The Smithsonian National Gem Collection

The scandals, mysteries, and human stories behind the world’s
greatest gems are brought to life by the curator of the Smithsonian’s
National Gem Collection

Dr. Jeffrey E. Post, curator of the
National Gem Collection for more than 25 years, separates fact from
fiction in an all-new and original book, revealing fresh information and
regaling the reader with anecdotes and tales of some of the world’s
greatest and most famous gemstones. Dr. Post is the author of the now
out-of-print book The National Gem Collection (Abrams,
1997), which has sold more than 50,000 copies. In this brand-new book,
he tells the stories of the Smithsonian’s most famous gems, including
the Hope Diamond, Star of Asia Sapphire, Carmen Lucia Ruby, Hooker
Emerald, and Blue Heart Diamond-and also presents the tales, details,
and fascinating facts surrounding rarely displayed gems from the
Smithsonian vault and additions made to the collection since 1997. Not
only a resource for learning about rare and beautiful gems, the book
also presents the stories of the people who once owned or were
associated with these jewels-from ordinary people to kings, emperors,
maharajas, celebrities, and captains of industry.