Emerald

by Joanna Hardy (Author), Jonathan Self (Author), Franca Sozzani (Preface by), Hettie Judah (Introduction by)

An ambitious, lavishly illustrated survey of the most valuable of precious gems

Sparkling, glittering, and gleaming, emeralds are gemstones twenty times rarer than diamonds. In the first section of Emerald, we see pieces worn by celebrities ranging from Elizabeth Taylor and Angelina Jolie to royals such as Princess Diana, all alongside classic images of emeralds from art, advertising, and fashion.

The second part of this major volume showcases more than thirty of the world's most significant and famous pieces of emerald jewelry, including many previously unseen designs from private and royal collections. Historic creations that are almost 5,500 years old are represented alongside modern jewelry houses, including Cartier, Boucheron, Bulgari, Harry Winston, and more.

The third and final part tells the story of the emerald trade from mine to market, illustrated with specially commissioned photography from across four continents.