I am bewitched by the narratives and power embodied in jewelry. I imagine Cleopatra of Egypt, exhausted from running an empire, removing her golden serpent bracelet, encrusted with emeralds symbolizing fertility, protection and eternal life and lapis luzuli, (royalty, spirituality, wisdom) to bathe in milk, preparing to seduce Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. Or the giant gemstones that Empress Catherine (the Great) of Russia would supposedly give as parting gifts to lovers— in addition to 10,000 serfs (servants) which, while completely insane to consider, is also a logistical nightmare. Where and how are you going to feed, house and clothe ten thousand people unless you sell the giant jewel you were given?