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Jewels: A Secret History

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( 1,552 ratings, 200 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Jewels: A Secret History by Victoria Finlay explores the captivating stories behind various precious stones. The author travels the world, delving into the historical, cultural, and scientific significance of gems, revealing their impact on human history and society. It's an engaging blend of storytelling and factual insights into the allure of jewels.
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Format: Paperback / softback

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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're fascinated by the hidden stories and rich cultural histories behind gemstones. The author takes you on a journey through time and around the world, exploring the myths, lore, and significance of various jewels.

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Jewels: A Secret History

When we put on jewels, what are we really wearing? In this scintillating book, Victoria Finlay embarks on her own globe-circling search for the real stories behind some of the gems we prize most.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description
Jewels: A Secret History by Victoria Finlay embarks on a captivating journey through the history, lore, and beauty of gemstones. This enthralling narrative weaves together compelling anecdotes, rich historical accounts, and vivid descriptions of some of the world's most famous jewels.

With her characteristic blend of personal adventure and meticulous research, Finlay takes readers on an extraordinary global voyage. From the amber forests of the Baltic to the diamond mines of India, she explores the origins, myths, and cultural significance of a variety of precious stones. Each chapter dedicates itself to a different gem, uncovering the secrets behind these dazzling objects that have fascinated humanity for centuries.

Delve into intriguing stories such as how Cleopatra drank a pearl in a bet against Mark Antony, or how a man's remains were turned into a diamond. Discover the surprising connections between Queen Victoria and a long-forgotten skeleton, and learn about the ancient belief that amber was formed from the tears of prehistoric trees. These and many more tales illuminate the rich tapestry of history and mystique surrounding these natural wonders.

Finlay's writing is infused with a passionate sense of wonder and a deep appreciation for the cultural and historical contexts of jewels. Her travels take her to remote corners of the world, where she uncovers not only the beauty and rarity of gemstones but also the human stories intertwined with them. Her narrative is both educational and riveting, making Jewels: A Secret History a must-read for history buffs, gemstone enthusiasts, and anyone intrigued by the natural and cultural history of our world.

'Glorious . . . anecdote and information accumulate with marvellous abundance and a passionate sense of the fascination of jewels' Spectator

'Filled with eye-catching incidents and stories . . . Finlay's evidence glitters from every page' Sunday Telegraph

'A fascinating and exhaustive travelogue' Times Literary Supplement

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Jewels: A Secret History by Victoria Finlay is widely appreciated for its compelling and colourful exploration of the world of jewels. Readers have praised its engaging anecdotes, meticulous research, and captivating storytelling, describing it as an enchanting and informative journey into the history and significance of these treasured items.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781399716567

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 03 November 2022

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Sceptre

Illustration: Maps and integrated illustrations

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 38.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 360g

Pages: 496

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About the Author

Victoria Finlay worked as a journalist in Hong Kong for eleven years, five of which were spent as arts editor for the South China Morning Post. Colour was her first book; since then she has also written Jewels: A Secret History, A Brilliant History of Color in Art, and Fabric: The Hidden History of the Material World. She studied social anthropology and as well as travelling around the world in search of stories about her subjects, from pigments to jewels to art to fabric, has also worked for an international environment charity. She lives near Bath.

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