[T]he diamond and other precious stones are focuses of light, and essences of colour which seem expressly created to ornament on a small scale the human body with all the splendours which adorn the universe on a large scale. – Charles Blanc, Art in Ornament and Dress, 1875

I prefer liberty to chains of diamonds. – Mary Worley Montagu

There is in them a softer fire than the ruby, there is the brilliant purple of the amethyst, and the sea green of the emerald – all shining together in incredible union. Some by their splendor rival the colors of the painters, others the flame of burning sulphur or of fire quickened by oil. – Pliny, about the opal

I would rather be adorned by beauty of character than jewels. Jewels are the gift of fortune, while character comes from within. – Titus Maccius Plautus