A long-lasting love for gemstones

A ring seller and manufacturer displaying stone rings in his shop at the old bazaar in the city of Shahr-e Ray (Rey), south of Teheran, Iran. — AFP

AT a prominent Shi’ite shrine in southern Teheran, Qasem Ashgari was buying yet another gemstone ring in the hope it would help his prayers to be answered promptly.

Asghari, in his 30s, who was already wearing several bands on each hand, had a specific ring in mind: a silver one, adorned with yellow agate and engraved with religious scripts.