Diamonds and Precious Stones

Glittering jewels and precious stones, diamonds, emeralds, rubies and sapphires have from time immemorial held a special fascination because of their rarity and beauty. This book examines the techniques involved in mining, cutting and trading in gems - the incredible transformation of precious stones from works of nature to works of art - and the legends associated with such famous stones as the Koh-i-Noor diamond in the British Crown Jewels, the unlucky Hope Diamond and the immense Star of India sapphire.