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.
Reviews
Fabulous… Connoisseurs, experts, princes, and movie stars reveal their experience of possessing emeralds in these pages.
— Quest
In this glittering book, the emerald proves to be a protagonist faceted and bewitching as any human character.
— Fast Co.Design
A celebratory look into the gemstone and its cultural heritage.
— Harper's Bazaar
Written history abounds here … as the authors describe such phenomena as the Cheapside Hoard—a rich trove of Elizabethan and Jacobean jewelry discovered in London in 1912—and the role of the stones in a variety of kingdoms.
— Women's Wear Daily
Pick up a little something sparkly for Jewel Day, even if it's just for the coffee table. Emerald is a pictorial history of the highly coveted green gemstone.
— Elle
An extravagant tome with stunning photos of verdantly bedecked royals, socialites, and movie stars.
— Architectural Digest
Channel your inner Elizabeth Taylor and immerse yourself in the history of the green gem's many iterations, from a cabochon pendant worn as a headdress in the pages of Vogue to Cartier-designed crown jewels for the Maharaja of Patiala.
— Lonny
Gemologist Joanna Hardy traces the history of emerald jewels from the pyramids of ancient Egypt to the necklines of Angelina Jolie and Elizabeth Taylor.
— InStyle
Tells the story of the magnificent gem that is twenty times more rare than diamonds. Packed with hundreds of examples of fabulous emerald jewelry.
— Luxury Las Vegas
A unique reference that will be a ‘must’ not just for arts holdings, but for any serious jewelry or gemstone collector.
— Midwest Book Review
Contributors
Joanna Hardy
Author
Joanna Hardy is an independent gemologist and jewelry specialist, formerly of De Beers, Philips, and Sothebys. She lectures widely and writes for many international magazines and newspapers.
Jonathan Self
Author
Jonathan Self has written for The Times and Vanity Fair, and is the author of over a dozen books.
Franca Sozzani
Preface By
Franca Sozzani is editor of Vogue Italia.
Hettie Judah
Introduction By
Hettie Judah is one of Britain’s leading writers on art and a sought-after public speaker. She writes regularly for The Guardian, Vogue, Frieze, The i, and Apollo, and is the author of several art books that include Art London, Frida Kahlo, Lapidarium: The Secret Lives of Stones, and How Not to Exclude Artist Mothers (and Other Parents). She lives in London.
