The Smithsonian National Gem Collection - Unearthed: Surprising Stories Behind the Jewels

by Jeffrey E. Post

Overview

The scandals, mysteries, and human stories behind the world’s greatest gems are brought to life by the curator of the Smithsonian’s National Gem Collection

Dr. Jeffrey E. Post, curator of the National Gem Collection for more than 25 years, separates fact from fiction in an all-new and original book, revealing fresh information and regaling the reader with anecdotes and tales of some of the world’s greatest and most famous gemstones. Dr. Post is the author of the now out-of-print book The National Gem Collection (Abrams, 1997), which has sold more than 50,000 copies. In this brand-new book, he tells the stories of the Smithsonian’s most famous gems, including the Hope Diamond, Star of Asia Sapphire, Carmen Lucia Ruby, Hooker Emerald, and Blue Heart Diamond—and also presents the tales, details, and fascinating facts surrounding rarely displayed gems from the Smithsonian vault and additions made to the collection since 1997. Not only a resource for learning about rare and beautiful gems, the book also presents the stories of the people who once owned or were associated with these jewels—from ordinary people to kings, emperors, maharajas, celebrities, and captains of industry.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781419745805
Publisher:	Abrams
Publication date:	03/23/2021
Pages:	192
Sales rank:	412,107
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 9.90(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Dr. Jeffrey Edward Post has served as curator of the U.S. National Gem and Mineral Collection since 1991. Dr. Post lives in Washington, D.C.

Table of Contents

The Story of a Gem 6

A Storied Collection 11

The Legacy of Marjorie Merriweather Post 12

Marie Antoinette Diamond Earrings 14

Marie Louise Diadem 18

Napoleon Diamond Necklace 22

Blue Heart Diamond 26

Post Emerald Necklace 30

Maximilian Emerald 34

Post Diamond Tiara 36

Jadeite Dragon Vase 37

Logan Sapphire 38

Bismarck Sapphire Necklace 42

Rosser Reeves Star Ruby 46

Mackay Emerald Necklace 48

Star of Asia 52

Star of Bombay 54

Victoria-Transvaal Diamond 56

Portuguese Diamond 60

Warner Crystal Ball 64

Hooker Emerald 68

Hooker Yellow Diamonds 72

Hall Sapphire Necklace 74

Hazen Diamond Necklace 75

Maharaja of Indore Necklace 76

Chalk Emerald 80

Whitney Alexandrite 82

Whitney Flame Topaz 83

Cullinan Blue Diamond Necklace 84

Kimberley Diamond 86

American Golden Topaz 88

Giant Topaz Crystals 90

Carmen Lúcia Ruby 92

Dom Pedro Aquamarine 94

Sherman Diamond 96

Thompson Diamonds 98

Clagert Bracelet 100

DeYoung Red Diamond 102

DeYoung Pink Diamond 103

Uncle Sam Diamond 104

Freedom Diamond 105

Smithsonian Cup 106

Dunn Pearl Necklace 107

A Dozen Notable Gems 109

Gem Families 123

Diamond 124

Corundum: Sapphire and Ruby 128

Beryl: Emerald, Aquamarine, Heliodor, and Morganite 132

Tourmaline 138

Quartz 142

Garnet 148

Zircon 150

Spinel 152

Spodumene: Kunzite and Hiddenite 154

Topaz 156

Opal 160

The Hope Diamond 165

Glossary 184

Photography Credits 186

Index 189

Acknowledgments 191