Hey everyone - I've been wondering recently about gems and jewels inserted in sword pommels: are there any historical examples to speak of? I'm wondering mostly about medieval one-handers and longswords, rather than rapiers. I know various things were often inserted in wheel type pommels, but are there any other examples? I'm asking partly because I'm thinking of interpreting a sword from a fantasy book, which is described as having a very prominent jewel in the pommel, but it's unclear just what the arrangement is. I feel like placing it in the sides of the pommel is essentially the only option, as the tang has to pass through the rest, but would be possible for a jewel to be placed on the very end?

Check out this topic: http://www.myArmoury.com/talk/viewtopic.php?t=2574
I think you'll find a lot of good information and eye candy. Enjoy! :D

Awesome. Some of that stuff is absolutely amazing, and one or two are definitely applicable towards what I'm looking for. For any makers out there, what do you think of peening the tang in a recessed cavity at the end of the pommel, and setting a gem over top?