Precious stones, like spices, traveled the maritime routes of South and Southeast Asia, serving as symbols of power, wealth, and even medicine. In her essay "Trading Gems and Knowing the Earth in Early Modern Eurasia", our PostDoc researcher Claire Sabel uncovers how the unique geography of gem deposits not only fueled global trade but also sparked the curiosity of scholars and merchants eager to understand the earth’s hidden treasures. From bustling markets to remote mines, the essay reveals how the pursuit of these glittering commodities shaped early modern science, commerce, and imperial ambitions. It’s a story of gems, geopolitics, and the enduring allure of the earth’s most coveted creations.

Read the full essay [here].