Tonight, we’ll read all about gemstones from the book Jewels and the Woman, written by Marianne Ostier and published in 1958.

Marianne Ostier was not only an author but also a celebrated jewelry designer in mid-20th century New York. Along with her husband, she ran a renowned atelier that catered to an international clientele, including film stars, royalty, and collectors. Her training as a painter and sculptor in Vienna gave her designs a distinctive artistic sensibility, blending classical elegance with modern lines.

The history of gemstones is as fascinating as their appearance. Ancient cultures ascribed protective and mystical powers to stones, such as amethyst for clarity of mind, or turquoise for safe travel. Over centuries, classification systems emerged to group gems by their mineral composition, as well as their beauty and rarity. Beyond color, jewelers also considered “water”—a poetic term describing the clarity and brilliance of the stone. A gem of “first water” is one of near-perfect transparency, prized above all others.