Beren (a Man) and Lúthien (an Elf) successfully stole one jewel from Morgoth’s crown, which eventually passed to their descendant Elwing and her husband Eärendil.
The Silmarils were three in number, forged by the elf-lord at the peak of his craft and pride. He used secret techniques taught by no other—some say learned from the Vala Aulë himself, others whispered to be born of a flame within Fëanor’s own fëa (soul). Upon their completion, even the Valar (godlike powers of the world) marveled. The Silmarils were hallowed by Varda, the Queen of Stars, so that no mortal or evil hand could touch them without being scorched to ash. silmaril