Book 37 Chapter 4 Who were the most skillful lapidaries. The finest specimens of engraving on precious stones.
In Chapter 4 who were the most skillful lapidaries the finest specimens of engraving on precious stones, we start to see the customization of wealthy figures into gems. Pliny states that gems and stones were being made into rings or signets with engravements made upon them. In this chapter, Pliny speaks of the emperors and elite who began to engrave these gems and their want for the best engravers. This chapter further demonstrates Pliny's emphasis on the monetary value placed on these natural phenomena.
It is my interpretation that Pliny used this chapter to display the ownership of natural goods and the statement to society one made by possessing them. Wealthy elite people were now able to customize or individualize these items. This chapter further reinstates the luxury surrounding these items and the need for humans to own, monetize, and alter nature.