Rocks, ice and dirty stones : diamond histories / Marcia Pointon.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Pointon, Marcia, author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Diamonds--History.

Diamonds.

Diamonds--Social aspects.

Diamond industry and trade--Corrupt practices.

Diamond industry and trade.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (256 pages) : illustrations, maps

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

London, UK : Reaktion Books, 2017.

Summary:

The king of stones, valued since antiquity for their unrivalled hardness, diamonds today are both desired and deplored. Once faceted and polished they glitter on the fingers of brides-to-be and in the ornaments of the super-rich, but their extraction from some of the world's poorest countries remains contentious. Immensely valuable for their size, diamonds can be easily hidden and transported, making them perfect contraband. Diamonds have been widely used in industry since the nineteenth century and have long been valued for their pharmaceutical and prophylactic properties.This entertaining and richly illustrated book examines the history of the diamond trade through the centuries from India and Brazil to South Africa and Europe and investigates what happens to diamonds once they reach the cutters and polishers. Marcia Pointon takes the reader on a unique tour of the ways in which the quadrahedron diamond shape has inspired design, architecture, and painting, from the symbolism of medieval manuscripts to modern-day graffiti. She questions the etiquette of engagement rings, and she reminds us why and how lost, stolen, or cursed diamonds create suspense in so many classic novels and films. This compelling and fascinating account of the history of sparklers around the world will appeal to all who covet, as well as all who despise, the unparalleled brilliance and glitter of the diamond.  

Contents:

Cover

Rocks, Ice and Dirty Stones: Diamond Histories

Imprint Page

Contents

Introduction

1. Diamonds and Empire

2. Diamond Business

3. Diamond: Shape, Pattern, Symbol

4. A Girl's Best Friend? Diamonds as Luxury and Necessity

5. Theft

References

Further Reading

Acknowledgements

Photo Acknowledgements

Index.

Notes:

Description based on print version record.

ISBN:

9781780237985

1780237987