Gems of Aeriador

Gems of Aeriador

Although Men and Dwarves appreciate the beauty flashing in
the facets of rubies, diamonds, and emeralds, they use gemstones
more frequently as adornment for an item of power, rather than as
the sole focus of the Essence. Only the Jewel-smiths of the Eldar
forged with crystalline materials regularly. A few of their favored
gemstones are detailed below.

Adamant (sub: diamond)
Adamant, a synthetic gemstone made only among the High Jewel
Smiths of Celwynvian, adamant is as hard as any known substance, 
yet can be colored in the making like laen (see below) and faceted like 
the former. Adamant resembles diamond, being clear and brilliant, but 
is even brighter than that stone. Adamant is most often used in jewelry,
magical items, and even as a substitute for diamond as a magical spell
component. 

Diamond
Although this gem is prized in many cultures, Dwarves, Men, and elves all agree
that diamond is the rarest and most beautiful of gemstones in Aeriador. The elves
smiths of Celwynvian and the Isle of Cel covet the very scarce colored varieties, 
especially yellows, blues, and pale violets.

Emerald
Called "Elfstones" by many mortals, they are indeed favored by
the Firstborn. Their bright green color is often found in jewelry.

Laen ("Long Thread")
The name refers to the incredibly long crystal lattice structure,
lending to the strength of the material. Laen has an unusual property 
in which it gains strength and rigidity with heat. Only by chilling to 
extreme low temperatures can it be softened, and then it is sculpted 
and molded to the desired form. Natural laen is black or smoky, but it can 
be cleared with treatments and tinted any number of transparent colors.

Opal
The cloudy, rainbow-hued opal has found favor with many
Elves, often used in rings or weapon pommels. The rarer red-blue-
violet Fire Opal is also highly prized. Still less common is the
brilliant Black Opal — few have the color play of their brethren,
but those that do display a unique dark beauty.

Ruby
Another favorite stone, the Eldarin smiths
prefer the richest dark reds. Men generally prefer the brighter
shades, though servants of Azazael have a bent for the
dark blood reds or even slightly cloudy varieties.

Sapphire
The pure blue form is the most prized by the Elves, though the yellow variety is also
appreciated. Some smiths also like the very rare Black Sapphire,
blue-black and ominous in hue.

Violet Garnet
The only garnet which the Elven Smiths take seriously, it is a clear pale
violet in hue, very delicate and beautiful in appearance. Again, the
Noldor are fussier than most jewelers — Dwarves enjoy the
common dark red varieties, and Men will employ most any variety
in some setting, though they also prefer the violet shades. The
brown-green varieties are favored in the south. Garnets are often
found in large clumps of interlocking crystals