The Smithsonian National Gem Collection—Unearthed: Surprising Stories Behind the Jewels

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. In The Smithsonian National Gem Collection—Unearthed: Surprising Stories Behind the Jewels, he reveals fresh information and regales the reader with anecdotes and tales of some of the world's greatest and most famous gemstones.

Dr. Post is also 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. He 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 Smithsonian National Gem Collection—Unearthed 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.