Portcullis Jewels

The following gemstones are used in some of the pieces you see in the gallery section. This information gives you an insight into why certain gems were worn in the eras concerned.

Garnets were named after the Latin ‘Granatus’ by the Romans, who likened them to pomegranate seeds and treasured them for their similarity to fire and light. In Medieval times, garnets were said to cure depression and protect the wearer from bad dreams.
Amethysts guarded against drunkenness and brought business success in Roman times, whereas later in the Medieval era, clergymen valued amethyst as it was believed to encourage celibacy and holiness, often being the stone worn by bishops.

The Romans believed emerald to be the ‘Jewel of Venus’ , goddess of love and beauty. Its fresh green colour was associated with life and eternal spring, bringing successful relationships to those who wore it. It was also pleasant and soothing on the eye and Emperor Nero supposedly looked through it to observe gladiator battles.
Rutilated quartz and rock crystal are types of clear quartz, the latter taking its name from the Greek ‘Crystallos’ meaning fossilized ice. It was prized in the Roman period for its brilliant clarity, like ice, and both types were believed to cool the skin when worn.
Later in the Medieval period, rock crystal was used for crystal balls to foretell the future, as well as for manufacturing lenses and drinking vessels. Carnelian was favoured by the Romans for its blood red colour and calming effects.