stones. In it the author discusses in a conversational style that is very attractive much of the gem lore of his day and shows a profound knowledge of his subject, a knowledge that was evidently first hand and practical, A Treatise on Diamonds and Precious Stones, by John Mawe, London. 2nd edition. Printed for and sold by the author.
For readers of French, Jean Baptiste Tavernier's Voyages, in six volumes, will be vastly interesting. Tavernier made six journeys to India and the East between 1640 and 1680 as a gem merchant during which time he purchased and brought back to Europe many celebrated gems including the famous French blue diamond which he sold to Louis XIV. and which was stolen at the robbery of the Garde Meuble during the French Revolution. Tavernier describes these famous stones and many others that he was privileged to inspect in the treasuries of the Grand Mogul. He also describes interestingly and at great length the curious manners and customs of the people of the East. Les Six Voyages de Jean Baptiste Tavernier, etc., Nouvelle edition, Rouen, 1724.
Pliny's Natural History, to go much further back, is full of references to gems, and gem students should run through it (it is to be had in English translation) for such interesting bits as that in which he describes the belief that quartz crystal results from the effect of very great cold upon ice, a belief which Pliny himself is careful not to subscribe to. He contents himself with relating what others believe in this regard.
Both the Hebrew scriptures and the New Testament afford many references to gems with which the eager student of the subject should be familiar. "She is more precious than rubies" (referring to wisdom) is but one of these.
In conclusion the author hopes that this little text may lead a few to pursue further this most fascinating theme and that the pursuit may bring much of pleasure as well as of profit.