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  • Precious

  • The History and Mystery of Gems Across Time
  • By: Helen Molesworth
  • Narrated by: Helen Molesworth
  • Length: 10 hrs and 4 mins
  • 5.0 out of 5 stars (6 ratings)

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Precious

By: Helen Molesworth
Narrated by: Helen Molesworth
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Summary

Brought to you by Penguin.

When Helen Molesworth joined the gem and jewellery industry, she began her own love affair with one of humanity's oldest and richest fascinations. For as long as people have known about gemstones, they have treasured them. Born of violent geological events and the chance meetings of minerals, their stories are an extraordinary journey through time, and are significant to the human narrative in as many ways as they boast sparkling facets.

Selecting ten of nature's most dazzling jewels, Helen Molesworth makes journeys across the world to trace stones from their discovery to the moment a glimmering cut and polished masterpiece is traded, and then fought over, adorns oligarchs and kings, falls out of favour, and then raises eye-watering sums in another age. Touching on history and politics, archaeology and engineering, geography and geology, chemistry and physics, psychology and romance, fine art and high finance, her book is rich with great stories and has something for everyone.
©2023 Helen Molesworth (P)2023 Penguin Audio
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: History
History Home & Garden
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Critic reviews

'This is - fittingly - a gem of a book. Rich descriptions, fascinating histories and, at times, just pure, dazzling bling. A joy to read.' (Tracy Borman, author of Elizabeth’s Women, Thomas Cromwell and The Private Lives of the Tudors)

'Reading Precious is like opening history's treasure chest, to discover a trove of fascinating information.' (Jane Robinson, author of Trailblazer, Hearts and Minds and Bluestockings)

'Engaging and illuminating, Precious is a masterclass in the history of gems. It’s also great fun to read - one of those books where the learning is effortless as Helen invites the reader to join her while she visits glittering palaces, explores muddy sapphire mines and values some of the most phenomenal jewels on the planet.' (Francesca Cartier Brickell, author of The Cartiers)

'Beautifully written and superbly interesting, Helen Molesworth tells a compelling, global story of gems - their unending allure and continuing impact on human history.' (Dr Tristram Hunt, Director of the Victoria and Albert Museum)

What listeners say about Precious

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Fascinating

A fascinating insight into the sparkling world of gems and a remarkable career. Sensitively and intelligently written. I enjoyed it immensely.

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Beautifully Written and Delivered

Such a cool book.
It's educational, with fascinating stories about stunning gemstones as well as an insight into the authors personal gemstone and jewellery journey.
I thought is was beautifully read, with a voice that keeps you interested and wanting to continue listening.
It's a must for anyone who loves jewellery, gemstones, history and anything shiny.
100% recommend by a jeweller who listens to tons of audio books while working.

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Fabulous!

This book is fabulous, so interesting dealing with each gem stone by chapter and looking at it from so many different angles from the archaeological, historical, gemological and auction house view points. A joy to listen to Helen Molesworth narrating her own words as well, her enthusiasm for the subject really comes across!

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