I'm not quite sure why Victorians felt such a fascination for articles on the lore and history of precious gems, but this type of article appears over and over again in Victorian magazines. By far the best of these is the 8-part series by Emma Brewer, which looks not only at the folklore of precious stones but provides fascinating details about where such stones were found in the Victorian era, how they were mined, how they were worked and set into jewelry, and more. Like flowers, gems also had a "language," and one could send a specific message to one's lady love by incorporating specific gems into a piece of jewelry.

Diamonds, by Edward Oxenford (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1878)

A brief history of diamond-mining and some histories of noteworthy gems.

Something About Gems (Demorest, 1879)

Some short, interesting snippets of gem lore and history.

My Lady's Jewel Case, by Clara Mateaux (Girl's Own Paper, 1880)

The lore and meaning of various precious stones.

The Ring Finger (Girl's Own Paper, 1880)

Why the fourth finger of the left hand is chosen for the wedding ring.

Costly Stones: Their Hues and Language, by M.J. Hyslop (Girl's Own Paper, 1890)

A look at some of the great stones of the day, from the Koh-i-noor diamond to the Ruspoli sapphire, along with some basic information about gemstones and their origins and the "language" of stones (much like the language of flowers, each gem having its own meaning).

A Gossip on Rings and Wedding Rings, by Ardern Holt (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1891)

A look at rings, inscriptions, and ring-lore from antiquity onwards.

Precious Stones: Their Homes, Histories and Influence, by Emma Brewer (Girl's Own Paper, 1894)

This lengthy and detailed series looks not only at the folklore and legends surrounding various stones, but how and where they are (and were) mined, their history, and details of their composition and how they are worked. The 8-part series covers pearls, diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds, opals, turquoise, cats' eyes, chryosphrase, amethyst, garnet, amber and coral.

The Mystery of Precious Stones, by Barry Pain (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1896)

"Precious stones have been associated--at almost all times and in almost all countries--with the powers, civil and religious" -- including a "mass of superstitions" that are summed up in this article.

Amber: Its History and Mystery, by James Milne (Windsor Magazine, 1898B)

Rings Lost and Found, by Dora de Blaquière (Girl's Own Paper, 1899)

Some remarkable tales of rings that have been lost and recovered years later, including the signet ring of Mary, Queen of Scots.

• See also Objects, Curiosities & Antiquities: Gems, Jewelry & Regalia