The Silmarils and the Trees always had a special fascination for me because of the *light*. I can't recall now which, but there are some stunning illustrations that really enthralled me as a kid. I think I could have become greedy myself, maybe not as Feanor or Ungoliant, but anyway the light has such a magic for me. I remember how I was fascinated by the description of the Arkenstone too. I always liked how the story of the Silmarils entwined with that of Beren and Luthien. Beren had more interest in Luthien than in the Silmaril, of course, but his was the reaction of a mere human like one of us could react. I really have to re-read that part.