The Nature of Diamonds [Hardcover]

George E. Harlow (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 13, 1997

The paragon of physical perfection and a sparkling example of Earth's forces at work, the diamond has fascinated all realms of society, from starlets to scientists. The Nature of Diamonds is a comprehensive look at nature's most coveted gem. A handsome, large-format book, The Nature of Diamonds is an authoritative and richly-illustrated tribute to the diamond. Leading geologists, gemologists, physicists, and cultural observers cover every facet of the stone, from its formation in the depths of the Earth, its ascent to the surface, and its economic, regal, social, and technological roles. Cutting-edge research takes the reader to the frontiers of diamond exploration and exploitation, from the Arctic wastes to the laboratories where diamonds are created for massive road shredders that rip up and then re-create superhighways. Here also is an overview of cutting, from the rough stones in Roman rings to the highly-faceted stones we see today, and a glimpse into the business of diamonds. Finally, The Nature of Diamonds chronicles scientific and cultural history and explores the diamond as both a sacred and a social symbol, including a picture history of betrothal rings. Wide-ranging illustrations explain the geology of diamonds, chart the history of mining from its origins in India and Brazil through the diamond rush in South Africa and today's high-tech enterprises, and capture the brilliance and beauty of this extraordinary gem. _

Editorial Reviews

Review

"If diamonds are a girl's best friend and you can't afford them, buy her The Nature of Diamonds...It's the next best thing." Playboy

"If the reader is scientifically inclined, a discussion of the most recent findings on diamonds will be satisfying while special sections on the world's great diamonds and the diamond treasures of Russia add to the adamantine luster of The Nature of Diamonds." Rock and Gem

"This is an engaging and scholarly work that contains a wealth of interesting and useful information about diamonds....It is certainly a worthwhile companion to a diamond exhibition that is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated and most comprehensive ever staged. Gemologists will welcome this addition to their libraries." Rocks and Minerals Magazine

"...provide[s] a well-illustrated overview....the book succeeds eminently....Teachers of mineralogy may find the book helpful to recommend to students as an example of the relevance and usefulness of the subject." The Canadian Mineralogist

"Just about any question one might ask about diamonds is answered in this book. It is both a textbook and an encyclopedia but is written in a clear and entertaining style so that it is difficult to put down once one has started reading it. Certainly it is a reference that teachers can use and refer to students and gemmologists and that jewlers can use and refer to their customers and clients...This book is a must for anyone interested in gem stones and should be in every geologist's and earth-science teacher's library. It is full of color plates and diagrams...I recommend it highly. Journal of Geoscience and Education

"Written in an authoritative, but highly readable manner...every aspect of the diamond from its origins to its modern role in movies is covered." Lapidary Journal

"Diamonds get a lot of pres, one could even say hype: George Harlow's edited volume touts the stone as a "mythic talisman of power and purity", a "symbol of regal structure", "a token of everlasting love", and so forth and so on." Isis

"suitable as a reference source; an ideal text for a semester-long seminar series that would have great appeal to science and non-science majors alike; a prize to deserving students; a millennium gift (in lieu of the real stone); and it would noy be out of place on a coffee-free table. Diamond has the allure, Harlow has provided the instrument, and the American Museum of Natural History has produced an absolute bargain by any standard...this is a superb and highly recommended volume." American Minerologist Vol 86

Book Description

The paragon of physical perfection and a sparkling example of Earth's forces at work, the diamond has long fascinated all realms of society. Featuring contributions from leading geologists, gemologists, physicists, and cultural historians on its origins, exploration, cutting and social roles, The Nature of Diamonds is a comprehensive, richly illustrated tribute to nature's most coveted gem.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (October 13, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 052162083X
• ISBN-13: 978-0521620833
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 9.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.9 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,770,727 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars exactly what i wanted, October 26, 2009

By 

C. Bergstrom "a compulsive maker" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Nature of Diamonds (Paperback)

I'm training to become a jeweler right now, so I need to know both the science and the culture behind diamonds. The Nature of Diamonds covers both aspects. It's written in layman's terms, so it's perfect for studying independently. Plus, the diagrams and photography are excellent. It's easy to read while sipping coffee or waiting for a bus.

8 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Nature of Diamonds., August 6, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Nature of Diamonds (Paperback)

This is a good book which provides us enormous amount of information about the history and the composition of diamonds. However, there are two little illustrations. Anyway, the pictures are exceptional.