Before I provide a review, let me advice that I think this is likely to be a book that should be read/purchased in print. I read an advance readers copy on Kindle that did not contain what I am sure will be amazingly stunning photographs of many of the exquisite jewelry pieces detailed in this book. Setting that aside, this book provides an interesting history of ten categories of gemstones, including their geography, how different civilizations valued then, geologic properties and some modern-day cultural context (which I hungered for much more of!). The book really shines in those places where the author describes the most famous pieces, who they were owned by, how they were worn, etc. In some places, the book does get a little wonky, sometimes repetitive and occasionally, too much of the author's memories of her uncle/grandfather, that while sweet, do not add to the book. I read this book around the time of my late mom's birthday—I think she and others who have a love for gemstones and jewelry will enjoy and appreciate this book. It is very much for that niche crowd. I am not sure it has broader appeal given the limited amount of modern-day cultural context around who is wearing what stones, value, etc. For that reason, giving this book a 3-1/2 star review.

Disclaimer: I received an ARC via Netgalley.

Helen Molesworth book is a love letter to jewelry and gems. It also is at times a quasi-memoir. Quasi because it focuses on her experience with some jeweler y as well as the discovery of some of her grandfather’s travels. But it is far less of a memoir, and far more a love letter.
And that is pretty awesome.
Molesworth absolute love of what she is writing might not be the most obvious selling point for the book, but it makes the book work so well. It’s always fun to read or listen to someone who really loves their work. The other selling point, and most likely the one that is going to be highlighted, is that Molesworth has worked with the collections that were held by Elizabeth Taylor, Wallis Simpson, and Princess Margaret.
But that’s icing, that really is.
Molesworth’s book is divided into chapters centered around various gems. The heavy hitters are here – diamonds, emeralds, rubies. However, and this is great, she includes less games (at least lesser to Western audiences) – garnet, spinel and quartz. Each chapter gives what is in essence an overview of how it is made, where it can be found, possibly a trip to a mine, and famous examples.
Now many of those examples come from the jewelry of Elizabeth Taylor whose two time husband Richard Burton put really nice pieces into stockings. She just had to make sure her dogs didn’t chew them. But they aren’t the only ones mentioned.
Three words -Jade Burial Suits.
Eight words -Goose being feed gems to make them glow.
(Other famous people with jewelry mention here include Cleopatra, Monroe, and Beyoncé).
In some class, such as with jade and spinel, Molesworth discusses why in some cases the West viewed them differently than the East. This is particularly true for spinel, where Molesworth traces why the stone fell out of favor in the West.
There is science here as well. Molesworth speaks of the various ways the gems are developed. She goes into the difference between the types of pearls as well as the different types of diamonds. But it isn’t overly scientific writing, so you don’t have to be a geologist to understand it. Furthermore, the love for the subject shines though so even the science bits are not dry at all.
In some cases, Molesworth journeys to the mines and places where the gems are found. This includes Burma and that section is particularly interesting. She also visits mines in Columbia and helps look for gems in Sri Lanka (another wonderful chapter). She goes into some of the traditions surrounding not only the crafting of the gems but also the mining of them. The chapter detailing is particularly well written in this regard. She talks to the big names but she also talks to the workers whose names are not remembered.
It would be fair that Molesworth does not address colonialism and the various gem trades head on. But she does acknowledge it, and in the case of the Koh-I-Nor gives the unvarnished story about how the British monarchy got the basically stolen gem, which isn’t bad for a book that is also an introduction to gems.
I enjoyed this book so much. IT was so fun to read a book that was fan girling as it were about gems. I’m going to buy a hard copy. You should order your copies now.
A quick shout out to Emma Thomasch who sent me an email and Netgalley invite for the book. Thank you. You should get a raise.

Beautiful writing! When I first started this book, I was captivated by Helen Molesworth's melodious description of gemstones & their formation.
You don't have to be a geology expert to appreciate the chemical formation of earth's beautiful jewels. The author's writing is poetic and lyrical: "That stone is the product of nature’s extremes and expanses, born from the collisions and eruptions that shaped the planet as we know it today, as mountains formed and continents closed over long-forgotten oceans." As a history/archeology buff, I especially appreciated the author's extensive knowledge of the historical & archeological context of gemstones. Stones are not just beautiful; they are windows into a distant past. Ancient cultures revered stones and lovingly shaped them into perfection. The miners, builders, and owners are tied to the history of the stone. Overall, I really enjoyed learning more about the historical context of stones; their significance in society and symbolism.

Thank you Netgalley for providing an advanced copy of Precious.