Precious — The History and Mystery of Gems Across Time: Book Review

About Helen Molesworth

World-renowned gemstone and jewelry historian and gemologist Helen Molesworth spent ten years as a jewelry specialist at Christie's and Sotheby's auction houses in Geneva and London. She then became Professeur d'Histoire du Bijoux at HEAD Genève. Subsequently, she joined Gübelin as Managing Director.

With a degree in Classics from Christ Church, Oxford, Helen achieved an FGA with distinction. She is a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London, the Gemmological Association of Great Britain, and the Gemmological Association of Hong Kong. She is also currently the Senior Jewellery Curator at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

Precious — The History and Mystery Of Gems Across Time

Helen has published Precious — The History and Mystery of Gems Across Time. This fabulous new book covers emeralds, rubies, sapphires, garnets, pearls, spinels, quartz, colorless and colored diamonds, and jade. It features resplendent, full-color photos of gemstones and jewelry, both historic and modern.

Helen leads readers on epic voyages across the globe. She delves into the captivating journeys of gemstones — from their humble unearthing to their dazzling transformation into exquisite masterpieces coveted by oligarchs and royalty.

Precious weaves a tapestry rich with the ebb and flow of history, the intricacies of politics, wars, and religions, and the allure of geology, gemology, archaeology, and engineering. Helen's enthralling tales will capture the imaginations of a wide range of readers. Buy it, read it, and give it away. I give Precious — The History and Mystery of Gems Across Time an enthusiastic two thumbs up!

Precious Publication Dates

The UK version launched on May 23, 2024.

The US version will be available on September 17, 2024.