Helen MolesworthPrecious: The History and Mystery of Gems Across Time

This book has the perfect combination of historical and scientific research, and the author’s stories from her years in the jewellery trade.I particularly appreciated the chapter on quartz, a stone not usually included in this type of books, but that had been used by many important jewellers, from Belperron to Dior.

From the moment I held “Precious” by Helen Molesworth in my hands, it was clear that this book was a cut above the rest (cue Gollum). Molesworth, with her brilliant clarity of expression, proves herself to be a radiant diamond in the field – she is a world-leading expert whose knowledge sparkles on every page.Reading “Precious” is like embarking on a treasure hunt where each chapter illuminates another fascinating facet of the world of precious gems. Her writing is smooth, sharp, and polished like a well-cut gemstone. It’s evident that she has mined deep to jewel this work with sparkling anecdotes and her anecdotes are as captivating as the gems she describes. Most importantly it is just a lot of fun to read.Molesworth has truly set the gold standard with this shining example of her craft.Five stars aren’t enough for this gem of a book—it’s a crown jewel!

Excellent book, and very well written, but oh, it does need more images! I may be spoiled in that all my jewellery books are coffee table sorts, where the fascinating stories about jewels and/or jewellers are richly illustrated with droolworthy photographs of the gems under discussion - these books are delights for the eyes, as well as entertaining the reader with descriptions of historical jewels, or the history of tiaras, or a biography of Faberge. My greatest disappointment with Precious is the paucity of images, leaving page after page of dense text. Would have been a 5 star review, but for that.

This book is a real treasure trove of information that combines history, science and a career journey. Currently reading the third chapter and enjoying every page.

Precious is beautifully layed out with good examples for each gem. A really engaging read cannot recommend enough.