Editorial Reviews
Review
'The Nature of Diamonds is a remarkable book, that is both an excellent source of information and a satisfying read. It covers its subject from all facets, starting with the origin of diamonds in the earth, and covering their discovery, their mining, the nature of diamonds themselves, their history, the skills of the diamond cutter, synthetic diamonds, the lure of diamond jewellery and the lore of diamonds in literature and films. Each chapter is written by an expert in the field, and the whole has been skilfully edited by George E. Harlow, curator of gems and minerals at the American Museum of Natural History ... fascinating reading ... What I especially like about The Nature of Diamonds is the breadth of scholarship that has gone into producing it. Few books bring together people from such disparate disciplines as chemistry, physics, commerce, geology, history, literature, design, fashion, fine arts and the media, and at the same time have them all intelligible to the specialist and non-specialist alike ... There are few subjects that can unite so many branches of learning between its covers, and provide interesting reading in all of them. The Nature of Diamonds has succeeded superbly. Not only that, but it has the glamour of a coffee-table book with scores of fascinating illustrations. The authors and publisher are to be congratulated. It is well referenced and indexed and, despite being a multi-authored work, it has been admirably edited to ensure that whether the subject is alluvial mining or the binding of diamond-encrusted Russian bibles, it is informative and entertaining. If you cannot afford the real thing, and you want to give someone you love a jewel of a gift, then buy them this book - it is a gem.' John Emsley, The Times Higher Education Supplement
'The story of the discovery and exploitation of diamond is an extraordinary one as befits an extraordinary mineral ... admire the pictures and enjoy the essays contributed by international experts, covering virtually everything you want to know about diamonds, from the history of their discovery to their exploitation in industry, art and fashion.' Douglas Palmer, The Financial Times
'This book contains just about everything you ever wanted to know about the hardest natural material on Earth, made of the substance of life - carbon. From manufacture by meteorite impact to the allure and efficacy of diamonds as poison and aphrodisiac, this beautifully illustrated collection of essays is a fascinating introduction to an extraordinary material.' New Scientist
Book Description
The paragon of physical perfection and a sparkling example of Earth's forces at work, the diamond has fascinated all realms of society, from starlets to scientists. The Nature of Diamonds is a comprehensive look at nature's most coveted gem. A handsome, large-format book, The Nature of Diamonds is an authoritative and richly-illustrated tribute to the diamond. Leading geologists, gemologists, physicists, and cultural observers cover every facet of the stone, from its formation in the depths of the Earth, its ascent to the surface, and its economic, regal, social, and technological roles. Cutting-edge research takes the reader to the frontiers of diamond exploration and exploitation, from the Arctic wastes to the laboratories where diamonds are created for massive road shredders that rip up and then re-create superhighways. Here also is an overview of cutting, from the rough stones in Roman rings to the highly-faceted stones we see today, and a glimpse into the business of diamonds. Finally, The Nature of Diamonds chronicles scientific and cultural history and explores the diamond as both a sacred and a social symbol, including a picture history of betrothal rings. Wide-ranging illustrations explain the geology of diamonds, chart the history of mining from its origins in India and Brazil through the diamond rush in South Africa and today's high-tech enterprises, and capture the brilliance and beauty of this extraordinary gem. _
The Nature of Diamonds,George E. Harlow,Cambridge University Press,0521629357,Decorating,Diamonds,Earth Sciences - Mineralogy,Natural Resources,Nature,Science,Earth Sciences,Gems,Science / Earth Sciences
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