{"product_id":"9781529177466","title":"Precious","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a richly illustrated non-fiction history book that charts humanity’s enduring love affair with precious gems. Guided by a senior jewellery curator from a world-renowned museum, it explores symbolism, craftsmanship, worth, and the wide sweep of history in which gems have played starring roles. The book speaks to curious adults, design enthusiasts, and history lovers who want depth, context, and a dazzling visual journey beyond surface beauty.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePresented as a guided tour through time, the volume blends expert essays with evocative photography and vivid storytelling. It features 16 pages of colour photography that showcase some of the world’s most spectacular jewels, alongside case studies that trace how gems traveled, influenced fashion and power, and crossed cultures. The narrative fuses geology with anthropology, revealing how stones form, travel, and acquire meaning as they pass through hands and history—from royal courts to modern icons. It also invites reflection on the people behind the gems, from Elizabeth I to Elizabeth Taylor, Marie Antoinette to Marilyn Monroe, Coco Chanel to Beyoncé, and the moments that defined their connections to these treasures.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhat makes the reading experience distinctive is the combination of tactile detail and global perspective. The writing carries the reverence of a museum study room while staying accessible, with thoughtful captions and close-up photography that invite you to notice texture, cut, and light. Readers move through chapters that connect material history to social change, such as how pearls signified femininity across generations or how legends about rubies intersect with culture, conquest, and belief.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003e16 pages of colour photography featuring some of the world’s most spectacular jewelry\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eClear exploration of concepts: symbolism, geology, craftsmanship, provenance, and value\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eCurator-led insights that bridge art history, fashion history, and cultural storytelling\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eGlobal scope with stories of famous owners and influential moments across eras\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eAccessible yet richly detailed writing with evocative descriptions and captions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e \u003cp\u003eAfter finishing, readers gain a richer understanding of how gems illuminate human history, culture, and identity. It deepens appreciation for the artistry of jewellery, sparks curiosity about trade and technology, and leaves a lasting impression of wonder at the story each gem carries through time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Crossword.in","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48540627468505,"sku":"9781529177466","price":760.0,"currency_code":"INR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0648\/3066\/9017\/files\/91M1ECMuHYL._SL1500.jpg?v=1779275856","url":"https:\/\/www.crossword.in\/products\/9781529177466","provider":"Crossword.in ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}