This content was first published on IGR – Italian Gemological Review no. 14 in 2022. The information provided here is therefore current as of the original publication date.
There are two books worthy of your kind attention this time. Both could be described as examples of a polytechnic culture. The first case we will consider is about a combination of humanistic and scientific knowledge delivered via a gemological focus; the second case presents an eclectic blend of modern rock music insights under a gemological spotlight.
There is a lowest common denominator for both of them: their surprising singularity. Let’s see why.
First case: the work of the well-tested father/son duo Enrico and Flavio Butini: “Dante. Le Gemme nella Divina Commedia – Considerazioni Gemmologiche” (“Dante. Gems in the Divine Comedy – Gemmological Considerations”), “L’Erma” di Bretschneider Editore, Roma. Synoptic texts in Italian and English. Available at: IGN Roma, mail: info@ignroma.it.
Defined by the authors as a «Tribute to Dante on the eighteenth anniversary of his death», it reveals a perfect synthesis of classical literature and avant-garde gemmology. I steal from the authors’ mouths their concluding words: «A journey between myth, paleoscience, and poetry, undertaken to try to interpret, as much as possible, Dante’s thoughts regarding his understanding of gemstones, as used in his analogies».
I would define it as more, much more than this: a delicious dish of cultural haute cuisine where the ingredients are made up of a combination of history, history of the ancient goldsmith’s art, archaeogemmology, all on a “bed” of investigative gemmology and completed with a rich garnish of explanatory images. The whole thing reinterpreted and revised through the magnifying glass of an updated know-how.
It is no coincidence that Dante Alighieri, the Noble Father of the Italian language, has mentioned in his canticles Amber, Rock Crystal, Diamond, Heliotrope, Pearl, Ruby, Emerald, Spinel (Balascio), Topaz and Sapphire. Being he registered (for political reasons) to the Doctors and Apothecaries Guild of Florence (distinguished by the long red robe he is always portrayed with), the use of gems as healing remedies was familiar to him, be they supplied under the form of lithotherapy, grindings or amulets.
A tasty morsel not to be missed, also by those who are not Italian, since knowledge and culture have no geographical boundaries: they are a heritage of humanity.
P.S.: And also not to be missed, are those superlative tidbits of archaeogemmology by the same authors, mentioned in the final bibliography.
Second case: the 162 pages by the geologist, gemologist, rock and punk music lover as well as electric bass player, Annalaura Sita. These multifaceted pages are dedicated to an eccentric and unusual combination of rock and gems entitled – precisely – “Rock&Gems – A Journey Between Music and Precious Stones”, Arcana Editore, Roma. Available at online and physical Italian bookstores.
According to the author, the purpose is «to bring both rock music and gemmology to readers, discovering the many analogies, perhaps associated with ancient legends, song titles, places or emotions».
Want an essay of such intriguing connections, just for a sample taste? On page 39, we find the association between “Black Sabbath and Lapis Lazuli”, between the band – that, with hard and leaden sounds spoke about the dark side of the human nature – and the sky blue gemstone so dear to the Egyptian Pharaohs. Well, this relationship, where is it? Let’s let Annalaura have a word: «thinking about the text of Paranoid (a composition of the band) which is about mental disorders, I was led back to the beliefs of the ancient Egyptians, who believed that lapis lazuli was given the function of purifying the soul and curing mental disorders». Fascinating, isn’t it?
Would you be curious to know what is the connection between the Beatles and the Diamond? You’ll find it on page 13, in the opening: «The most famous band ever and the gem par excellence are not linked only by the song Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds. They are related in other ways. When we talk about gemology, we cannot avoid mentioning the diamond, just as when we talk about rock or pop music, we cannot avoid mentioning the Beatles». Brilliant, don’t you think?
And here is where I’ll stop, because otherwise I could spoil the pleasure of this discovery, because it is entirely an amazing discovery. I don’t know how much surprising for whoever is 20-30 years younger than the old caryatids belonging my age group, but for the baby-boomers (those of the ’40s of the last century), it certainly is, since – sad people – they have been left behind a bit…
P.S.: I would like to point out just one deficiency: an English translation which – I am sure – would allow a wider and more comprehensive audience to enjoy this other tidbit!
“Dante. Gems in the Divine Comedy – Gemmological Considerations”
Enrico and Flavio Butini
Published in Rome (Italy) by «L’Erma» di Bretschneider® in 2021.
80 pages, illustrated, format 22 x 24,5 cm
ISBN: 9788891322074
Available in Italian and English language on www.lerma.it for the price of 65 €.
“Rock & Gems – Un Viaggio Tra Musica e Pietre Preziose”
Annalaura Sita
Published in Rome (Italy) by Arcana in 2021.
176 pages, softcover
ISBN: 9788892770232
Available, in Italian language, at online and physical Italian bookstores for the price of 16 €.
Article by Luigi Costantini, published on IGR – Rivista Italiana di Gemmologia #14, Spring 2022
