teaghantique

Book Review – Jewels: A Secret History by Victoria Finlay

Jewels: A Secret History is written by journalist Victoria Finlay and focuses on the geographical locations gemstones are sourced. The book is a first hand account of Finlay’s own experiences travelling to over nine world locations to uncover the historical and modern-day mining practices of some of the world’s most precious gemstones. The book’s structure loosely follows Moh’s scale of hardness, a fundamental scientific concept of gemmology, beginning with the softest to hardest gem minerals. There are nine chapters in total with each chapter covering one gem mineral. The book covers the most popular gemstones throughout history including both organic and inorganic gem material. Beginning with the softest (and oldest) gem material, amber and finishing with the hardest, and arguably most popular, diamond.

The format of Finlay’s book is easy to follow and appeals to jewellery and history lovers alike. The preface opens with two quotes, one from Sir Isaac Newton and the other from, a formidable figure of modern gemmology, Richard Hughes; positioning the reader in between the worlds of science and history, the junction from which the rest of the book unfolds. The book demonstrates a sound understanding of the study and basic principles of gemmology but is very much staged at an entry-level to the subject. This is reflective of the author’s background but also keeps the book within reach of the novest and out of the realm of science textbook.

Finlay’s background as a journalist shines through in her story telling and ability to draw cyclical conclusions and attach meaning. Her first hand accounts and personal quests are beautifully interwoven with the stories of those she meets along the way. The tone of the book places you at a dinner party with a friend who has just returned from their overseas travels. Compiled with personal photographs, anecdotes and observations all layered with knowledge of both historical and current practices.

This book is a fantastic introduction to the world and history of gemstones. The layout is considered, yet approachable, with a blend of storytelling and knowledge, that keeps the pace of the book flowing and doesn’t bog down the reader with heavy scientific concepts. What the book does well is attach names, faces, lives and places to the gem industry – removing jewels from shiny store fronts and making the reader consider how they arrived their in the first place. This book can be enjoyed by anyone, whether their interest spans gemmology, jewellery, antiques or history, the author has blended the topics together in an entertaining and accessible way.