Rocks, Ice and Dirty Stones: Diamond Histories

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'A story of glitter and the dark side of history. Here are diamonds as objects of desire, but also as magnets for human cupidity: theft, fraud and murder. This is a rich and compelling cultural history; cool, precise and laser-sharp in its analysis. And it sparkles with style.' Carol Dyhouse, Professor of History (Emeritus), University of Sussex, and author of Glamour: Women, History, Feminism (2010)

This probing, entertaining and richly illustrated book examines the history of the diamond trade through the centuries from India and Brazil to South Africa and Europe, and investigates what happens to diamonds once they reach the cutters and polishers.

Marcia Pointon takes the reader on a unique tour of the ways in which the quadrahedron diamond shape has inspired design, architecture and painting, from the symbolism of medieval manuscripts to modern-day graffiti. She questions the etiquette 26 of engagement rings, from the multi-million-dollar 'rock' to the high-street brilliant. Finally, she reminds us why and how lost, stolen or cursed diamonds create suspense in so much classic fiction and film.

Reviews

A story of glitter and the dark side of history. Here are diamonds as objects of desire, but also as magnets for human cupidity: theft, fraud and murder. This is a rich and compelling cultural history cool, precise and laser-sharp in its analysis. And it sparkles with style. * Carol Dyhouse, Professor of History (Emeritus), University of Sussex, author of Glamour: Women, History, Feminism *
Pointon tells a rich story of diamonds that includes illuminating information on the industry and trade, enhancing her book throughout with wonderful photos, diagrams, and illustrations. The author writes in approachable prose about how diamonds have been conceptualized, cut and polished through the ages, and traded . . . A scholarly and entertaining read. Highly recommended. -- R. R. Shield, Brown University * Choice *

Author Bio

Marcia Pointon is an independent scholar and research consultant; she is Professor Emeritus of History of Art at the University of Manchester and Honorary Research Fellow at the Courtauld Institute of Art, London. She is the author of Brilliant Effects: A Cultural History of Gem Stones and Jewellery (2009), Hanging the Head: Portraiture and Social Formation in Eighteenth-century England, Portrayal and the Search for Identity (Reaktion, 2012) and History of Art: A Student's Handbook (5th edn 2014).