The Language of Gems

This seminal work was first compiled by my great friend and colleague, Washbasin, who in spite of his tomfoolery and pranking ways, was the greatest Harengon and wisest colleague a dwarf could ask for. Here I have added a few records, but the bulk of the work must be accredited to that great scholar Washbasin.

-Hofnar Forgewife, Doctor of Gemology

Below are the connotations attached to the magnificent works known as Spirit Gems, constructed by Fairies, as only Fairies can. Each one unique, and each taking from 20 to 30 years of concentrated effort, frequently in six hour stretches per day! Access to these little beauties was difficult to manage, as some of the frankly ludicrous (and this coming from myself, a Harengon) contract requirements included *specifically* barring scholarly study by a trained professional. But obstacles aside, here are my findings.

A Fairy is particular about their base gemstone, and usually won't touch something worth under, say, 500 gold pieces. The gem in question must be either without flaw, or with a very interesting flaw the artist believes they can augment to make an even more unusually gorgeous piece.

#### Alexandrite

This dark green gem is rich and deep, holding mystery in its translucent heart. The soul who chooses this gem likely has an affinity to the earth itself, and perhaps even draws magical potency from it.

#### Aquamarine

This lovely gem of the sea unsurprisingly speaks to a love and appreciation for the briny depths, and generally connotes a volatility of character.

#### Black Pearl

The dark mystery surrounding the presence of a black pearl represents a character secretive and perhaps even evil; this stone is closely tied to the darker arts.

#### Diamond

The carving of a diamond is a long, difficult labor, but the finished product is a wonder to behold. The carver of one of these hard, varicolored gems has a character of iron and the patience of a saint.

#### Emerald

This stone is most closely tied to the Fey Realm itself, and among fairies, the carving of this stone is a tale of longing for home and loyalty to one's roots.

#### Jacinth

This fiery orange stone tells a bold, fiery tale of fury and sheer will, and you will likely find the carver to be of similar character.

#### Opal

Not all opals mean the same thing. For instance, your general pale blue opal represents a solid nature possessed of shrewd thought and patient observation. However, a fire opal is generally a nod towards favoring evocation magic , especially spells of a fiery or electrical nature. A black opal, however, alludes to a desire for wealth and prosperity above all else.

#### Peridot

Also called the Fool's Emerald, the peridot is generally chosen by those of tricky and clever nature, akin to yours truly. Trust not these carvers, lest you be taken in by their wiles, and pay the emerald's price for the peridot's essence.

#### Ruby

A standard ruby is a sign of anger tied to loss, and often tells a tale of vengeance. On the other side, a star ruby tells a tale of loss and anguish that has blossomed into a tale of forgiveness, and the will to move ever onward and upward.

#### Sapphire

Like opals, sapphires tell wildly different stories, depending on which sapphire is chosen. A standard blue sapphire tells of a melancholic soul, perhaps afflicted by an illness or carrying a great burden. Following the same vein, a star sapphire tells of a vital spirit who refuses to succumb to these depressions, but instead resolves to rise above. A black sapphire marks a regal spirit, perhaps one of royalty or priesthood. And finally, a yellow sapphire generally refers to envy and avarice, perhaps for a rival, an ex lover, or even a leader.

#### Spinel

Specifically the blue variety; spinel of lesser value are unfit for the craft. The blue spinel is a stone of honesty and forthrightness. Here you may find a reliable friend who will always tell you the truth.

#### Topaz

The golden yellow topaz has deep parental ties, and is often chosen in memoriam of a lost parent, or a marker of a promise kept.

Note, dear reader, that a Fairy will live 4-6 lifetimes (by Fairy reckoning), and will therefore make 4-6 Spirit Gems over that time. If one knows each of the gems created by a Fairy over its long life, one will then possess a rough autobiography about the individual in question. Food for thought.

*This information compiled and curated by Washbasin and Hofnar Forgewife, Doctors of Gemology*