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Precious: The History and Mystery of Gems Across Time
THE COMPS: Meetings with Remarkable Manuscripts by Christopher de Hamel (HB TCM: 32K) The Secret Lives Of Colour by Kassia St Clair (HB TCM: 35K); The Hare With Amber Eyes by Edmund de Waal (HBTCM: 54K); Lapidarium by Hettie Judah (HB TCM: 3K)
272 pages, Hardcover
Published September 17, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
July 4, 2024
I would've enjoyed this book more if it were less about the author's personal anecdotes in her field as a gemologist, and more about the gems themselves.
In that, the subheader for this book is a bit misleading. Whilst it does indeed include some history, it's in the form of tidbits and often personal commentary and opinion than history plain and simple. The assortment of stories and trivia about celebrities and royalty in relation to jewels were both already known and not very interesting to me. And Molesworth's at-work anecdotes as a jewellery expert for an auction house were even less interesting. I suppose that, if you are into stuff like learning what expensive jewellery a star like Liz Taylor got from her husbands, or want to know insider gossip and family anecdotes from a Christie's or Sotheby's resident gemology expert, you'd find the book's content and style more to your liking.
But I wanted the history of the gems, not more of what I already know. I've been looking for a book about the history and cultural impact of precious stones that includes all the heavy hitters, because there are books for single stones (rubies and emeralds and pearls, I have two such books) or even individual gemstones (I have a book about the Koh-i-Noor), and "Precious" seemed to tick all the boxes.
It doesn't. But it did have things I liked, for example: the inclusion of stones that aren't considered "precious" in the West. I had noticed before that in Eastern cultures, stones like the spinel and garnet were precious, and had wondered about this difference with the West. Molesworth goes into that, which is appreciated. I think the chapters dedicated to these stones that aren't universally precious were the most interesting, and what saved the book for me. It includes also quartz and jade, that also have more value outside the Western sphere, so that makes a total of six chapters dedicated to universally precious gems (ruby, emerald, sapphire, pearl, diamond, and coloured diamonds) and four to culture-specific precious gems (spinel, garnet, quartz, and jade). I'm somewhat surprised at the absence of opal, though, and also lament the oversight of certain stones no longer considered precious but that were very appreciated in past centuries, such as Lapiz lazuli, turquoise, amethyst...
So, it's not a thorough or particularly in-depth book about gemstones. If you read this, you should be aware that it's mostly generalities and personal input, and don't expect much more than that.
I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
In that, the subheader for this book is a bit misleading. Whilst it does indeed include some history, it's in the form of tidbits and often personal commentary and opinion than history plain and simple. The assortment of stories and trivia about celebrities and royalty in relation to jewels were both already known and not very interesting to me. And Molesworth's at-work anecdotes as a jewellery expert for an auction house were even less interesting. I suppose that, if you are into stuff like learning what expensive jewellery a star like Liz Taylor got from her husbands, or want to know insider gossip and family anecdotes from a Christie's or Sotheby's resident gemology expert, you'd find the book's content and style more to your liking.
But I wanted the history of the gems, not more of what I already know. I've been looking for a book about the history and cultural impact of precious stones that includes all the heavy hitters, because there are books for single stones (rubies and emeralds and pearls, I have two such books) or even individual gemstones (I have a book about the Koh-i-Noor), and "Precious" seemed to tick all the boxes.
It doesn't. But it did have things I liked, for example: the inclusion of stones that aren't considered "precious" in the West. I had noticed before that in Eastern cultures, stones like the spinel and garnet were precious, and had wondered about this difference with the West. Molesworth goes into that, which is appreciated. I think the chapters dedicated to these stones that aren't universally precious were the most interesting, and what saved the book for me. It includes also quartz and jade, that also have more value outside the Western sphere, so that makes a total of six chapters dedicated to universally precious gems (ruby, emerald, sapphire, pearl, diamond, and coloured diamonds) and four to culture-specific precious gems (spinel, garnet, quartz, and jade). I'm somewhat surprised at the absence of opal, though, and also lament the oversight of certain stones no longer considered precious but that were very appreciated in past centuries, such as Lapiz lazuli, turquoise, amethyst...
So, it's not a thorough or particularly in-depth book about gemstones. If you read this, you should be aware that it's mostly generalities and personal input, and don't expect much more than that.
I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 1, 2025
Cute way to know more about gems :) especially if you like the history / storytelling part more than the science and trade part
August 30, 2024
This is a fascinating and absorbing book on gems, including many famous pieces that we’ve heard and read about. From the science of gemstones, mining, marketing and value to their historical, cultural and religious significance, this book covers it all. The author has done a wonderful job covering the breadth of the gemology world in a writing style that is interesting, engaging and relatable. She clearly loves what she does and her interest and passion for gemology continues despite her vast experience and work in the industry. I love how she shared her experience and knowledge while continuing to be excited about future discoveries in the gemology world. Just over a week ago, the second largest ever diamond in the world - at 2,492 carats - was discovered in a mine in Botswana. It’s the biggest diamond found since 1905. I’m sure this was just the kind of future discovery that keeps life interesting for Ms. Molesworth! Overall, this book was a great read and I definitely recommend it. Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
September 30, 2024
The author writes convincingly about how moved she is by gems. She REALLY loves them and holding a special specimen in her hands gives her quite a buzz. I don't share this feeling (I guess - maybe I've just never been around any special jewlery) but I am interested in most things and the way gems are created, discovered and mined is something I knew very little about. The book also tells the surprising history of what different gems have represented though the years, and how the prestige and value of gem types has risen and fallen. There were also human stories of specific gems and the people who have owned them. This was a fun, quick read and I loved how passionate and knowledgeable Molesworth is about her subject.
December 13, 2025
3.5
Precious: The History and Mystery of Gems Across Time by Helen Molesworth is a deeply engaging and often dazzling exploration of humanity’s long obsession with stones that glitter, refract, and endure. I found it fascinating from start to finish, and I can honestly say I have never read a book in which the history of gemstones was so fully and vividly on display. Molesworth writes with clarity and confidence, weaving together geology, craftsmanship, biography, and cultural symbolism into a narrative that is both accessible and richly detailed. Gems here are not inert objects but actors—objects that move through time, accrue meaning, and reflect the values and contradictions of the societies that covet them.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its ability to make gemstones feel historically alive. Molesworth excels at tracing how individual stones and jewel collections become embedded in personal and political narratives. The reader is taken into the treasuries, drawing rooms, and vaults where gems change hands, are reset, renamed, and repurposed. There is a palpable sense of continuity: stones outlast empires, owners, and even the meanings once attached to them. In this way, Precious succeeds admirably as a meditation on endurance and desire, showing how gems function as repositories of memory, power, and aspiration.
That said, the historical frame of the book is more narrowly focused than the title might initially suggest. While Molesworth gestures toward deep time and ancient origins, the sustained historical narrative largely begins with the reign of Queen Victoria and extends through modern European royalty and celebrity culture. Victorian Britain becomes a kind of gravitational center for the book, with its imperial reach, codification of taste, and obsession with classification shaping much of the discussion that follows. From there, the story moves fluidly through twentieth-century royal households and into Hollywood glamour, with Elizabeth Taylor appearing repeatedly as a modern inheritor of gem mythology—part collector, part performer, part living reliquary.
Elizabeth Taylor’s presence is, admittedly, compelling. Molesworth uses Taylor to show how gemstones migrated from aristocratic lineage to celebrity spectacle, how diamonds and emeralds became symbols not only of wealth but of personality, romance, and excess. These passages are lively and insightful, and they effectively demonstrate how gems function in a media-saturated age. Still, the repeated return to Western icons—royals, actresses, European jewelers—ultimately narrows the scope of what could have been a more expansive global history.
What I found myself wishing for, increasingly as the book progressed, was a deeper engagement with the cultures of the regions where these gems are actually found. India and the African continent appear primarily as sources—places of extraction rather than fully realized cultural worlds with their own gem histories, aesthetics, and symbolic systems. The reader learns far more about how diamonds, rubies, and emeralds were recontextualized once they entered European courts than about how they were understood, valued, and worked within the societies that first mined and revered them.
This imbalance matters, because it subtly reinforces a familiar narrative in which meaning is conferred by white imperialism rather than challenged or complicated by preexisting traditions. Gems become “precious” in the book largely at the moment they are claimed, displayed, or cataloged by imperial powers. A richer exploration of Indian gem lore, African craftsmanship, and non-European systems of value would not only have broadened the historical scope but also destabilized the idea that legitimacy and significance flow outward from empire. Such perspectives might have complicated the narrative in productive ways, showing gems as objects of contested meaning rather than trophies of conquest and inheritance.
Despite this critique, Precious remains an absorbing and impressively researched work. Molesworth’s prose is elegant without being precious, and her ability to connect objects to people and eras is consistently compelling. The book succeeds in making readers see gemstones not merely as luxury items but as historical documents—compressed, glittering records of human ambition and belief. While I would have welcomed a more global and decolonized approach, the book nonetheless offers a richly textured account of how gems have functioned as symbols of power, beauty, and continuity in the modern Western imagination. It is a rewarding read, one that lingers in the mind much like the stones it so lovingly describes.
Precious: The History and Mystery of Gems Across Time by Helen Molesworth is a deeply engaging and often dazzling exploration of humanity’s long obsession with stones that glitter, refract, and endure. I found it fascinating from start to finish, and I can honestly say I have never read a book in which the history of gemstones was so fully and vividly on display. Molesworth writes with clarity and confidence, weaving together geology, craftsmanship, biography, and cultural symbolism into a narrative that is both accessible and richly detailed. Gems here are not inert objects but actors—objects that move through time, accrue meaning, and reflect the values and contradictions of the societies that covet them.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its ability to make gemstones feel historically alive. Molesworth excels at tracing how individual stones and jewel collections become embedded in personal and political narratives. The reader is taken into the treasuries, drawing rooms, and vaults where gems change hands, are reset, renamed, and repurposed. There is a palpable sense of continuity: stones outlast empires, owners, and even the meanings once attached to them. In this way, Precious succeeds admirably as a meditation on endurance and desire, showing how gems function as repositories of memory, power, and aspiration.
That said, the historical frame of the book is more narrowly focused than the title might initially suggest. While Molesworth gestures toward deep time and ancient origins, the sustained historical narrative largely begins with the reign of Queen Victoria and extends through modern European royalty and celebrity culture. Victorian Britain becomes a kind of gravitational center for the book, with its imperial reach, codification of taste, and obsession with classification shaping much of the discussion that follows. From there, the story moves fluidly through twentieth-century royal households and into Hollywood glamour, with Elizabeth Taylor appearing repeatedly as a modern inheritor of gem mythology—part collector, part performer, part living reliquary.
Elizabeth Taylor’s presence is, admittedly, compelling. Molesworth uses Taylor to show how gemstones migrated from aristocratic lineage to celebrity spectacle, how diamonds and emeralds became symbols not only of wealth but of personality, romance, and excess. These passages are lively and insightful, and they effectively demonstrate how gems function in a media-saturated age. Still, the repeated return to Western icons—royals, actresses, European jewelers—ultimately narrows the scope of what could have been a more expansive global history.
What I found myself wishing for, increasingly as the book progressed, was a deeper engagement with the cultures of the regions where these gems are actually found. India and the African continent appear primarily as sources—places of extraction rather than fully realized cultural worlds with their own gem histories, aesthetics, and symbolic systems. The reader learns far more about how diamonds, rubies, and emeralds were recontextualized once they entered European courts than about how they were understood, valued, and worked within the societies that first mined and revered them.
This imbalance matters, because it subtly reinforces a familiar narrative in which meaning is conferred by white imperialism rather than challenged or complicated by preexisting traditions. Gems become “precious” in the book largely at the moment they are claimed, displayed, or cataloged by imperial powers. A richer exploration of Indian gem lore, African craftsmanship, and non-European systems of value would not only have broadened the historical scope but also destabilized the idea that legitimacy and significance flow outward from empire. Such perspectives might have complicated the narrative in productive ways, showing gems as objects of contested meaning rather than trophies of conquest and inheritance.
Despite this critique, Precious remains an absorbing and impressively researched work. Molesworth’s prose is elegant without being precious, and her ability to connect objects to people and eras is consistently compelling. The book succeeds in making readers see gemstones not merely as luxury items but as historical documents—compressed, glittering records of human ambition and belief. While I would have welcomed a more global and decolonized approach, the book nonetheless offers a richly textured account of how gems have functioned as symbols of power, beauty, and continuity in the modern Western imagination. It is a rewarding read, one that lingers in the mind much like the stones it so lovingly describes.
September 27, 2024
This book was incredible!
The way that Helen Molesworth speaks about gems, about how they can change your life, is amazing. “Perhaps more than any other gemstone, the emerald is a mirror of humanity: flawed, fragile, and all the more captivating for these faults”
She weaves such in interesting story, combining her knowledge, experience, and first-hand interactions with timeless pieces of history. She also has such a beautiful way with words and capturing such intense emotions. When she is speaking about the blue Wittelsbach diamond (worth an astonishing 24.3 million) she describes the experience by saying, “I felt pulled in, as if I were falling into a dangerous lake. It was like a piece of my soul had been extracted and absorbed into the grayish-blue pool of the diamond. Some small piece of me gone forever.” Phenomenal.
She describes witnessing the sale of some of the most expensive gems in the world, as well as her experience visiting the mines where these incredible pieces of earth-magic live.
I learned so much about gems we all know and love as well as some I had never heard of (and are now on my wishlist!).
Speaking of gems that are now on my wishlist, when she speaks about Tanzanite, I loved that she included the verbiage from a Tiffany’s advertisement. “Tanzanite can now be found in significant quantities in only two places in the world: in Tanzania and in Tiffany’s”
I absolutely loved this book. Thank you so much to Goodreads for this fantastic ARC!
The way that Helen Molesworth speaks about gems, about how they can change your life, is amazing. “Perhaps more than any other gemstone, the emerald is a mirror of humanity: flawed, fragile, and all the more captivating for these faults”
She weaves such in interesting story, combining her knowledge, experience, and first-hand interactions with timeless pieces of history. She also has such a beautiful way with words and capturing such intense emotions. When she is speaking about the blue Wittelsbach diamond (worth an astonishing 24.3 million) she describes the experience by saying, “I felt pulled in, as if I were falling into a dangerous lake. It was like a piece of my soul had been extracted and absorbed into the grayish-blue pool of the diamond. Some small piece of me gone forever.” Phenomenal.
She describes witnessing the sale of some of the most expensive gems in the world, as well as her experience visiting the mines where these incredible pieces of earth-magic live.
I learned so much about gems we all know and love as well as some I had never heard of (and are now on my wishlist!).
Speaking of gems that are now on my wishlist, when she speaks about Tanzanite, I loved that she included the verbiage from a Tiffany’s advertisement. “Tanzanite can now be found in significant quantities in only two places in the world: in Tanzania and in Tiffany’s”
I absolutely loved this book. Thank you so much to Goodreads for this fantastic ARC!
December 23, 2024
A very interesting deep-dive into the world of gemstones, their history [quite often not what we might think], and some of the most outrageous auctions, complete with prices paid for ginormous gemstones [this part was deeply troubling to read as people all over the world are struggling, starving {often in the VERY countries where these gemstones are mined}, and dying from lack of care or the inability to pay for even the most basic care; to read about the auctions and the money spent is nothing short of obscene], which will boggle the mind [and hopefully fill the reader with a teeny bit of disgust].
Filled with personal anecdotes from the author [some are very funny and some are very touching. The stories about Princess Margaret were particularly enjoyable], this was a very good read and I recommend it to anyone who loves good history and non-jewelry and jewelry lovers alike.
Thank you to NetGalley, Helen Molesworth, and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine/Ballantine Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Filled with personal anecdotes from the author [some are very funny and some are very touching. The stories about Princess Margaret were particularly enjoyable], this was a very good read and I recommend it to anyone who loves good history and non-jewelry and jewelry lovers alike.
Thank you to NetGalley, Helen Molesworth, and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine/Ballantine Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 19, 2024
« Precious » is a beautifully written history of gemstones and jewellery and of their value and cultural significance for civilisations around the world, from ancient Egypt and Greece, China, India, Central America to today’s auction houses where they fetch unimaginable sums. Helen Molesworth brings all her knowledge of the classics, archaeology, geology, gemmology and jewellery to present some of the most dazzling jewels and the often very human stories of what they meant for the celebrities with whom they came to live. A fascinating world of sparkling beauty, purity and raw emotion.
Peter, a gem-lover
Peter, a gem-lover
March 6, 2025
I took my time with this one and it did not disappoint! Every historical fact about the gems and jewellers is this are absolutely fascinating. The stories she told about visiting mines herself, handling precious jewellery and her travels that led her to revisit places her grandfather once did are quite something. As a jeweller myself looking to further my knowledge into gemmology this was the perfect read to start and has certainly given me a few things to look into further. Jeweller or not, I highly recommend this book!
October 23, 2024
Full of fascinating origin stories, this well researched volume showcases Molesworth’s dynamic career in gems.
September 18, 2024
This is the book for everyone who has a fascination with gems. It’s beautifully written and well constructed. The stories behind the gems really take your breath away. It’s a true joy to read and I can’t wait for the next book! And I do also highly recommend the audiobook. (I have both!)
September 18, 2024
Amazing
Beautifully crafted, amazingly well rounded, a true gem. Required reading for anyone with an interest in jewellery, beginners and experts alike.
Beautifully crafted, amazingly well rounded, a true gem. Required reading for anyone with an interest in jewellery, beginners and experts alike.
August 31, 2024
Loved every chapter! As someone who has a keen interest in jewellery I really wanted to educate myself a little deeper on the subject and I found the editing and insight invaluable. A wonderful read and a perfect pace - just wish there was more! So much passion and research. The author knows her work and it shows. How exciting to be part of that world!
July 3, 2024
Before I provide a review, let me advice that I think this is likely to be a book that should be read/purchased in print. I read an advance readers copy on Kindle that did not contain what I am sure will be amazingly stunning photographs of many of the exquisite jewelry pieces detailed in this book. Setting that aside, this book provides an interesting history of ten categories of gemstones, including their geography, how different civilizations valued then, geologic properties and some modern-day cultural context (which I hungered for much more of!). The book really shines in those places where the author describes the most famous pieces, who they were owned by, how they were worn, etc. In some places, the book does get a little wonky, sometimes repetitive and occasionally, too much of the author's memories of her uncle/grandfather, that while sweet, do not add to the book. I read this book around the time of my late mom's birthday—I think she and others who have a love for gemstones and jewelry will enjoy and appreciate this book. It is very much for that niche crowd. I am not sure it has broader appeal given the limited amount of modern-day cultural context around who is wearing what stones, value, etc. For that reason, giving this book a 3-1/2 star review.
February 3, 2024
Wow, wow, wow. As a gemstone lover I was thrilled to get a copy of this book to review and couldn't wait to dive into the book to learn more about my favourite sparklies.
This is a fascinating read about the gemstones, their history, provenance, formation and location. From rubies and emeralds, to diamonds of all different colours and even the less well known spinel this is an interesting and engaging book. Helen takes us by the hand and leads us through some of our most well known and well loved stones with reference to how they came to be discovered, how they formed and what they are made of. Some of the most famous gems of our history are discussed, including how they have exchanged hands down the centuries - including travelling by first class mail!!
I loved this book and I know I will be re-reading it again. I would have liked some pictures to illustrate the famous stones being discussed (I'm thinking of the Koh-I-Noor diamond in particular here) as I spent a considerable amount of time having to google the stones to see what they looked like, but perhaps this is just a downside of the e-book version.
All in all this is a great read for lovers of gems.
With thanks to the publishers and netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is a fascinating read about the gemstones, their history, provenance, formation and location. From rubies and emeralds, to diamonds of all different colours and even the less well known spinel this is an interesting and engaging book. Helen takes us by the hand and leads us through some of our most well known and well loved stones with reference to how they came to be discovered, how they formed and what they are made of. Some of the most famous gems of our history are discussed, including how they have exchanged hands down the centuries - including travelling by first class mail!!
I loved this book and I know I will be re-reading it again. I would have liked some pictures to illustrate the famous stones being discussed (I'm thinking of the Koh-I-Noor diamond in particular here) as I spent a considerable amount of time having to google the stones to see what they looked like, but perhaps this is just a downside of the e-book version.
All in all this is a great read for lovers of gems.
With thanks to the publishers and netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 23, 2024
Beautiful writing! When I first started this book, I was captivated by Helen Molesworth's melodious description of gemstones & their formation.
You don't have to be a geology expert to appreciate the chemical formation of earth's beautiful jewels. The author's writing is lyrical: "That stone is the product of nature’s extremes and expanses, born from the collisions and eruptions that shaped the planet as we know it today, as mountains formed and continents closed over long-forgotten oceans." As a history/archeology buff, I especially appreciated the author's extensive knowledge of the historical & archeological context of gemstones. Stones are not just beautiful; they are windows into a distant past. Ancient cultures revered stones and lovingly shaped them into perfection. The miners, builders, and owners are tied to the history of the stone. Overall, I enjoyed learning more about the historical context of stones; their significance in society, and their symbolism. I encourage readers to look up pictures of the stones to fully appreciate their beauty.
Thank you Netgalley for providing me with a complimentary copy of Precious! All opinions are my own.
You don't have to be a geology expert to appreciate the chemical formation of earth's beautiful jewels. The author's writing is lyrical: "That stone is the product of nature’s extremes and expanses, born from the collisions and eruptions that shaped the planet as we know it today, as mountains formed and continents closed over long-forgotten oceans." As a history/archeology buff, I especially appreciated the author's extensive knowledge of the historical & archeological context of gemstones. Stones are not just beautiful; they are windows into a distant past. Ancient cultures revered stones and lovingly shaped them into perfection. The miners, builders, and owners are tied to the history of the stone. Overall, I enjoyed learning more about the historical context of stones; their significance in society, and their symbolism. I encourage readers to look up pictures of the stones to fully appreciate their beauty.
Thank you Netgalley for providing me with a complimentary copy of Precious! All opinions are my own.
August 10, 2024
Oh my goodness, I LOVED this book. It gave a well written fascinating insight into how gems are created within the depths of the earth and how miraculous that creation is. I have been fascinated by and in love with gemstones since I was a very little girl admiring my grandmother's jewellery. I am just delighted that someone has taken the time to write a book that delves into the creation, the history and the cultural associations of different gemstones.
September 6, 2024
I was given an advance reading copy (arc) of this book from the publisher and NetGalley.com in exchange for a fair review. I so wanted to like this book, but it was more like a textbook written about various gems (think diamonds, emeralds, pearls, etc.). The author gave what seemed like a detailed (and boring) account of how these gems came to be in the geological sense. More interesting were her comments about certain aspects of famous gems and their owners throughout history. Author Helen Molesworth has had a unique career working with these jewels. Unfortunately, her experiences were not only hard to identify with, but most of her diatribe was long-winded and boring. I was expecting so much more. Holding jewels and touching them did little to impress me. Visiting mines in far flung places should have been more interesting, but it all seemed so dull. At the very least, I can say I was disappointed. Molesworth's unique role should have made a great read. Instead, it was hard to get through.
July 24, 2024
I pretty much pick up every new book on gemstones/jewelry I can find and this, obviously, was no exception. I was expecting lots of repetition from other books I've read, and there was that, but it was interspersed with fresh information that Molesworth gained in the field as well as her personal anecdotes as a gem expert and auction house valuer. This made all the difference in making this novel still engaging and enjoyable to an armchair expert. Highly recommended! Plus (not to judge a book by its cover), this UK edition is just so gorgeous.
June 8, 2024
I loved this book and read it in 3 days, as I couldn’t put it down. It’s so well written and informative and I’ve learnt so much about gems such as spinel, which I’d never really been interested in. The history of who owned the gems, is interesting and funny in places, and the images are lovely.
I would recommend this book for anyone with an interest in gems, social history, or just a good read.
This book will stay in my thoughts, for a long time.
I would recommend this book for anyone with an interest in gems, social history, or just a good read.
This book will stay in my thoughts, for a long time.
March 15, 2024
This is a very informative book on the history of different gems. It is perfect for anyone interested in jewellery and wants to find out more about the back story of what they love.
June 22, 2024
4.5 rounded up
Disclaimer: I received an ARC via Netgalley.
Helen Molesworth book is a love letter to jewelry and gems. It also is at times a quasi-memoir. Quasi because it focuses on her experience with some jeweler y as well as the discovery of some of her grandfather’s travels. But it is far less of a memoir, and far more a love letter.
And that is pretty awesome.
Molesworth absolute love of what she is writing might not be the most obvious selling point for the book, but it makes the book work so well. It’s always fun to read or listen to someone who really loves their work. The other selling point, and most likely the one that is going to be highlighted, is that Molesworth has worked with the collections that were held by Elizabeth Taylor, Wallis Simpson, and Princess Margaret.
But that’s icing, that really is.
Molesworth’s book is divided into chapters centered around various gems. The heavy hitters are here – diamonds, emeralds, rubies. However, and this is great, she includes less games (at least lesser to Western audiences) – garnet, spinel and quartz. Each chapter gives what is in essence an overview of how it is made, where it can be found, possibly a trip to a mine, and famous examples.
Now many of those examples come from the jewelry of Elizabeth Taylor whose two time husband Richard Burton put really nice pieces into stockings. She just had to make sure her dogs didn’t chew them. But they aren’t the only ones mentioned.
Three words -Jade Burial Suits.
Eight words -Goose being feed gems to make them glow.
(Other famous people with jewelry mention here include Cleopatra, Monroe, and Beyoncé).
In some class, such as with jade and spinel, Molesworth discusses why in some cases the West viewed them differently than the East. This is particularly true for spinel, where Molesworth traces why the stone fell out of favor in the West.
There is science here as well. Molesworth speaks of the various ways the gems are developed. She goes into the difference between the types of pearls as well as the different types of diamonds. But it isn’t overly scientific writing, so you don’t have to be a geologist to understand it. Furthermore, the love for the subject shines though so even the science bits are not dry at all.
In some cases, Molesworth journeys to the mines and places where the gems are found. This includes Burma and that section is particularly interesting. She also visits mines in Columbia and helps look for gems in Sri Lanka (another wonderful chapter). She goes into some of the traditions surrounding not only the crafting of the gems but also the mining of them. The chapter detailing is particularly well written in this regard. She talks to the big names but she also talks to the workers whose names are not remembered.
It would be fair that Molesworth does not address colonialism and the various gem trades head on. But she does acknowledge it, and in the case of the Koh-I-Nor gives the unvarnished story about how the British monarchy got the basically stolen gem, which isn’t bad for a book that is also an introduction to gems. I do wish she had spent more time about the Columbia mine, however.
I enjoyed this book so much. IT was so fun to read a book that was fan girling as it were about gems. I’m going to buy a hard copy. You should order your copies now.
A quick shout out to Emma Thomasch who sent me an email and Netgalley invite for the book. Thank you. You should get a raise.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC via Netgalley.
Helen Molesworth book is a love letter to jewelry and gems. It also is at times a quasi-memoir. Quasi because it focuses on her experience with some jeweler y as well as the discovery of some of her grandfather’s travels. But it is far less of a memoir, and far more a love letter.
And that is pretty awesome.
Molesworth absolute love of what she is writing might not be the most obvious selling point for the book, but it makes the book work so well. It’s always fun to read or listen to someone who really loves their work. The other selling point, and most likely the one that is going to be highlighted, is that Molesworth has worked with the collections that were held by Elizabeth Taylor, Wallis Simpson, and Princess Margaret.
But that’s icing, that really is.
Molesworth’s book is divided into chapters centered around various gems. The heavy hitters are here – diamonds, emeralds, rubies. However, and this is great, she includes less games (at least lesser to Western audiences) – garnet, spinel and quartz. Each chapter gives what is in essence an overview of how it is made, where it can be found, possibly a trip to a mine, and famous examples.
Now many of those examples come from the jewelry of Elizabeth Taylor whose two time husband Richard Burton put really nice pieces into stockings. She just had to make sure her dogs didn’t chew them. But they aren’t the only ones mentioned.
Three words -Jade Burial Suits.
Eight words -Goose being feed gems to make them glow.
(Other famous people with jewelry mention here include Cleopatra, Monroe, and Beyoncé).
In some class, such as with jade and spinel, Molesworth discusses why in some cases the West viewed them differently than the East. This is particularly true for spinel, where Molesworth traces why the stone fell out of favor in the West.
There is science here as well. Molesworth speaks of the various ways the gems are developed. She goes into the difference between the types of pearls as well as the different types of diamonds. But it isn’t overly scientific writing, so you don’t have to be a geologist to understand it. Furthermore, the love for the subject shines though so even the science bits are not dry at all.
In some cases, Molesworth journeys to the mines and places where the gems are found. This includes Burma and that section is particularly interesting. She also visits mines in Columbia and helps look for gems in Sri Lanka (another wonderful chapter). She goes into some of the traditions surrounding not only the crafting of the gems but also the mining of them. The chapter detailing is particularly well written in this regard. She talks to the big names but she also talks to the workers whose names are not remembered.
It would be fair that Molesworth does not address colonialism and the various gem trades head on. But she does acknowledge it, and in the case of the Koh-I-Nor gives the unvarnished story about how the British monarchy got the basically stolen gem, which isn’t bad for a book that is also an introduction to gems. I do wish she had spent more time about the Columbia mine, however.
I enjoyed this book so much. IT was so fun to read a book that was fan girling as it were about gems. I’m going to buy a hard copy. You should order your copies now.
A quick shout out to Emma Thomasch who sent me an email and Netgalley invite for the book. Thank you. You should get a raise.
May 2, 2025
I picked this book up in Waterstones because I have a genuine interest in the history of textile and associated objets (as opposed to military and political history, although I do read some of that too), but mainly because the cover is SO appealing. It does indeed have a gemstone quality, so shoutout to the designers, and fuck AI.
I did learn quite a bit from this book, although I feel it either should have been shorter or the research should have been more extensive. Although maybe there’s not much more to say aside from ‘this is how X gem forms, this is where it’s found, this is how it’s extracted, this is its role in history, here are some famous examples.’
Fun facts:
‘Theophrastus, the Greek philosopher who composed a treatise on gemstones in the fourth century BC, asserted that emeralds were ‘good for the eyes’ and that people would carry them around to see better. [...] a practice historically common among jewellers, who would place green bowls of water on their workbenches as a comforting contrast for their eyes after hours of painstaking work.’
‘The replacement of aluminium with chromium in the lattice of the crystal is not only unusual, but also appears to have a destabilising effect on the structure that induces fractures and prevents rubies from growing to any great size.’
‘[Sapphire’s blue hue] is the same Rayleigh Scattering effect of sunlight in the atmosphere that leads us to perceive the sky as blue.’
‘Certain Tanzanian garnets that do not fit into any of the established groupings – as a hybrid of pyrope-almandine and spessartine that come in shades of orange, pink and red – are labelled ‘malaia’ (Swahili for prostitute, or outcast).’
UM!!!
‘Geographical confusion is common with diamonds, which generally lack the diversity of mineral impurities and chemical variation used by gemmologists to identify the origin of a stone.’
‘In this, the Koh-i-Noor was underlining an inescapable truth about the diamond: whatever the size of the stone, its provenance and history, there is nothing more important to the gem’s appeal than the way it has been cut and polished.’
I take issue with some of the writing style. Molesworth feels the need to cap every chapter (which is devoted to a type of gemstone) with a philosophical pablum, which comes across as space-filling nonsense:
‘Throughout history the sapphire has been a stone that declaims wealth and power, yet it has also come to assume a significant beyond displays of kingly might and divine prestige. Today it is also a gem that tells a story of love, loss and legacy – one that, as well as projecting power, serves to cast a new light on its human face and frailties.’
Like … that could apply to all gemstones and indeed all objects whose main function is beauty?
‘It was like a piece of my soul had been extracted and absorbed into the greyish-blue pool of the diamond. Some small piece of me gone forever.’
ARGH. Sorry, Helen, but I DO NOT CARE. This reminds me of reading Fabric by Victoria Finlay and – I am really sorry – not caring about her sad bereavement. If I wanted to read a memoir, ladies, that is what I’d do. YMMV, obviously, and maybe some people appreciate the personal touch. Controlling for the fact that there’s no such thing as a truly neutral voice, I prefer when historians do their best to erase themselves from the narrative entirely, thanks.
I did learn quite a bit from this book, although I feel it either should have been shorter or the research should have been more extensive. Although maybe there’s not much more to say aside from ‘this is how X gem forms, this is where it’s found, this is how it’s extracted, this is its role in history, here are some famous examples.’
Fun facts:
‘Theophrastus, the Greek philosopher who composed a treatise on gemstones in the fourth century BC, asserted that emeralds were ‘good for the eyes’ and that people would carry them around to see better. [...] a practice historically common among jewellers, who would place green bowls of water on their workbenches as a comforting contrast for their eyes after hours of painstaking work.’
‘The replacement of aluminium with chromium in the lattice of the crystal is not only unusual, but also appears to have a destabilising effect on the structure that induces fractures and prevents rubies from growing to any great size.’
‘[Sapphire’s blue hue] is the same Rayleigh Scattering effect of sunlight in the atmosphere that leads us to perceive the sky as blue.’
‘Certain Tanzanian garnets that do not fit into any of the established groupings – as a hybrid of pyrope-almandine and spessartine that come in shades of orange, pink and red – are labelled ‘malaia’ (Swahili for prostitute, or outcast).’
UM!!!
‘Geographical confusion is common with diamonds, which generally lack the diversity of mineral impurities and chemical variation used by gemmologists to identify the origin of a stone.’
‘In this, the Koh-i-Noor was underlining an inescapable truth about the diamond: whatever the size of the stone, its provenance and history, there is nothing more important to the gem’s appeal than the way it has been cut and polished.’
I take issue with some of the writing style. Molesworth feels the need to cap every chapter (which is devoted to a type of gemstone) with a philosophical pablum, which comes across as space-filling nonsense:
‘Throughout history the sapphire has been a stone that declaims wealth and power, yet it has also come to assume a significant beyond displays of kingly might and divine prestige. Today it is also a gem that tells a story of love, loss and legacy – one that, as well as projecting power, serves to cast a new light on its human face and frailties.’
Like … that could apply to all gemstones and indeed all objects whose main function is beauty?
‘It was like a piece of my soul had been extracted and absorbed into the greyish-blue pool of the diamond. Some small piece of me gone forever.’
ARGH. Sorry, Helen, but I DO NOT CARE. This reminds me of reading Fabric by Victoria Finlay and – I am really sorry – not caring about her sad bereavement. If I wanted to read a memoir, ladies, that is what I’d do. YMMV, obviously, and maybe some people appreciate the personal touch. Controlling for the fact that there’s no such thing as a truly neutral voice, I prefer when historians do their best to erase themselves from the narrative entirely, thanks.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2024
A fascinating history of the world of the most precious stones, their origins, their discoverers, owners, and their transformation from raw materials into fabulous jewelry. The author, British gemologist Helen Molesworth, has also participated in the auctions of some of the most famous jewels in the world. She devotes a chapter each to sapphires, emeralds, rubies, garnets, diamonds, pearls, quartz, jade, colored diamonds, and one I had heard of but mistakenly thought of as having little value, spinel.
We have probably all seen beautiful raw gems and glittering crystals in collections like the one in the Museum of Natural History in New York, and exhibitions of exquisite jewelry, decorative pieces, and religious artifacts in other museums and galleries, but Ms. Molesworth tells the stories behind the artistry of those diamond tiaras, jade sculptures, pearl choker collars, and so much more.
She takes us around the world to the mines of Africa, India, South America, Asia and more. We visit rivers where the local population pans for gems much like the prospectors who went to California in the nineteenth century to search for gold. We journey with her as she visits remote sites where legendary battles took place, and tombs were created for pharaohs, kings, and emperors. We go back in time to great civilizations that are no more and are buried under deserts and jungles.
This book combines history, geography, art, political intrigue, craft, and chemistry, and even though it is packed with details and facts, it is never dry – there are so many stories and legends that revolve around the world's most renowned gems, their origins, and the sometimes shocking lengths people have gone to obtain and own them.
Many famous names appear in these pages: to mention just a few, King Tut, Cleopatra, Marco Polo, the British royals from Elizabeth I to Princess Kate, Marilyn Monroe, and Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. Even Beyoncé gets a mention.
There are also exquisite photos of some of the jewels created from the gemstones she features. This is an informative and entertaining book for anyone with an interest in precious stones, jewelry and its origins and hidden meanings. Highly recommend!
We have probably all seen beautiful raw gems and glittering crystals in collections like the one in the Museum of Natural History in New York, and exhibitions of exquisite jewelry, decorative pieces, and religious artifacts in other museums and galleries, but Ms. Molesworth tells the stories behind the artistry of those diamond tiaras, jade sculptures, pearl choker collars, and so much more.
She takes us around the world to the mines of Africa, India, South America, Asia and more. We visit rivers where the local population pans for gems much like the prospectors who went to California in the nineteenth century to search for gold. We journey with her as she visits remote sites where legendary battles took place, and tombs were created for pharaohs, kings, and emperors. We go back in time to great civilizations that are no more and are buried under deserts and jungles.
This book combines history, geography, art, political intrigue, craft, and chemistry, and even though it is packed with details and facts, it is never dry – there are so many stories and legends that revolve around the world's most renowned gems, their origins, and the sometimes shocking lengths people have gone to obtain and own them.
Many famous names appear in these pages: to mention just a few, King Tut, Cleopatra, Marco Polo, the British royals from Elizabeth I to Princess Kate, Marilyn Monroe, and Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. Even Beyoncé gets a mention.
There are also exquisite photos of some of the jewels created from the gemstones she features. This is an informative and entertaining book for anyone with an interest in precious stones, jewelry and its origins and hidden meanings. Highly recommend!
April 17, 2024
I was offered the chance to read Precious by the publisher as I’d reviewed a previous non-fiction book of theirs last year; as I mostly request fiction on NetGalley I’m not sure I’d have come across it otherwise. I’d not heard of Helen Molesworth, Senior Jewellery Curator at the V&A, before but that’s a sign of my ignorance as I see now from a quick search of the Waterstones website that she has written extensively on art. Her writing style drew me in from the first page: her enthusiasm for gems is apparent and I was happy to join her for a while.
Precious is wide-ranging – we learn about the geology and chemical structure of gemstones, along with the history of their discovery, extraction and trade. That history is a window on world social and political history, gems having had a role in the establishment of trade routes and in diplomacy. Each chapter includes notable examples, some of which I had heard of and some I hadn’t. This combination means that Precious is packed with information but its’ very digestible: a chapter can easily be devoured in a sitting and you might find yourself taking just a peek at the next.
Each chapter on how gems form, where and how they are extracted, and what is done with them is interesting enough in itself but it’s Molesworth’s personal encounters and recollections that really lift it. The only drawback to having an advance proof copy of this book was the lack of pictures – I often stopped to search for images online. Reading the finished article – with that gorgeous cover – will only enhance the experience. I’m now moved to revisit the Natural History Museum’s minerals gallery and V&A’s jewellery collection and will definitely be looking in jewellers’ windows with more interest.
I received a free proof copy of this book via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Precious is wide-ranging – we learn about the geology and chemical structure of gemstones, along with the history of their discovery, extraction and trade. That history is a window on world social and political history, gems having had a role in the establishment of trade routes and in diplomacy. Each chapter includes notable examples, some of which I had heard of and some I hadn’t. This combination means that Precious is packed with information but its’ very digestible: a chapter can easily be devoured in a sitting and you might find yourself taking just a peek at the next.
Each chapter on how gems form, where and how they are extracted, and what is done with them is interesting enough in itself but it’s Molesworth’s personal encounters and recollections that really lift it. The only drawback to having an advance proof copy of this book was the lack of pictures – I often stopped to search for images online. Reading the finished article – with that gorgeous cover – will only enhance the experience. I’m now moved to revisit the Natural History Museum’s minerals gallery and V&A’s jewellery collection and will definitely be looking in jewellers’ windows with more interest.
I received a free proof copy of this book via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
June 21, 2024
This book is a broad and sweeping history of humanity’s love affair with all kinds of rocks that it takes out of the ground. From emeralds, rubies, sapphires, pearls, diamonds, and a plethora more gemstones, this book explores the history, geology, mining process, landmark stones and famous owners. From Genghis Khan to Queen Elizabeth to Marie Antoinette to Elizabeth Taylor, it includes a who's who of historic gemstone owners.
The book is filled with fascinating stories about amazing gems, either loose or set in historic jewellery that survived journies across the world, and passing down through generations, and the journeys they encountered along the way. The history that some of the stones have held is unfathomable.
The author brings us on a journey of unprecedented access to the back rooms of auction houses where she has gotten to hold some of the most amazing gems in the world, to museums and castles, where she has seen some of history's most iconic jewellery. Her passion for her job and the field really shines in this book, making you really think twice about some of these pieces of jewellery we wear.
The author's ability to talk about such a subject and bring her passion and knowledge of such technical aspects of the role along with the more fun aspects (holding sparkly things!) is brilliant, showcasing the study of gems as an almost Indiana Jones-esque role. Some archaeology and adventure, some history and geology, some science, but above all, passion for what you do.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, loving how each chapter focused on a different gem, making it easy to pick up and put down as time allowed. I highly recommend this as a read, and look forward to Helen Molesworth writing more and sharing more of her passions with us in such an accessible manner.
*I received this copy for review from NetGalley, but all opinions are my own.
The book is filled with fascinating stories about amazing gems, either loose or set in historic jewellery that survived journies across the world, and passing down through generations, and the journeys they encountered along the way. The history that some of the stones have held is unfathomable.
The author brings us on a journey of unprecedented access to the back rooms of auction houses where she has gotten to hold some of the most amazing gems in the world, to museums and castles, where she has seen some of history's most iconic jewellery. Her passion for her job and the field really shines in this book, making you really think twice about some of these pieces of jewellery we wear.
The author's ability to talk about such a subject and bring her passion and knowledge of such technical aspects of the role along with the more fun aspects (holding sparkly things!) is brilliant, showcasing the study of gems as an almost Indiana Jones-esque role. Some archaeology and adventure, some history and geology, some science, but above all, passion for what you do.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, loving how each chapter focused on a different gem, making it easy to pick up and put down as time allowed. I highly recommend this as a read, and look forward to Helen Molesworth writing more and sharing more of her passions with us in such an accessible manner.
*I received this copy for review from NetGalley, but all opinions are my own.
July 14, 2024
This is an expansive book on exquisite gems with a description of colors, movements, patterns and beauty. When one can’t see the pieces up close, this is the next best thing to visualize photos and learn about them.
The book is organized well and readers are educated with how the stones were originally found. Helen Molesworth has done a remarkable job with researching precious gemstones. She shares her knowledge in chapters of the emerald, ruby, sapphire, garnet, pearl, spinel, quartz, jade and, of course, the diamond.
I especially enjoyed reading about those of great wealth who have enjoyed having these pieces in jewelry, fashions and art. The list of women seen with rare gems includes Elizabeth Taylor, Marie Antoinette, Marilyn Monroe, Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, Jackie Kennedy and Princess Margaret.
The author shares some insight with how her personal life in the auction business has given her rare opportunities to see and handle some of these pieces. Since her childhood, she has loved these precious, stunning stones. She says every piece is different which makes it a fun challenge.
This would be an ideal gift for someone who loves gems or an educational tool for a jeweler. The history is fascinating and I learned some interesting facts. Yet, it was a lot of information for me to personally digest. I think it will benefit readers to also see stunning photos when the book is released as it’s such a visual subject.
My thanks to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book with an expected release date of September 17, 2024.
The book is organized well and readers are educated with how the stones were originally found. Helen Molesworth has done a remarkable job with researching precious gemstones. She shares her knowledge in chapters of the emerald, ruby, sapphire, garnet, pearl, spinel, quartz, jade and, of course, the diamond.
I especially enjoyed reading about those of great wealth who have enjoyed having these pieces in jewelry, fashions and art. The list of women seen with rare gems includes Elizabeth Taylor, Marie Antoinette, Marilyn Monroe, Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, Jackie Kennedy and Princess Margaret.
The author shares some insight with how her personal life in the auction business has given her rare opportunities to see and handle some of these pieces. Since her childhood, she has loved these precious, stunning stones. She says every piece is different which makes it a fun challenge.
This would be an ideal gift for someone who loves gems or an educational tool for a jeweler. The history is fascinating and I learned some interesting facts. Yet, it was a lot of information for me to personally digest. I think it will benefit readers to also see stunning photos when the book is released as it’s such a visual subject.
My thanks to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book with an expected release date of September 17, 2024.
October 1, 2024
“Gems speak a universal language of human belief and behavior through history: they illuminate a treasure map of what people did and thought thousands of years ago, and why in so many cases we continue to do and think the same things today. Far more than being objects to look at, they have so much to teach us: a shortcut into whole swaths of human history, beckoning us to understand all the cultures that existed before us, and how close the connections are with our world today.”
Precious is about so much more than the gems around which Helen Molesworth organizes this book. She covers geology, of course, as our earth births these magnificent signifiers of culture and wealth. The geological timescale vis a vis our mortal lifespans is beyond comprehension, and this book gives us moments to reflect on this. The millions of years it takes to move and align minerals, heat and pressure them, and nudge them to the surface for discovery is a staggering concept, a “freak of nature,” Molesworth says.
Then there is the historical framework in which these stones were discovered, mined, and evolved as cultural symbols. She covers the business aspects of this industry and touches on early trade practices and the daring merchants who traveled to distant nations in search of gems. Molesworth will follow the paths of these early traders to visit mining regions, sometimes at the risk of life and limb such as one trip to Myanmar. On a lighter note, there are fun tidbits such as the story about the 45+carat blue Hope Diamond being delivered to the Smithsonian Museum by U.S. mail.
Many thanks to Random House—Ballantine and NetGalley for providing this eARC.
Precious is about so much more than the gems around which Helen Molesworth organizes this book. She covers geology, of course, as our earth births these magnificent signifiers of culture and wealth. The geological timescale vis a vis our mortal lifespans is beyond comprehension, and this book gives us moments to reflect on this. The millions of years it takes to move and align minerals, heat and pressure them, and nudge them to the surface for discovery is a staggering concept, a “freak of nature,” Molesworth says.
Then there is the historical framework in which these stones were discovered, mined, and evolved as cultural symbols. She covers the business aspects of this industry and touches on early trade practices and the daring merchants who traveled to distant nations in search of gems. Molesworth will follow the paths of these early traders to visit mining regions, sometimes at the risk of life and limb such as one trip to Myanmar. On a lighter note, there are fun tidbits such as the story about the 45+carat blue Hope Diamond being delivered to the Smithsonian Museum by U.S. mail.
Many thanks to Random House—Ballantine and NetGalley for providing this eARC.
March 20, 2024
This is a fascinating book. Not only does the author, who has been working with gemstones for many years in many different capacities, discuss the science of various gems, but she also details their cultural histories. As she says at the beginning of the book, "Gems have a value that spans the aesthetic, cultural, financial, and historical: they are significant to the human narrative in almost as many ways as they can boast sparkling facets. They are the ultimate meeting of science and stories." (p.4) She does a great job of incorporating both in this book. Each chapter is devoted to a particular gem--emerald, ruby, sapphire, garnet, pearl, spinel, quartz, diamond, coloured diamond, and jade. Within the chapters she skillfully tells some of the stories associated with the gem, from scientific, cultural, historical, financial, and personal perspectives. This is an approach that is highly successful. For me, who does not have a passion for gems as the author does, it was what gems represent in various cultures at various times that interested me most. She correctly makes the point that the value we place on gems is arbitrary in some ways. For example, in the chapter in spinel (which I had never heard of), we learn that it used to be more desirable and sought after than diamonds at one time. Diamonds have had better marketing, though, so the tables have turned. One of the other things I loved about the book was the author's enthusiasm for gems. Her passion and delight in her work leaps off the pages. In short, this was a great read. I highly recommend it.
December 13, 2024
For some time my husband would give me a ring featuring a different gemstone to celebrate special occasions. It was always a thrill to open he small box and find an emerald or a ruby. These pieces mean so much to me so I was looking forward to reading Precious. Helen Molesworth is a leading expert in gemstones and her love of this subject shines through as she talks about her background and experiences in the field. Her chapters are divided by the various types of gemstones. She explains the importance of the gems through history, their formation, the mining, commerce and their cultural importance. She explains the valuation of gems, which is sometimes determined by their ownership. She talks of the thrill of evaluating the collection of Princess Margaret and the value of the emerald jewelry purchased by Richard Burton for Elizabeth Taylor, significantly increasing its’ value. There are also anecdotes of well known gems, such as the Hope diamond, which arrived at the Smithsonian through the mail. The narrative is well written, making it easy to read. Molesworth’s expertise is evident on every page. This is a book that I will be revisiting often in the future. I would like to thank NetGalley and Random House - Ballantine for providing this book.
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