Title
Jewels: A Secret History,Used
Processing time: 1-3 days
US Orders Ships in: 3-5 days
International Orders Ships in: 8-12 days
Return Policy: 15-days return on defective items
Payment Option
Throughout history, precious stones have inspired passions and poetry, quests and curses, sacred writings and unsacred actions. In this scintillating book, journalist Victoria Finlay embarks on her own globecircling search for the real stories behind some of the gems we prize most. Blending adventure travel, geology, exciting new research, and her own irresistible charm, Finlay has fashioned a treasure hunt for some of the most valuable, glamorous, and mysterious substances on earth.With the same intense curiosity and narrative flair she displayed in her widelypraised book Color, Finlay journeys from the underground opal churches of outback Australia to the once pearlrich rivers of Scotland; from the peridot mines on an Apache reservation in Arizona to the remote ruby mines in the mountains of northern Burma. She risks confronting scorpions to crawl through Cleopatras longdeserted emerald mines, tries her hand at gem cutting in the dusty Sri Lankan city where Marco Polo bartered for sapphires, and investigates a rumor that fifty years ago most of the worlds amber was mined by prisoners in a Soviet gulag.Jewels is a unique and often exhilarating voyage through history, across cultures, deep into the earths mantle, and up to the glittering heights of fame, power, and wealth. From the fabled curse of the Hope Diamond, to the disturbing truths about how pearls are cultured, to the peasants who were once executed for carrying amber to the centuriesold quest by magicians and scientists to make a perfect diamond, Jewels tells dazzling stories with a wonderment and brilliance truly worthy of its subjects.
⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: What is the main theme of 'Jewels: A Secret History'? A: The main theme of 'Jewels: A Secret History' is the exploration of the historical and cultural significance of precious stones, blending adventure, geology, and personal anecdotes.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author of 'Jewels: A Secret History' is Victoria Finlay, a journalist known for her engaging storytelling and thorough research.
- Q: How many pages does 'Jewels: A Secret History' have? A: 'Jewels: A Secret History' has a total of 496 pages.
- Q: What type of binding is used for this edition of the book? A: This edition of 'Jewels: A Secret History' is bound in hardcover.
- Q: When was 'Jewels: A Secret History' published? A: 'Jewels: A Secret History' was published on August 15, 2006.
- Q: What is the condition of the book listed for sale? A: The item condition of the book is listed as 'Good'.
- Q: Is 'Jewels: A Secret History' a first edition? A: Yes, the listing specifies that this is a first edition of 'Jewels: A Secret History'.
- Q: What kind of stories can readers expect from this book? A: Readers can expect a mix of historical anecdotes, cultural insights, and personal adventures related to precious stones and their significance throughout history.
- Q: Does 'Jewels: A Secret History' include illustrations or photographs? A: The product details do not specify the inclusion of illustrations or photographs; readers may want to check the book for visual content.
- Q: Is 'Jewels: A Secret History' suitable for all ages? A: While the book is informative and engaging, it is recommended for older teens and adults due to its complex themes and historical context.