Treasures of Earth-Gems is a geological documentary written and directed by Nova, an organization that explores scientific discoveries. The documentary gives facts and discoveries about gemstones, including diamond, sapphire, emerald, jade, and opal (Nova, 2016). The results, discoveries, and recommendations geologists convey to the intended audience in this documentary include the public, policymakers, and the media. Often, gem professionals’ communication terminologies and scientific techniques make it difficult for the general public to understand the message. Besides, geological investigations target technical and non-technical individuals ranging from junior to masterly classes who need to specialize in their fields.
The documentary produced by Nova provides in-depth geological information on the most precious gemstones in the world, informing and educating millions of people globally. The storyline is based on the current technological advancements and their role in the deepest mysteries of the geological world (Nova, 2016). The role of technology varies from one field to another, depending on the nature of the problem at hand. Different technologies are used to perform various functions, and as evidenced by the documentary, technical advancements play a significant role in structuring gemstones into required designs (Nova, 2016). The director wants to inform and educate viewers on different structures, mineral compositions, and the process of designing and making gemstones.
Gems are designed and polished gemstones, highly prized for beauty, and rarity, that last for a very long time. The expectation of an in-depth exploration into gems, their composition, technologies, and techniques used to process them, were covered in the documentary. Despite this, these gems are believed to have special powers beneficial to human beings, and if cursed, they live with the curse forever unless purified by the owners (Nova, 2016). For instance, diamonds have powers in relationships, clarity, and love, while sapphire has positivity, balance, and intuition. The question at hand was if the gems could carry curses from one generation to another.
The documentary is about the process, composition, and manufacturing of different gems, including diamond, sapphire, ruby, jade, opal, and emerald. The chemistry, heat, and intense pressure from the Earth to the surface for some time are comprehensively explained by different geologists (Nova, 2016). These precious stones are used for various functions, including making jewelry, and Ruby or sapphire stones are used to induce or bring positive and constructive thoughts to one’s mind. The documentary filming is done from gem labs, museums, stores, sub-scenes of related movies, and mining sites where the extraction processes are performed.
The documentary’s sound comprises music, background noise and soundtracks, dialogue, and ambient sounds. Some of these sound effects, including background tracks and music, enhance the scene experience and prevent the viewer from getting bored. The heavy eruption sounds with sharp images from geological activities like mineral formation and industrial processing provide clear pictures for the film (Nova, 2016). An eye-level shot camera angles were used to show the gems and their structure closely. High-angle shots were used to show the eruptions from rocks and shoulder level for interviewing the gem specialists. Interviews are well done, with specialists giving a detailed report on the question at hand (Nova, 2016). Some of the interviewers present their reports with demonstrations that illustrate and show the unique features inside the gem compositions.
Touching a perfect diamond and putting it into the water where it burns completely is the part that I liked, characterized by spackling and breathtaking nature of its gemstone. The Earth is made of different types of minerals located far below the ground, and they require risky and complex technologies to extract and process. The documentary gives detailed information with all its dialogue and sounds clearly heard (Nova, 2016). I would recommend the documentary to friends to have information about gems, their core composition, and the manufacturing process.
Reference
Nova. (2016). Treasures of the Earth: Gems [How have Earth’s most extraordinary natural resources driven the rise of civilization?]. YouTube.