Diamonds: An Early History of the King of Gems

"For serious scholarship combined with a highly readable and entertaining text, this book is unbeatable." —Judy Rudoe, The British Museum Magazine “Ogden’s work is important, original, and of sound scholarship. Jewelry historians will find this book a significant and magnificent contribution.”—Al Gilbertson, author of American Cut: The First 100 Years “Diamonds is a remarkable history presented by a true story teller! Jack Ogden is not only an admired academic and a researcher of enviable skill, he has the rare ability to portray fascinating historic facts almost like an adventure story.”—David Warren, Senior International Jewellery Director, Christie’s “Jack Ogden traces the ascent of the Indian diamond in world art, trade and history, also providing insights into the evolving styles and techniques of cutting the gem.”—Navina Haidar, Curator, Islamic Art, The Metropolitan Museum of Art “There are very few published works that explore this subject, and certainly none that are based on as extensive a collection of research of the diamond and its history as a gemstone.”—Dr. Çiğdem Lüle, Kybele LLC "From mystical myths to majestic power, Jack Ogden's history of diamonds is testimony to the eternal desire for the king of gems. His stories transcend the magnificent gems to the people behind them—from Indian miners to European royalty, for whom diamonds were the ultimate symbol of wealth and power."—Martin Rapaport, Chairman, Rapaport Group