Legendary Gems or Gems That Made History

by Eric Bruton

Bright-colored stones found in ancient riverbeds or on desolate desert floors have often had a more lasting influence on human destiny than the words or actions or contemporary military, ecclesiastic, or political rulers. Some stones were powerful because of their supposed mystical properties; others acquired such value that they financed armies and changed the balance of power among nations. This absorbing and often astonishing history of legendary gems is told with style and wit by expert gemmologist Eric Bruton. Amid legends and intrigue are hard facts about gems—classification, valuation, and engraving.

250 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 1986