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...

[@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 👌

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@victoriadiesattheend.8478]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@Textile_Courtesan]

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

[@vamuseum]

She'll be back!

[@shreddednerves]

​@@vamuseum🤤🤞

[@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.

[@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...

[@WailanaBeck]

The ancient amethyst empress statuette is absolutely gorgeous 💜

[@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.

[@msaditu]

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

[@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.

[@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!!

[@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

[@jyf.7551]

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

[@kathrynparker9790]

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

[@psionicjake]

My favorite Victoria and Albert Museum video yet!

[@lisacrandall409]

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

[@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.

[@creounity]

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

[@ezragonzalez8936]

she is sexy and smart!

[@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.

[@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.

[@Lumen777_]

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

[@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.

[@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.”

[@LaLaLaAllDayLong]

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

[@jeanproctor3663]

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

[@SirenaSpades]

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

[@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-

[@mimibarnett291]

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

[@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.

[@goblinwizard735]

Fascinating and nicely done. Thank you.

[@vamuseum]

Always a pleasure, Goblin Wizard

[@marinaamiller]

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

[@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!

[@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💓🙏🏼

[@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 ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@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.

[@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. ☮️

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@ivannaheredia5909]

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

[@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☺️

[@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.

[@ninaxvid]

Listening to curators is so interesting

[@q2_20]

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

[@isabellavalencia8026]

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

[@kinguvclubz1]

The Green red & blue pendant necklace charm looks awfully much like Queen Mary I of Englands necklace charm that’s in all her portraits. And she did suffer from quite a few unknown ailments.

[@medialinmukan9591]

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

[@christmassno]

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

[@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. 🏆

[@Tseringlhatso]

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

[@jax8608]

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

[@edgarrosher3475]

That crossed ✝️ was beautiful 😍

[@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!

[@LinKoRn-parK]

The year 200-300 you say? My mind is blown and relaxed and enlightened all together.

[@jj-vu5ov]

Its interesting to see the untreated/unheated sapphire strung sort of like a bead. Not something you usually see in jewelry today

[@kimberlyperrotis8962]

I love beautiful objects made of precious materials like these.

[@1780scottie]

As usual the V&A educates and delights!

[@halah2036]

More videos with Sophie morris please; she’s great

[@ziggyjojie4275]

Just watching those precious jewels , proofs how wonderful the earth beneath and how it made,,❤❤❤

[@jelena7604]

Brilliant! Both the stones & presentation.

[@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.

[@fredpjackson]

Brilliant presentation ! Thank you x

[@Meggs23]

So fantastic! PLEASE more of these.

[@adventurecreations3214]

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

[@carolined5929]

Fascinating!

[@Morrigan-mj4ph]

I unexpectedly triggered kundalini awakening in my twenties while meditating with crystals. It was pretty classic. A shot of burning heat going from the bottom of my spine all the way up the top of my head. Crystals can balance the chakras if you use them intelligently and wisely. I try to use grounding, protective, cleansing and energy balancing crystals when I can.

[@kimdastorytellr]

What crystals did you use? And did you place them on your body or just around you as you meditated?

[@arabesquearomas]

Beautiful and so fascinating. Thank you so much!

[@clairesasmrgiftwrappingnot2310]

I agree

[@LBaker805]

😍lovely presentation

[@skyemaclachlan5182]

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

[@RadheKrishna-ri3xg]

Absolutely fascinating, thank you for uploading.

[@elizabethp.kanizin9009]

The jade figurine is quite lovely! 💌

[@Willowtree82]

As someone who collects jewelry and mineral specimens i very much enjoyed the presentation 🙂

[@clair233]

This is amazing. Please do more!

[@annettefournier9655]

Thank you. Wonderful presentation.

[@nelsytalero9896]

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

[@jamiecurran3544]

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

[@atekle1382]

beautiful presentation very captivating, amazing objects the cross is beautiful

[@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.

[@joshuakirkham9593]

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

[@noelleb.9143]

I could honestly watch experts just explain the history and cultures behind the objects of this channel for a whole series its INSANELY satisfying.

[@rubytroy7756]

Always had a fascination for antique and unique jewellery ❤

[@patriciafaithfull6360]

That was amazing!!!

[@annwood6812]

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

[@beckyboo5097]

I brought my friend a clear quartz crystal when he was having cancer treatment as it's the ultimate healing crystal. He took it with him everywhere from then on. He even had it with him when he died in hospital. I loved him as more than a friend 😔 I just couldn't tell him as he had enough to worry about. So now I love clear quartz the most 😊 I put a quartz angel on his grave so she could watch over him for me ❤❤

[@dimdin5950]

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

[@Persefonecrea]

Excellent presentation and video, thank you!!

[@elizabethgrey6040]

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

[@jewelrescue]

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

[@Melbournewelder]

Thank you great video.

[@AnaGonzalez-ky2de]

I knew exactly when and where the pendant from the UK came from. It screamed Tudor England as a similar pendant can be seen around the neck of the Tudor royal family of the time. Specifically, Elizabeth Tudor and Anne Boleyn have portraits wearing that type of pendant and I believe some of the other Queens as well as it was known as the Queens jewelry. Apparently Henry the 8th made a huge show of taking the necklace that dawned that pendant and giving it to his successive wives. Pretty amazing. ❤️‍🔥

[@MTMF.london]

Ah, the ones that didn't get their necks under the guillotine.

[@jamiecurran3544]

@@MTMF.london not guillotine that's the French we just used an axeman n chopping block!😁✌️

[@MTMF.london]

@@jamiecurran3544 Yeah, the end result is the same - off with their heads!

[@fredericapanon207]

@@MTMF.london Except that the axeman would sometimes have to take several swings to finish the job properly. That's why Dr. Guillotin invented the guillotine; because he saw too many botched executions and wished for a more humane way to end a person's life.

[@MTMF.london]

@@fredericapanon207 Hahaha. Right, I guess it could save the executioner from suffering PTSD. Not sure the person being chopped cared whether it would contribute to a 'more humane way to end' his life. 😁

[@FindsByPirjo]

Great presentation. Thank you so much.

[@katrussell6819]

More treasures, please. Loved this and want more.