The Smithsonian National Gem Collection—Unearthed

The Smithsonian National Gem Collection—Unearthed PDF Author: Jeffrey Edward Post
Publisher: Abrams
ISBN: 1683359402
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 376

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Book Description
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, revealing fresh information and regaling the reader with anecdotes and tales of some of the world’s greatest and most famous gemstones. Dr. Post is 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—and 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 book 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.

The Smithsonian National Gem Collection—Unearthed

The Smithsonian National Gem Collection—Unearthed PDF Author: Jeffrey Edward Post
Publisher: Abrams
ISBN: 1683359402
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 376

Get Book Here

Book Description
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, revealing fresh information and regaling the reader with anecdotes and tales of some of the world’s greatest and most famous gemstones. Dr. Post is 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—and 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 book 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.

Gem

Gem PDF Author: DK
Publisher: Penguin
ISBN: 0744084873
Category : Antiques & Collectibles
Languages : en
Pages : 442

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Book Description
Prepare to be dazzled by this shining and sumptuous visual guide to the world's greatest treasures. Feast your eyes on glittering gemstones, kaleidoscopic minerals, and famous trinkets in this comprehensive exploration of Earth's finest jewels. Following a foreword from Aja Raden, hundreds of pages take a lavish look at precious stones, precious metals, and organic gems in all their natural wonder. From agate to zoisite, everything under the Sun is encapsulated in spectacular photography and accessible text. Trace the history of gemmology and get the inside story on our planet's most famous and fabulous gems, including the mysterious Hope Diamond, the stunning Koh-i-Noor of the Crown Jewels, and exquisite Fabergé eggs. Find out their physical properties, check the price tags, and discover the most remarkable record-breakers. This exceptionally extravagant book is a picture-packed, fact-filled celebration guaranteed to bring sparkle to your life and your library.

Gems in the Smithsonian Institution

Gems in the Smithsonian Institution PDF Author: Paul E. Desautels
Publisher: Good Press
ISBN:
Category : Antiques & Collectibles
Languages : en
Pages : 124

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Book Description
In 'Gems in the Smithsonian Institution' by Paul E. Desautels, readers are taken on a fascinating journey through the world of gemstones, exploring their geological significance, historical uses, and cultural importance. Desautels expertly combines scientific research with engaging storytelling, making this book accessible to both gem enthusiasts and casual readers. With vivid descriptions and detailed illustrations, the book showcases the beauty and complexity of gems, offering a comprehensive look at the collection housed in the Smithsonian Institution. Desautels's writing style is informative yet engaging, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the value and allure of gemstones in our world. This book serves as an invaluable resource for anyone interested in gems, from amateur collectors to seasoned experts. Paul E. Desautels's passion for gems and extensive knowledge of the subject shine through in this captivating exploration of the world of precious stones.

The Rock and Gem Book

The Rock and Gem Book PDF Author: Dan Green
Publisher: DK Publishing (Dorling Kindersley)
ISBN: 9780241228135
Category : Gems
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
Dig deep to discover our rocky planet, packed with natural wonders. Earth's extraordinary minerals, gems, shells, and fossils are all on dazzling display in this essential visual encyclopedia for children. Feast your eyes on the ultimate treasure trove that any pirate would envy. More than 1,000 stunning photographs showcase rocks and gems in glorious detail, ensuring you can recognise sedimentary from sandstone, metamorphic from marble, and pyrite from pearl. The unique qualities of each eye-catching material are described in-depth, together with their broad range of uses in art, industry, architecture, and science. Keep your eyes open for rainbow rocks, fluorescent minerals, priceless diamonds, and meteor showers on your geological journey of discovery. Meet dinosaurs in the prehistoric period to understand how fossils form, join the pyramid builders of ancient Egypt to investigate the limestone bricks, and take a dip in the ocean on the hunt for clams, cowries, and cockles. Treasure seekers, get set to start your own collection with The Rock and Gem Book.

Smithsonian Civil War

Smithsonian Civil War PDF Author: Smithsonian Institution
Publisher: Smithsonian Institution
ISBN: 1588343901
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 358

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Book Description
Smithsonian Civil War is a lavishly illustrated coffee-table book featuring 150 entries in honor of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. From among tens of thousands of Civil War objects in the Smithsonian's collections, curators handpicked 550 items and wrote a unique narrative that begins before the war through the Reconstruction period. The perfect gift book for fathers and history lovers, Smithsonian Civil War combines one-of-a-kind, famous, and previously unseen relics from the war in a truly unique narrative. Smithsonian Civil War takes the reader inside the great collection of Americana housed at twelve national museums and archives and brings historical gems to light. From the National Portrait Gallery come rare early photographs of Stonewall Jackson and Ulysses S. Grant; from the National Museum of American History, secret messages that remained hidden inside Lincoln's gold watch for nearly 150 years; from the National Air and Space Museum, futuristic Civil War-era aircraft designs. Thousands of items were evaluated before those of greatest value and significance were selected for inclusion here. Artfully arranged in 150 entries, they offer a unique, panoramic view of the Civil War.

Rock and Gem

Rock and Gem PDF Author: Ra Bonewitz
Publisher: DK Publishing (Dorling Kindersley)
ISBN: 9780751344004
Category : Fossils
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
From glittering gemstones to fascinating minerals and fossils, this incredible reference book is a stunning celebration of the Earth s buried treasures. Specially commissioned photography captures the essence and beauty of over 450 superb specimens, while lively and informative text describes the characteristics of each and its unique and changing relationship to humankind through the ages. Organized by rock classes and chemical groups, each rock, mineral, and fossil entry contains a photograph of the specimen together with lively, wide-ranging text describing its qualities and history of use. In addition, a detailed, at-a-glance reference panel provides key data for identification and classification.

Jewels That Made History

Jewels That Made History PDF Author: Stellene Volandes
Publisher: Rizzoli Publications
ISBN: 0847868540
Category : Design
Languages : en
Pages : 226

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Book Description
The history of the world--triumphs and tragedies, breakthroughs and breakups--through the iconic jewels that have inspired and influenced since the dawn of time. From ancient treasures to royal weddings, great heists to the red carpet, this book is a stunning, surprising, and glittering tour of historic turning points and gem-driven drama, delving into the passions and predilections of some of the world's most interesting and extraordinary people. Starting in the era of Cleopatra and continuing through to contemporary jewelry statements by Jennifer Lopez, Lady Gaga, and Meghan Markle, Stellene Volandes tells the stories of how shiny stones and precious metals have determined empires, inspired expeditions and great crime, and been the communicator of status and ruin since ancient times. Each moment is placed in historic and relevant context, with Volandes drawing engaging parallels between Napoleon's gift to Marie Louise at the birth of their son and the modern push present or the insouciant story behind the brooch Jackie Kennedy famously wore to a 1962 State Dinner with the Shah of Iran. Illustrated with a mix of archival images and gorgeous photography of the jewels, this book is a beautiful, informative, and essential read for history lovers, fashion, celebrity, and pop-culture followers, as well as passionate jewel hounds.

Hope Diamond

Hope Diamond PDF Author: Richard Kurin
Publisher: Smithsonian Institution
ISBN: 1588344193
Category : Antiques & Collectibles
Languages : en
Pages : 405

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Book Description
An entertaining and well-researched history of the Hope diamond Since its discovery in seventeenth-century India, the Hope diamond, a glimmering deep blue gem weighing over 45 carats, has been shrouded in mystery and steeped in intrigue. In this groundbreaking work, Dr. Richard Kurin goes beyond the speculation to reveal the truth behind a legendary stone. Kurin, a cultural anthropologist, spent more than a decade on the trail of the legendary gem. But the 'curse' that surrounds it, which Kurin puts to rest once and for all, is only one small piece of a long and lustrous story that moves between ancient religion and modern magic, royal power and class rivalry, revenge and greed. Richly illustrated, Hope Diamond works in a grand historical tradition: depicting the specific to reveal the universal.

Beautiful Creatures

Beautiful Creatures PDF Author: Marion Fasel
Publisher: Rizzoli Publications
ISBN: 0847868400
Category : Design
Languages : en
Pages : 161

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Book Description
Creatures from the animal kingdom represented in exquisite jewelry by renowned masters Cartier, Bulgari, Tiffany & Co., JAR, Belperron, David Webb, Schlumberger, Boucheron, and many other brilliant jewelers. Many of the most imaginative designs by the world's great jewelry houses and artisans take inspiration from the animal kingdom. From Cartier's iconic panthers to Bulgari's snakes and JAR's butterflies, these spectacular objects dripping with precious stones are akin to wearable art. Beautiful Creatures depicts some of the most spectacular beasts ever transformed into sparkling treasures and accompanies a forthcoming special exhibition in the American Museum of Natural History's Allison and Roberto Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals. The 120 pieces featured date from the mid-1800s to the present, representing species from the realms of land, air, and water. Gorgeous studio photography of the jewelry is complemented by images of iconic personalities, including Elizabeth Taylor, Twiggy, and the Duchess of Windsor wearing famous animal- inspired jewels. Guest curator Marion Fasel relays the stories behind the individual pieces through entertaining anecdotes and reveals the colorful histories and fascinating symbolism of these remarkable creatures in precious gems and metals that intrigue and delight and that we never tire of wearing.

Rocks & Minerals

Rocks & Minerals PDF Author: R. F. Symes
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780789490810
Category : Mineralogy
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
Text and photographs examine the creation, importance, erosion, mining, and uses of rocks and minerals.