This comprehensive book surveys the principal types of gems providing revealing insights into their origins, methods and styles of cutting at different times in history, and into the aesthetic examples of the jeweller’s art.

Garnet-ornamented objects from the Anglo-Saxon Sutton Hoo ship burial. Lapis lazuli jewellery from ancient Egypt. The imaginative treatment of baroque pearls in the Renaissance period. North American Indian designs featuring the turquoise. Magnificent jade figures carved with exquisite subtlety by Chinese master craftsmen. Emerald-encrusted crown from the royal Iran collection are illustrated in this book.

The book also discusses outstanding specimen stones, compares key differences in shades of colour within one type of gemstone-eg. Opals from Australia and Mexico, sapphires from Kashmir and Sri Lanka. Whatever your personal preference for colours, styles and materials, this lavishly illustrated book has a wealth of useful info.

Ruby. Sapphire. Emerald. Diamond. Pearl. Amber. Lapis Lazuli. Jade. Turquoise. Opel. Garnet- all find their way in this book.

Illustrations : 256 in colour Length: 28 cms (11”). Across: 23 cms (9”) Published by Thames and Hudson Text set in Great Britain Printed and bound in Japan.