{"product_id":"diamond-jewelry-9780500021507","title":"Diamond Jewelry","description":"\u003cb\u003eBook Synopsis\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDiamond jewelry has long been symbolic of political power and authority in Europe. This book focuses on the individuals who commissioned and wore extraordinarily precious diamond ornaments from the mid-14th century until the democratization' of diamonds that followed the opening of mines in South Africa in 1867. This enthralling story covers seven centuries of history, showing the way in which rulers such as Charles V of France, Queen Elizabeth I of Great Britain, Louis XIV of France and Catherine II of Russia used diamond jewelry to reinforce their power and authority. As works of art, these precious creations mirror the successive styles of each period  late Gothic naturalism, the culture of the Renaissance, Baroque splendour, Rococo elegance and the Imperial grandeur of the First and Second Napoleonic Empires. The recurring themes  religion, sentiment, heraldry, military glory, miniatures and cameo portraiture  are reinterpreted by each generation of jewelers. Like royal dress, diamond jewelry was worn to dazzle and impress  at weddings, coronations, christenings and state visits  and was presented as gifts reflecting princely generosity. Over the centuries, these displays proved remarkably successful as instruments of government, symbolizing the pride and glory of a nation. Arranged chronologically, Diamond Jewelry includes some legendary masterpieces of diamond jewelry. Written by an acknowledged expert, it offers an intriguing overview of one of the world's most precious gems.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eTrade Review\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'[A] richly illustrated social history of diamond jewelry' - JCK Online\u003cbr\u003e'Like cloves in a pomander, nuggets of splendid excess stud this handsome overview … a densely illustrated survey, written with authority – as well as a peppering of wit to add an appropriate degree of sparkle' - Country Life","brand":"Thames \u0026 Hudson Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49402747519319,"sku":"9780500021507","price":999.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"url":"https:\/\/bookcurl.com\/products\/diamond-jewelry-9780500021507","provider":"Book Curl","version":"1.0","type":"link"}