There are many sham diamonds in this life which pass for real, and vice versa. – William Makepeace Thackeray

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

The violet of the amethyst represents the deep purple shade of the heavens… – Charles Blanc, Art in Ornament and Dress, 1875, translated from French

Proverbs are mental gems gathered in the diamond districts of the mind. – William R. Alger

As though pure white snow flashed and sparkled with the color of bright ruddy wine, and was overcome by this radiance. – Author unknown, about opal