"He
held the electric torch before him and peered cautiously into
the darkened opening. Everywhere came the glint of precious
gold, lapis lazuli, emeralds, and precious stones, untouched
for over 3,000 years. "What do you see?" asked Carnarvon.
"Wonders beyond my dreams..."
From
an account of the opening of
Tutankhamon's Royal Tomb, 1908
Treasure, the
word itself calls to mind the riches of El Dorado and
the fabulous jewels of royalty.
For centuries mankind has placed
a high value on gemstones and gold.
Concepts like "status",
"wealth", and "luxury" all
focus on these commodities. This association is cultural
and exists in all parts of the world.
Gemstones and gold are objects
of primary value, against which the values of other
commodities are determined.
People have always wanted to
possess gemstones. This desire insures a continuing
demand for gems and a strong international market.
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