People of the Jewel-smiths

After the establishment of the land of Eregion in the year II 750, the followers of Celebrimbor became famous for their works of art and craft. They were known as the Mírdain, the jewel-smiths, and formed a brotherhood known as the Gwaith-i-Mírdain, the People of the Jewel-smiths. Their skill gained them the friendship of the Dwarves of nearby Khazad-dûm, who valued such artistry, but their fascination with the making of things was to bring about their downfall.

Nearly five hundred years after Eregion's foundation, a mysterious being appeared among its people. Calling himself Annatar, he had knowledge and skill beyond even that of the Mírdain, and he offered this knowledge freely to the People of the Jewel-smiths. They accepted his offer, and for some three hundred years more Annatar taught them. Eventually, their skills were great enough to begin forging Rings of Power, of which they made many, and their greatest works were the Three Rings Narya, Nenya and Vilya. Through these Rings, they discovered to their horror that 'Annatar' was none other than their ancient enemy Sauron, who had corrupted their great work to his own ends. Sauron was enraged at his discovery, and his armies swept across Eriador and into Eregion, destroying the country of the Jewel-smiths.