The Nature of Diamonds - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0521629357 ISBN 13: 9780521629355

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 1997

Synopsis

This richly illustrated tribute to the diamond covers all facets of nature's most coveted gem.

About this title

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

'If diamonds are a girl's best friend and you can't afford them, buy her The Nature of Diamonds ... It's the next best thing.' Digby Diehl, Playboy

'... lavishly illustrated and sensibly priced.' Mick Brown, Physics World

'This beautifully illustrated book, produced by an international team of experts, will tell you everything you might ever need to know about diamonds.' Terry Allsop, School Science Review

'This lavishly illustrated book ... is very well written and produced and presents a comprehensive overview of all topics related to diamond.' Allan Pring, Geological Magazine

'I have already bought a copy of this book and I would recommend you to do so too.' Jane Randle, The Open University Geological Society

Book Description

The paragon of physical perfection and a sparkling example of Earth's forces at work, the diamond has long fascinated all realms of society. Featuring contributions from leading geologists, gemologists, physicists, and cultural historians on its origins, exploration, cutting and social roles, The Nature of Diamonds is a comprehensive, richly illustrated tribute to nature's most coveted gem.

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 1997
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521629357
• ISBN 13: 9780521629355
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 288
• Editor: Harlow George E.