This is a beautifully illustrated study of diamonds of the most exceptional beauty and rarity. Inextricably entwined with the lives of emperors and conquerors, kings and queens, statesmen and soldiers, these jewels have been objects of passion, war, violence and theft.
In the past decade, some of these diamonds have resurfaced, along with their fascinating histories. In addition, a remarkable array of modern gemstones has been discovered, some of the biggest and finest ever seen. This third edition offers an indispensable and endlessly fascinating reference to these famous jewels.

