Publisher's Synopsis
From the INTRODUCTORY.
Here is a chaplet of Precious Stones with which is entwined the poetic sentiments represented by each, so arranged that the Gem and the sentiment it represents, or the sentiment it is wished to convey, and the Gem which expresses it, can easily be found.
The Gems are arranged in their alphabetical order throughout the book, and the Index at the end furnishes other means of ready reference.
Many sources have been drawn upon in the making of this little book, and the compiler has been specially indebted to Miss H. J. Woodman's little book which was published some sixty years since. The authorities consulted are not all precisely at one as to the language and sentiment represented by each and all of the Gems. Fashions change, and sentiments often change with them; furthermore, there are so many different fancies, feelings, sayings and superstitions clustering about Gems at different times and in different countries that it would be impossible, and indeed scarcely useful to attempt to give them all. In the main the significance is generally agreed upon as given here.
It is not claimed that this is a complete Anthology; it is but a posy gathered in the vast fields of Folk Lore and Song, which these beautiful gifts of nature to adorn our lives withal, and the sentiments they represent, have inspired. And it is offered as another handy Lexicon of Love for those who wish to convey their sentiments to the object of their affection with delicate, tender, and true respect. The language of Love is vast and varied: eyes, lips, hands, all speak with no uncertain tone, and such silent tokens as Gems are not the least eloquent, and not the least effective bearers of Love's message.
