Dante. Le gemme nella Divina Commedia. Gems in the Divine Comedy. Considerazioni gemmologiche. Gemmological Considerations

The precious stones mentioned by Dante in the Divine Comedy, stimulate us to embark on an archaeogemmological journey that has never been taken before. Dante sets the gems in the lines of his tercets by using the splendour of their colours and the innate fascination of their crystalline structures, rendering them even more precious. It is a gemmologist's job to investigate the Poet's relationship with this fascinating world, and to ascertain where he got his knowledge to describe the gems in his metaphors and similes. With this in mind, the authors embark on a journey through the gemstones, enhancing their distinctive characteristics, which include micro minerals, gaseous bubbles within the cavities of other crystals, and zoomorphic and plant worlds enclosed in precious amber treasure chests. A journey that attempts to introduce enthusiasts, collectors, future gemmologists, and anyone else who is curious, to the magical, fascinating and enchanting world of gems.