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Gem: The Definitive Visual Guide

Amazon.com Price:  $27.21 (as of 23/04/2019 01:43 PST- Details)

From royalty and film stars to thieves and curses, this is a dazzling and comprehensive visual guide to the world’s most precious rocks and minerals
Smithsonian Gem interweaves glorious images, natural history, mythology and intriguing true stories.
Hardcover; 440 pages. Lavish jacket features a debossed and foiled diamond. 11.9″ x 9.9″.

Description

A dazzling visual guide to precious and semiprecious stones, organic gems, and precious metals that showcases beautiful, specially commissioned images in addition to science, natural history, mythology, and true stories of adventure and discovery.

From diamonds and sapphires to emeralds and obsidian, Gem profiles all of the key gemstones and other precious materials. Its stunning images show the jewels in their different cuts, colors, and uses. See the exquisite jewelry pieces of royalty around the globe, high-society women, and Native American traditions. Seek advice from the Russian Amber Room, study the main points of a Fabergé egg, and find out what characteristics are needed for a record-breaking gem.

The stories, myths, and legends that surround the most celebrated gems and jewel-laden artifacts from around the globe are revealed, from their journeys in the company of royalty, film stars, and thieves to the curse of the Hope Diamond. Follow the history of the world’s most famous jewelry houses and their designers, including Cartier, Harry Winston, Tiffany & Co., and more.

For additional information about the world’s natural treasures, an 80-page reference section in the back of the book highlights quite a few other rocks and minerals, and a color guide directory groups gems in step with their main color.

Created in association with the Smithsonian Institution and featuring a foreword by New York Times-bestselling writer Aja Raden, Gem combines lavish photographs with expert knowledge, making it perfect for gift-giving.

From royalty and film stars to thieves and curses, it is a dazzling and comprehensive visual guide to the world’s most precious rocks and minerals
Smithsonian Gem interweaves glorious images, natural history, mythology and intriguing true stories.
Hardcover; 440 pages. Lavish jacket features a debossed and foiled diamond. 11.9″ x 9.9″.


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