The Smithsonian National Gem Collection—Unearthed

The Smithsonian National Gem Collection—Unearthed

Author: Jeffrey Edward Post

Publisher: Abrams

Published: 2021-03-23

Total Pages: 376

ISBN-13: 1683359402

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The scandals, mysteries, and human stories behind the world’s greatest gems are brought to life by the curator of the Smithsonian’s National Gem Collection Dr. Jeffrey E. Post, curator of the National Gem Collection for more than 25 years, separates fact from fiction in an all-new and original book, revealing fresh information and regaling the reader with anecdotes and tales of some of the world’s greatest and most famous gemstones. Dr. Post is the author of the now out-of-print book The National Gem Collection (Abrams, 1997), which has sold more than 50,000 copies. In this brand-new book, he tells the stories of the Smithsonian’s most famous gems, including the Hope Diamond, Star of Asia Sapphire, Carmen Lucia Ruby, Hooker Emerald, and Blue Heart Diamond—and also presents the tales, details, and fascinating facts surrounding rarely displayed gems from the Smithsonian vault and additions made to the collection since 1997. Not only a resource for learning about rare and beautiful gems, the book also presents the stories of the people who once owned or were associated with these jewels—from ordinary people to kings, emperors, maharajas, celebrities, and captains of industry.


Book Synopsis The Smithsonian National Gem Collection—Unearthed by : Jeffrey Edward Post

Download or read book The Smithsonian National Gem Collection—Unearthed written by Jeffrey Edward Post and published by Abrams. This book was released on 2021-03-23 with total page 376 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The scandals, mysteries, and human stories behind the world’s greatest gems are brought to life by the curator of the Smithsonian’s National Gem Collection Dr. Jeffrey E. Post, curator of the National Gem Collection for more than 25 years, separates fact from fiction in an all-new and original book, revealing fresh information and regaling the reader with anecdotes and tales of some of the world’s greatest and most famous gemstones. Dr. Post is the author of the now out-of-print book The National Gem Collection (Abrams, 1997), which has sold more than 50,000 copies. In this brand-new book, he tells the stories of the Smithsonian’s most famous gems, including the Hope Diamond, Star of Asia Sapphire, Carmen Lucia Ruby, Hooker Emerald, and Blue Heart Diamond—and also presents the tales, details, and fascinating facts surrounding rarely displayed gems from the Smithsonian vault and additions made to the collection since 1997. Not only a resource for learning about rare and beautiful gems, the book also presents the stories of the people who once owned or were associated with these jewels—from ordinary people to kings, emperors, maharajas, celebrities, and captains of industry.


Hope Diamond

Hope Diamond

Author: Richard Kurin

Publisher: Smithsonian Institution

Published: 2017-02-28

Total Pages: 400

ISBN-13: 1588344193

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An entertaining and well-researched history of the Hope diamond Since its discovery in seventeenth-century India, the Hope diamond, a glimmering deep blue gem weighing over 45 carats, has been shrouded in mystery and steeped in intrigue. In this groundbreaking work, Dr. Richard Kurin goes beyond the speculation to reveal the truth behind a legendary stone. Kurin, a cultural anthropologist, spent more than a decade on the trail of the legendary gem. But the 'curse' that surrounds it, which Kurin puts to rest once and for all, is only one small piece of a long and lustrous story that moves between ancient religion and modern magic, royal power and class rivalry, revenge and greed. Richly illustrated, Hope Diamond works in a grand historical tradition: depicting the specific to reveal the universal.


Book Synopsis Hope Diamond by : Richard Kurin

Download or read book Hope Diamond written by Richard Kurin and published by Smithsonian Institution. This book was released on 2017-02-28 with total page 400 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: An entertaining and well-researched history of the Hope diamond Since its discovery in seventeenth-century India, the Hope diamond, a glimmering deep blue gem weighing over 45 carats, has been shrouded in mystery and steeped in intrigue. In this groundbreaking work, Dr. Richard Kurin goes beyond the speculation to reveal the truth behind a legendary stone. Kurin, a cultural anthropologist, spent more than a decade on the trail of the legendary gem. But the 'curse' that surrounds it, which Kurin puts to rest once and for all, is only one small piece of a long and lustrous story that moves between ancient religion and modern magic, royal power and class rivalry, revenge and greed. Richly illustrated, Hope Diamond works in a grand historical tradition: depicting the specific to reveal the universal.


Gem

Gem

Author: DK

Publisher: Penguin

Published: 2016-10-04

Total Pages: 442

ISBN-13: 1465462120

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Prepare to be dazzled by this shining and sumptuous visual guide to the world's greatest treasures. Feast your eyes on glittering gemstones, kaleidoscopic minerals, and famous trinkets in this comprehensive exploration of Earth's finest jewels. Following a foreword from Aja Raden, hundreds of pages take a lavish look at precious stones, precious metals, and organic gems in all their natural wonder. From agate to zoisite, everything under the Sun is encapsulated in spectacular photography and accessible text. Trace the history of gemmology and get the inside story on our planet's most famous and fabulous gems, including the mysterious Hope Diamond, the stunning Koh-i-Noor of the Crown Jewels, and exquisite Fabergé eggs. Find out their physical properties, check the price tags, and discover the most remarkable record-breakers. This exceptionally extravagant book is a picture-packed, fact-filled celebration guaranteed to bring sparkle to your life and your library.


Book Synopsis Gem by : DK

Download or read book Gem written by DK and published by Penguin. This book was released on 2016-10-04 with total page 442 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Prepare to be dazzled by this shining and sumptuous visual guide to the world's greatest treasures. Feast your eyes on glittering gemstones, kaleidoscopic minerals, and famous trinkets in this comprehensive exploration of Earth's finest jewels. Following a foreword from Aja Raden, hundreds of pages take a lavish look at precious stones, precious metals, and organic gems in all their natural wonder. From agate to zoisite, everything under the Sun is encapsulated in spectacular photography and accessible text. Trace the history of gemmology and get the inside story on our planet's most famous and fabulous gems, including the mysterious Hope Diamond, the stunning Koh-i-Noor of the Crown Jewels, and exquisite Fabergé eggs. Find out their physical properties, check the price tags, and discover the most remarkable record-breakers. This exceptionally extravagant book is a picture-packed, fact-filled celebration guaranteed to bring sparkle to your life and your library.


Treasures of the Smithsonian

Treasures of the Smithsonian

Author: Edwards Park

Publisher: Random House Value Publishing

Published: 1994

Total Pages: 504

ISBN-13: 9780517119556

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Features the masterpieces of art, history, invention, and nature selected from the Smithsonian exhibition.


Book Synopsis Treasures of the Smithsonian by : Edwards Park

Download or read book Treasures of the Smithsonian written by Edwards Park and published by Random House Value Publishing. This book was released on 1994 with total page 504 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Features the masterpieces of art, history, invention, and nature selected from the Smithsonian exhibition.


Jewels by JAR

Jewels by JAR

Author: Adrian Sassoon

Publisher: Metropolitan Museum of Art

Published: 2013

Total Pages: 147

ISBN-13: 1588395316

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Called "the Fabergé of our time" by Diane von Furstenberg, Joel A. Rosenthal, who works in Paris under the name JAR, is one of the most acclaimed jewellery designers of the past thirty years. JAR is known for his use of precious and semi-precious stones resplendent with myriad shades of vibrant colour and set in organic shapes: one brooch, for instance, features lifelike petals in subtly differentiated hues, made from a thousand pavé sapphires and amethysts. The New York Times has described his jewellery as "belligerent, stubborn, audacious, funny, contradictory", while JAR himself has characterised his work as "somewhere between geometry and a bouquet of flowers". This book, featuring nearly 70 pieces from throughout JAR's career, provides a concise, accessible, elegantly designed retrospective of the best of his jewellery creations, and is the only book of its kind on his work available in English.


Book Synopsis Jewels by JAR by : Adrian Sassoon

Download or read book Jewels by JAR written by Adrian Sassoon and published by Metropolitan Museum of Art. This book was released on 2013 with total page 147 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Called "the Fabergé of our time" by Diane von Furstenberg, Joel A. Rosenthal, who works in Paris under the name JAR, is one of the most acclaimed jewellery designers of the past thirty years. JAR is known for his use of precious and semi-precious stones resplendent with myriad shades of vibrant colour and set in organic shapes: one brooch, for instance, features lifelike petals in subtly differentiated hues, made from a thousand pavé sapphires and amethysts. The New York Times has described his jewellery as "belligerent, stubborn, audacious, funny, contradictory", while JAR himself has characterised his work as "somewhere between geometry and a bouquet of flowers". This book, featuring nearly 70 pieces from throughout JAR's career, provides a concise, accessible, elegantly designed retrospective of the best of his jewellery creations, and is the only book of its kind on his work available in English.


Diamonds

Diamonds

Author: Renee Newman

Publisher: Firefly Books

Published: 2021-10

Total Pages: 304

ISBN-13: 9780228103318

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The beauty and sparkle and mystique of diamonds is unmatched by that of any other gem in the world. Since early times, diamonds have been treasured as good luck charms, remarkable tools and status symbols and have been worn, collected and presented as lavish gifts. Today, diamonds remain among the most sought-after gemstones and continue to hold their value through good times and bad. In Diamonds, author Renée Newman, a graduate gemologist and author of many trade-level handbooks on gemstones, invites the reader on a journey into the fascinating world of diamonds. This lavishly illustrated guide -- which features hundreds of photos, maps and diagrams -- covers everything from mining, cutting and evaluating diamonds to the romantic histories of some of the world's most valuable stones. Diamonds includes chapters on: What a diamond is -- its significance from antiquity to the present day and what it represents from different perspectives The process and history of mining diamonds -- the locations (both modern and historical) as well as the techniques used to mine diamonds The evolution of diamond cutting -- how a diamond is processed and what are the key cuts and shapes to know Diamond jewelry through the ages -- how diamonds have been used in jewelry from pre-Georgian times to today Evaluating and pricing diamonds -- how diamonds are priced based on their many value factors, such as color, carat weight, cut, clarity, and so on Man-made diamonds The remarkable benefits of diamonds. As beautiful as they are precious and as useful as they are decorative, diamonds continue to fascinate and allure. Diamonds will be a welcome guide for anyone who has felt the romance and power of these fascinating gems. It will also be a useful resource for professionals in the jewelry trade.


Book Synopsis Diamonds by : Renee Newman

Download or read book Diamonds written by Renee Newman and published by Firefly Books. This book was released on 2021-10 with total page 304 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The beauty and sparkle and mystique of diamonds is unmatched by that of any other gem in the world. Since early times, diamonds have been treasured as good luck charms, remarkable tools and status symbols and have been worn, collected and presented as lavish gifts. Today, diamonds remain among the most sought-after gemstones and continue to hold their value through good times and bad. In Diamonds, author Renée Newman, a graduate gemologist and author of many trade-level handbooks on gemstones, invites the reader on a journey into the fascinating world of diamonds. This lavishly illustrated guide -- which features hundreds of photos, maps and diagrams -- covers everything from mining, cutting and evaluating diamonds to the romantic histories of some of the world's most valuable stones. Diamonds includes chapters on: What a diamond is -- its significance from antiquity to the present day and what it represents from different perspectives The process and history of mining diamonds -- the locations (both modern and historical) as well as the techniques used to mine diamonds The evolution of diamond cutting -- how a diamond is processed and what are the key cuts and shapes to know Diamond jewelry through the ages -- how diamonds have been used in jewelry from pre-Georgian times to today Evaluating and pricing diamonds -- how diamonds are priced based on their many value factors, such as color, carat weight, cut, clarity, and so on Man-made diamonds The remarkable benefits of diamonds. As beautiful as they are precious and as useful as they are decorative, diamonds continue to fascinate and allure. Diamonds will be a welcome guide for anyone who has felt the romance and power of these fascinating gems. It will also be a useful resource for professionals in the jewelry trade.


Famous Jewelry Collectors

Famous Jewelry Collectors

Author: Stefano Papi

Publisher:

Published: 2004

Total Pages: 208

ISBN-13: 9780500285121

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A tour of the famous gem and jewelry collections of some of history's wealthiest or most famous people shares the stories behind the pieces owned by such figures as the Duchess of Windsor, Barbara Hutton, and Ava Gardner. Reprint.


Book Synopsis Famous Jewelry Collectors by : Stefano Papi

Download or read book Famous Jewelry Collectors written by Stefano Papi and published by . This book was released on 2004 with total page 208 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A tour of the famous gem and jewelry collections of some of history's wealthiest or most famous people shares the stories behind the pieces owned by such figures as the Duchess of Windsor, Barbara Hutton, and Ava Gardner. Reprint.


Elizabeth Taylor: My Love Affair with Jewelry

Elizabeth Taylor: My Love Affair with Jewelry

Author: Elizabeth Taylor

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Published: 2002-09-30

Total Pages: 240

ISBN-13: 9780743236645

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Profiles the film star's collection of jewelry, providing descriptions of her most noteworthy pieces and describing their representation of particular relationships and events in her life.


Book Synopsis Elizabeth Taylor: My Love Affair with Jewelry by : Elizabeth Taylor

Download or read book Elizabeth Taylor: My Love Affair with Jewelry written by Elizabeth Taylor and published by Simon & Schuster. This book was released on 2002-09-30 with total page 240 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Profiles the film star's collection of jewelry, providing descriptions of her most noteworthy pieces and describing their representation of particular relationships and events in her life.


Jewels That Made History

Jewels That Made History

Author: Stellene Volandes

Publisher: Rizzoli Publications

Published: 2020-10-13

Total Pages: 226

ISBN-13: 0847868540

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The history of the world--triumphs and tragedies, breakthroughs and breakups--through the iconic jewels that have inspired and influenced since the dawn of time. From ancient treasures to royal weddings, great heists to the red carpet, this book is a stunning, surprising, and glittering tour of historic turning points and gem-driven drama, delving into the passions and predilections of some of the world's most interesting and extraordinary people. Starting in the era of Cleopatra and continuing through to contemporary jewelry statements by Jennifer Lopez, Lady Gaga, and Meghan Markle, Stellene Volandes tells the stories of how shiny stones and precious metals have determined empires, inspired expeditions and great crime, and been the communicator of status and ruin since ancient times. Each moment is placed in historic and relevant context, with Volandes drawing engaging parallels between Napoleon's gift to Marie Louise at the birth of their son and the modern push present or the insouciant story behind the brooch Jackie Kennedy famously wore to a 1962 State Dinner with the Shah of Iran. Illustrated with a mix of archival images and gorgeous photography of the jewels, this book is a beautiful, informative, and essential read for history lovers, fashion, celebrity, and pop-culture followers, as well as passionate jewel hounds.


Book Synopsis Jewels That Made History by : Stellene Volandes

Download or read book Jewels That Made History written by Stellene Volandes and published by Rizzoli Publications. This book was released on 2020-10-13 with total page 226 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The history of the world--triumphs and tragedies, breakthroughs and breakups--through the iconic jewels that have inspired and influenced since the dawn of time. From ancient treasures to royal weddings, great heists to the red carpet, this book is a stunning, surprising, and glittering tour of historic turning points and gem-driven drama, delving into the passions and predilections of some of the world's most interesting and extraordinary people. Starting in the era of Cleopatra and continuing through to contemporary jewelry statements by Jennifer Lopez, Lady Gaga, and Meghan Markle, Stellene Volandes tells the stories of how shiny stones and precious metals have determined empires, inspired expeditions and great crime, and been the communicator of status and ruin since ancient times. Each moment is placed in historic and relevant context, with Volandes drawing engaging parallels between Napoleon's gift to Marie Louise at the birth of their son and the modern push present or the insouciant story behind the brooch Jackie Kennedy famously wore to a 1962 State Dinner with the Shah of Iran. Illustrated with a mix of archival images and gorgeous photography of the jewels, this book is a beautiful, informative, and essential read for history lovers, fashion, celebrity, and pop-culture followers, as well as passionate jewel hounds.


7000 Years of Jewelry

7000 Years of Jewelry

Author: Hugh Tait

Publisher:

Published: 2008

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9781554073955

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An illustrated history of jewelry, exploring the varied styles, techniques and materials used to make jewelry throughout the world.


Book Synopsis 7000 Years of Jewelry by : Hugh Tait

Download or read book 7000 Years of Jewelry written by Hugh Tait and published by . This book was released on 2008 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: An illustrated history of jewelry, exploring the varied styles, techniques and materials used to make jewelry throughout the world.