A brief history of powerful gemstone amulets | V&A

Bewitching and beautiful, spiritual and sparkling - colourful stones, crystals and gems have been used throughout human history for devotion and decoration. For centuries, these natural curiosities have been gathered from the landscape and crafted into intimate objects which often have amuletic (protective), or healing properties when worn, carried, or held.
From an ancient Roman amethyst statuette to a charming mythical creature carved from nephrite jade, a bloodstone scorpion ring to a crystal amulet container made to hold crayfish eyes - join Assistant Curator Sophie Morris as she takes us through some of her favourite treasures, revealing the hidden meaning, magical attributes and enduring power of gemstones.
00:00 What are gemstones?
00:24 Rock crystal crayfish eye amulet
02:00 Precious rock crystal reliquary cross
03:27 Historic lapidary book
04:48 Sapphire, hessonite garnet and peridot pendant
07:19 Turquoise-set amulet case
08:48 Nephrite jade mythical creature (qilin)
10:30 Scorpion and serpent-figure bloodstone intaglios
12:26 Ancient amethyst empress statuette
See more gemstones in our jewellery collection: www.vam.ac.uk/collections/jew...

[@didnti1352]

Wow love this. Who is this passionate and eloquent lecturer?

[@BuriedTeeth]

I didnt want it to end! Per the description, she's Assistant Curator Sophie Morris.

[@emzzzz905]

I'd love to know if she wears any crystal jewellery and if so what stones

[@aaronwhitty22]

Yes! Their description and knowledge is so engaging!

[@michelleroxy21]

description says her name is Sophie Morris 🖤

[@aelthen874]

It’s not eloquence, she’s just British. And by British standards her narration is laboured and a little tentative frankly. Her annoying commentary is stuttered, as though she is really thinking hard to try and sound intelligent She said ‘rock crystal’ about 15 times in the first three minutes, as if the assistant curator shouldn’t know exactly which mineral that piece was made out of? Probably got her job because her parents are rich and know the ‘right people’. British nepotism at its finest. Hard pass from me, thanks

[@igrim4777]

Good work by the media department. Appreciate that items in the thumbnail were in the video. Good form to have the book pages visible and oriented for the viewer. Cuts to clear closeups for details, not rushed. These things should be the norm from museums, but it seems the V&A is setting the bar high. Well done videographer and editor.

[@vamuseum]

Thank you 🫡 More Brief History films to come!

[@cmsoocrufkmnsclady6369]

@@vamuseum I love this so much

[@AudioPervert1]

powerful ?! What greed vainglorious idiots human are, especially those cherish rocks and gemstones... Morons Victoria Albert Royal Thugs Anglo Saxon Robber Barons.

[@shreddednerves]

​​@@vamuseumMy favorite ASMR channel that isn't ASMR, lol. Unintentional is always the best

[@ShadeRaven222]

That's nuthin

[@erroneous6947]

I’m a lapidary, gemologist, and geologist. This explains why there are so many containers for medicines were carved from precious stones. For instance I’ve seen quite a few small lapis lazuli bottles. Also a few small containers carved from carnelian.

[@TkStonem.]

would love to do this

[@shreddednerves]

Who wouldn't!✨ This stuff is beyond exquisite 👌

[@Liisa3139]

Excellent picks! More videos about jewelry, please. Old, anonymous ones rather than designer items.

[@vamuseum]

V&A 🤝 New films about jewellery

[@AudioPervert1]

powerful ?! What greed vainglorious idiots human are, especially those cherish rocks and gemstones... Morons Victoria Albert Royal Thugs Anglo Saxon Robber Barons.

[@thomasmills3934]

Why do u want to see junk?

[@mcstevieboy]

@@thomasmills3934one man's trash is another man's treasure. there's more to be valued in someone else's past than new designer with no history and memory.

[@Textile_Courtesan]

Sophie Morris is a wonderful presenter! I hope to see more videos from her.

[@vamuseum]

She'll be back!

[@shreddednerves]

​@@vamuseum🤤🤞

[@silvergirl7810]

As a retired estate jeweler this was wonderful!! I was just enthralled with not only the beauty but the stories behind each piece what a wonderful video more of this please!!❤

[@bethbartlett5692]

Appreciate your sharing this info, I'm always curious as to content detail accuracy. My degrees being in History, Journalism, and Sociology, "accuracy matters", particularly in a time when Mainstream News Media has replaced News Reports which Employees Investigative Journalists, now replaced by "Produced Tabloid News" aka "Opinion News", a flow of Media Owner's choice, largely a toxic fostering of Lower Minded rhetoric. The desired facts are refreshing.

[@MikhailTank]

The lady is very well balanced in both the factual and spiritual elements. It’s interesting how they chose to specify Tibet, China. She is specific about the type of garnet, the kind of jade (Nephrite) etc. Very well balanced.

[@AudioPervert1]

powerful ?! What greed vainglorious idiots human are, especially those cherish rocks and gemstones... Morons Victoria Albert Royal Thugs Anglo Saxon Robber Barons.

[@ezragonzalez8936]

She smoking hot!

[@ruadhscottygirl2480]

Very elegantly done. Very knowledgeable presentation.

[@andrewchim807]

albeit that rock crystal in monocrystalline, rather than microcrystalline.

[@vamuseum]

​@@andrewchim807 Thanks for pointing this out. Great to have some geologists watching! 🔍

[@andrewchim807]

@@vamuseumthank you for the positive response to my comment. I just did my first exam with the Gemmological Association - think I've done them proud.

[@Mstea0149]

This is elegance? Ouch...

[@soniatriana9091]

I could listen, learn, & enjoy any presentation by this eloquent & knowledgeable curator! What a gorgeous presentation - what amazing talent of the gem & jewelry workers going back over 1800 years!! Just incredible!! Thank you for creating & sharing this video!!

[@TheTypewriterError]

Honestly this video could have been 3 hours long and I would still feel it was too short.

[@msaditu]

Such a beautiful presentation. I did not want it to end.

[@ExtraNope]

The ability to cut these stones so perfectly without modern tech, is just out of hand. Every piece is a masterpiece.

[@JavenarchX]

As a modern day jeweller... I'm fully astounded at the craftsmanship from antiquity

[@KatieCatWalker]

Aside from these being very beautiful, I can't help but think that people have loved rocks and stones since the dawn of man.

[@victoriadiesattheend.8478]

Please, more videos with Dr. Sophie Morris! She is a wonderful speaker with encyclopedic knowledge on her subjects.

[@pumpkindiamond994]

Gemstone sculptures are artworks like jewelries except they don't have to be high quality and yet as valuable as the flawless ones simply because they are carved by a talented artisan and it adds tremendous value into them.

[@WailanaBeck]

The ancient amethyst empress statuette is absolutely gorgeous 💜

[@Aramanth]

*This presentation is beautiful & informative.* 💎 In the Middle Ages, children of noble families were festooned with amulets to protect them. A red coral to protect the child from evil spirits, coats of arms of the family's patron saints to watch over the child, & a black jet fist to protect against the evil eye. The items presented are just gorgeous! Thank you for posting!

[@brandonbondslucas]

Why do people wear the evil eye nowadays then? Sorry I just don’t know why I’m asking don’t roast me

[@Aramanth]

@@brandonbondslucas Nazars are amulets that look like an eye that is for warding off the evil eye. But I know what you mean. Times change and so do attitudes. For instance, in the 17th century you would never even utter anything about the Devil out of pure fear. Now we have Dirt Devil vacuum cleaners, deviled eggs, and even a Devil coffee brand. Cheers!

[@golddragonette7795]

​@@brandonbondslucas the blue and white 'evil eye' is actually the amulet/symbol to protect against the evil eye

[@sarahsjournals]

Thank you! I could watch a whole series of these videos, just about the amazing jewels in the V&A collection. I spent a full day at the V&A once, and didn't make it past the jewelry, lol.

[@lisacrandall409]

Fantastic video! Would love to see more videos of the jewellery treasures in the museum, and learn about them ❤

[@psionicjake]

My favorite Victoria and Albert Museum video yet!

[@creounity]

Sophie is a great presenter, shoot more videos with her, esp. about antique and early medieval items.

[@ezragonzalez8936]

she is sexy and smart!

[@magicknight13]

That rock crystal cross is absolutely amazing!!! I am a college art history student and very much wish to be an assistant curator one day. It is so wonderful and rewarding to hear such an enthusiastic and well-spoken assistant curator here about objects so mystical and fascinating!! Thank you very much for this upload and for the whole series!!

[@lindamoore9059]

Great presentation ! The unknown Tudor pendant is very much similar to the one worn by Henry V111's wives( Jane Seymour , Catherine Howard in the miniature and Katherine Parr in three portraits) as part of the Consorts' Jewels.

[@Lumen777_]

I absolutely adore this curator and the knowledge and presentation in this video. More please!! Never subscribed so fast 💕

[@LaLaLaAllDayLong]

I absolutely love this presenter and this selection of items! Have her do more stones please

[@jyf.7551]

I could listen to Dr Sophie Morris speak for hours! Please feature her in more videos

[@goblinwizard735]

Fascinating and nicely done. Thank you.

[@vamuseum]

Always a pleasure, Goblin Wizard

[@SEATACx]

I like to do character design, with a focus on fantasy. And one of my favorite things about it, is adding all the “utilities” and giving them backstories. But basing them in real history like this, makes it so fun. Thank you for the insight and knowledge behind some of these “utilities.”

[@SirenaSpades]

Really interesting. I'm so glad someone back in history, cataloged these. What a great presentation.

[@tsugima6317]

I've always loved semiprecious stones. My mother in law knows this and has given me some during the years. One is a bloodstone pendant I dearly love, also Amber.

[@johnlomax2502]

I am a three decades long etheric healer and crystal worker. Thank you so much for this beautiful historical presentation about our ancestor's love of Crystal and gem Magic.

[@Zx-4888]

I love how much I can learn from your videos, from amazing historical pieces to important book names. Lovely to see this work, thank you for this content.

[@JustinKPrim]

Thank you for making this video. Some of these objects are my favorites in the V&A collection and it's very cool to get to see them moved around and held while hearing some of the magical stories about them.

[@jeanproctor3663]

What beautiful items! I could watch content like this all day, every day. It's so relaxing, educational and endlessly fascinating.

[@Tseringlhatso]

How wonderful. Just wish we could have seen even more!

[@marinaamiller]

The gems section of the V&A is my favourite!

[@mimibarnett291]

This is my favorite one yet!! Def made me a new fan of the history of these gemstones! Thank you V&A!!

[@cripplecreekqueen]

This video is so full of information. The cross was stunning. I would be going through the box oohing and aaahing over every piece. ☮️

[@q2_20]

Thank you for this soothing, fascinating, informative video! I love learning about the magic and lore of gems and minerals and crystals ❤🧡💛💚💙💜

[@christmassno]

This was awesome!!!! I love the history and the fact we are discussing my favorite subject of gemstones and minerals!!!!!

[@seanjustg5425]

Thank you!! I have been drawn to "jewelry," gemstones, nature, etc. all my life. More than just aesthetically or as "status" symbolism. Again, thank you for sharing this💓🙏🏼

[@cozycovestudio]

So happy this popped up in my feed! As a jewelry artist I find this absolutely humbling at the skill and craftsmanship of the people at that time in history. Would love to hop in a Time Machine and see how it was done!

[@isabellavalencia8026]

Beautiful,timeless, amazing and that's just this curator!!!

[@BruceAngus]

I liked this video, and was curious about what pliny the elder said about amethysts so I looked it up after. "The Magi falsely claim that the amethyst prevents drunkenness, and that it is this property that has given it its name. Moreover, they say that, if amethysts are inscribed with the names of the sun and moon and are worn hanging from the neck along with baboons' hairs and swallows' feathers, they are a protection against spells. Again, they assert that, however they are used, amethysts will assist people who are about to approach a king as suppliants, and that they keep off hail and locusts if they are used in conjunction with an incantation which they prescribe. Moreover, they have made similar claims on behalf of the 'smaragdus,' provided that it is engraved with an eagle or a scarab beetle. I can only suppose that in committing these statements to writing they express a derisive contempt for mankind."

[@bustedkeaton]

Big talk from a guy that believed in the doctrine of signatures.

[@victoriadiesattheend.8478]

I mean, that's high humor, for Pliny. He's not wrong

[@gildedpeahen876]

Pliny sounds like our modern debunkers, I think I’ll trust the magi🖤🔮🕯️

[@elineeugenie5224]

Great quote. Hm. Scathing contempt... The man felt really strongly about it, i wondet why.

[@kimbya]

👌🏽 This video was delightful and satisfying in every way to both antiques and book enthusiasts. I really liked how the curator/instructor used the string of beads to hold open the books. Kudos to this person. 🏆

[@owellafehr5191]

Wow, this is fascinating! I love learning about the powers and attributes that humans have ascribed to things such as gems, plants, and animals over the centuries. The amethyst statuette at the end was absolutely exquisite.

[@1780scottie]

As usual the V&A educates and delights!

[@jax8608]

Completely fascinating! I hope you make this into a series!

[@kimberlyperrotis8962]

I love beautiful objects made of precious materials like these.

[@rigelb9025]

I could almost feel the medicinal & protective virtues of these precious gems just by gazing at them through the screen. And the fact that they are being presented by such an elegant, eloquent & beautiful woman, is a definite bonus.

[@xsez2]

Oh My God, I Fell In Love With Assistant Curator Dr. Sophie Morris, Your Grace has such a beautiful voice. She Captured my heart -xxx-

[@mindanaogemschoiceytchanne2427]

I love this video . A very clean explanation. A very professional lectures. Wow.. Too much knowledge more to know about the historical information about gemstone ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@medialinmukan9591]

Amazing narration, truly engaging. More of this eloquent presentation please!❤

[@888bjxjs888]

I really enjoyed this. Years ago I used to post YT videos about my jewelry collection via personal and broader history, symbolism, function/design, etc... I rarely see this kind of content.

[@kirstenpaff8946]

I have heard of a million things that are supposed to aphrodisiacs, but I have never heard of gem stones being used as anti-aphrodisiacs.

[@vamuseum]

Well you heard it here first

[@sophiejones3554]

Modern interpreters of tradition tend to ignore this, because today we don't care about that so much. However, ancient Greek, Roman and medieval texts always include such things. In these traditional societies, the concept of unwanted attention was very much acknowledged: whereas in our modern society it tends to be disregarded.

[@RadheKrishna-ri3xg]

Absolutely fascinating, thank you for uploading.

[@Biblicalgiants]

I love skystone and jade. A lot of people don't know jade, nepherite or turquoise when they see it, do they? Great video!

[@adventurecreations3214]

What a great job presenting this video. I agree with you. The amethyst statue is sublime.

[@mistressofstones]

This is amazing. I collect crystal carvings and jewellery so its so interesting to see these old items, im so intrigued how they were made.

[@jelena7604]

Brilliant! Both the stones & presentation.

[@jessbooth5495]

Wonderfully informative and interesting video. The knowledgeable speaker was refreshingly eloquent and enthusiastic. I hope V&A produce more content like this. Thank you

[@c2ostars]

A gorgeously in-depth presentation, well excecuted. Well done!

[@LisaApril]

I love jewelry and this collection is absolutely divine. I'm so happy that these have remained in perfect condition for so many centuries. The book is also something else. I wish we could have a copy to read ourselves.

[@claudiabezares6018]

Yes the book! I want it☺️

[@Meggs23]

So fantastic! PLEASE more of these.

[@juanitaleak6482]

What a beautiful video with interesting stories told to perfection about each piece. I adore & own a lot of precious & semi precious stones & they mean the world to me. I do believe that they each hold their own powers to help the wearer/holder. Books have been written over centuries so that the properties aren’t lost over time. I also know that a lot of priests used to wear chest plates adorned with various crystals for protection, so I am sure they had good reason. Thank you so much for this video I truly loved it.

[@nelsytalero9896]

I love stones and I believe they do have powers. Thank you very much for sharing those precious stones/ amulets. Lovely video!! ❤❤

[@fredpjackson]

Brilliant presentation ! Thank you x

[@skyemaclachlan5182]

I enjoyed this so much! I hope that you're able to show us more pieces in the future and speak about them.

[@clair233]

This is amazing. Please do more!

[@elizabethgrey6040]

I’m really happy to see you included an Abraxas gem! This was a great video.

[@annwood6812]

That was the best kind of ASMR (unintentional I'm guessing). Interesting, educational, beautiful and most of all, relaxing.

[@rubytroy7756]

Always had a fascination for antique and unique jewellery ❤

[@dimdin5950]

It's georgeous, so beautiful things!!! So excited work of kuratot this video!

[@katrussell6819]

More treasures, please. Loved this and want more.

[@annettefournier9655]

Thank you. Wonderful presentation.

[@jewelrescue]

Brilliant insight, what amazing pieces 😊 I’d love to see more!

[@arabesquearomas]

Beautiful and so fascinating. Thank you so much!

[@clairesasmrgiftwrappingnot2310]

I agree

[@LBaker805]

😍lovely presentation

[@carolined5929]

Fascinating!

[@ivannaheredia5909]

thanks to the host for getting that beautiful nails for the vid, art direction bonus !

[@kathrynparker9790]

That bloodstone ring was made for a Scorpio. It's glorious.

[@patriciafaithfull6360]

That was amazing!!!

[@jamiecurran3544]

Beautiful peices of jewellery n a great presentation thanks!😊💜✌️

[@joshuakirkham9593]

An excellent, thought out video. Informative, and varied.

[@carolinehaythornthwaite2965]

Beautiful, thank you.

[@ninaxvid]

Listening to curators is so interesting

[@Wanderlust3]

This was awesome to watch!

[@francisfishing4913]

I love these! Thank you for sharing your knowledge

[@BlueSwallowBird]

05h00 sleepless in ZA. Thank you for sharing beautiful objects which meaningful to humans.. That have survived & are cared for. Only material - but it has soothed my soul.

[@BLOODYTHECLOWN666]

This was very interesting and It felt like a personal visit to a museum

[@Melbournewelder]

Thank you great video.

[@Persefonecrea]

Excellent presentation and video, thank you!!

[@kimmybeebee3764]

Brilliant video!! Fascinating!! LoveLoveLove these educational shorts ..... will be seeking out more about lapidary (only just learnt that word after years of collecting crystals myself!!) Thanks you for this can't wait to explore more of your videos

[@m.macdonald]

That was wonderful. Thank you

[@atekle1382]

beautiful presentation very captivating, amazing objects the cross is beautiful

[@FindsByPirjo]

Great presentation. Thank you so much.

[@deborahvandalsen857]

Very interesting and clearly presented , many thanks for sharing this , so that we who live far away , get to see them

[@jeffyohe2901]

She is amazing! Thank you for sharing! ❤

[@waitasecond...]

This is wonderful. I needed this.

[@stephenhunt3813]

So interesting and informative!

[@Smee86]

Super Duper Beautiful and very Personal and very Presious.

[@AG-dx4vu]

Lovely video, thank you so much for sharing!