GEMSTONES IN DE’ MEDICI’S FLORENCE (15TH – 16TH CENTURY)
GEMSTONES IN DE’ MEDICI’S FLORENCE (15TH – 16TH CENTURY)

Summary/Abstract: The aim of this study is to depict the manner in which gemstones were used during the late fifteenth century and the start of the sixteenth century, with Florence as the focal point in terms of space. Based on the main principle of the Renaissance of returning to certain values of the Ancient World, the later period is used in various instances as means of comparison in order to establish the way in which man's relationship with gems evolved. In this sense the subject in question is approached from several perspectives beginning with an overview of what the concept of "gemstone" means in the selected timeframe. It is from the evolution of this notion that we may understand what has changed as well as certain aspects which remained a constant. A more evident form of change can be seen through the works of Georgius Agricola, who is one of the authors who approached the subject of metals, minerals and precious stones, seeking not only to learn from his Ancient predecessors, but also to discover for himself the real nature of Earth's treasures. While his conclusions were not entirely accurate, they led to the establishment of the field of Mineralogy, whereas in other areas where gems were used, the lack of knowledge in terms of certain stones' chemical composition proved to have fatal consequences. Such a case was the use of precious stones in lapidary medicine, where certain substances were used believing them to have healing powers, an incident of this nature being the demise of Lorenzo de Medici, who died as a result of a poorly-administered lapidary cure. The Medici family were very involved in terms of precious stones, being among the first to start a collection of rare stones from all over the world, as well as jewelry and ornaments, in some cases even as creators, not only consumers.

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