DIAMOND - the very word evokes wonder and awe. The hardest gemstone known to man is also a most prized jewel, one which has been coveted by emperors and conquerors throughout history. Diamonds are stones of destiny, whose brilliant purity and flashes of fire possess mystical qualities known to the ancients.
Here, in five parts, is the story of the diamond. From the fabled mines of Golconda in India, for centuries the only source of diamonds in this world, to the stone itself, from the treasuries of places to the riches of modern-day jewellery and the fortunes of diamond cutters, the text discovers the magical and continuing fascination of the diamond.
The book is lavishly illustrated with colour photographs from a number of sources. The photographs include museum pieces, marvels of contemporary jewellery and pictures of some of the world's greatest diamonds, a tribute to the gemstone and its Indian tradition.
Eternal India Series The cultural expression of India is a varied in style as in form and this is due partly to the size of the land, its myriad religions, races, beliefs, customs and its many layered splendid mosaic with an eye on the apparent as well as the hidden nuances; on tradition and continuity as well as the winds of change.
Front Cover: The Centenary Diamond, Discovered at The De Beers Premier Mine in South Africa, one of the largest to colour Diamonds ever found. Picture courtesy Diamond Information Centre, Mumbai.
Asha Rani Mathuris a freelance writer and editor. She has edited and produced books on aspects of Indian life and culture as well as art catalogues and written on subjects as far apart as restaurant food, travel and ancient India. She has also scripted documentaries for television. Her earlier books in this series have been "Woven Wonder", "A Jewelled Splendour", "Indian Shawls", "Indian Carpets", on textiles, jewellery, shawls and carpets respectively.
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