The dwarves have a lot of knowledge about precious metals and jewels because that is what Aule, their creator, was interested in. Each of Iluvatar's children has a specific realm in which they specialized, and Aule's was earth. From the Silmarillion:
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"The dwarves were made by Aule in the darkness of Middle-earth; for so greatly did Aule desire the coming of the Children, to have learners to whom he could teach his lore and his crafts...and Aule made the dwarves as they still are."
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The gift that they recieve from Iluvatar is speech and free will...for Aule had not given the dwarves these yet before Iluvatar discovered them. (See chapter 2 of the Sil).
[ October 01, 2003: Message edited by: Alatariel ]