For Readers: Blog

Bejeweled

Dazzling prose and sparkling stories—enjoy these gems.

Set in the 14th century as the Black Death rages, The Stone Witch of Florence follows Ginevra as she makes her way back to Florence after being exiled in order to solve the mysterious thefts of the city’s relics. Since childhood, Ginevra has been able to invoke the mystical healing properties of stones. When word of her power gets out, she is marked as a witch and exiled from Florence. However, she is summoned back by the Bishop years later because her power allows her to enter infected areas and not contract the plague. As she investigates the missing relics, she remakes her home in the city she has missed so much. [e-book | print | audiobook]

If you’re a fan of action thrillers, Blood Rubies is a great pick. Rune is a small-time jewel thief, focusing on low stakes grabs. When she lifts a pouch of rubies from a wealthy smuggler, Lemaire, chaos ensues. His guards come after her, but they’re no match for her quick motorbike and her intimate knowledge of the back alleys of Bangkok. However, when her boyfriend’s sister goes missing, Rune realizes that Lemaire’s operation is not to be taken lightly. As Rune and Kit traverse the city in search of Madee, the rubies get lost. Now Rune has to locate the rubies or something even more valuable or risk harm towards her loved ones. [print]

The Lost Jewels is a dual timeline historical family saga surrounding a missing cache of rare and priceless historical jewels. Jewel historian and writer Kate is thrilled when she receives a call regarding the Cheapside jewels. Writing about these elusive gems could be the highlight of her career. While researching, Kate uncovers documents that appear to link her family to the collection. Back in 1912, Kate’s great-grandmother Essie was present when a group of workmen accidentally turned up the treasure under the floor of a tenement house. These jewels have the power to change Essie’s impoverished life—but then they disappear, again. Alternating between Kate and Essie, Kirsty Manning paints a jewel-toned tapestry of family and secrets. [e-book | print | audiobook | large type]

True crime writer Dean Jobb tackles the larger than life story of one of the greatest jewel thieves of all time. Arthur Barry was A Gentleman and a Thief. During the Jazz Age, Barry traipsed around New York City, charming and lifting jewels from the upper crust—from Rockefellers to movie stars to royalty. Jobb covers Barry’s life, from childhood to daring heists to arrests and jailbreak. A significant portion of the tale is dedicated to the love story between Arthur Barry and his wife, Anna Blake, who—even at the end of her life—never disclosed what he had done with his spoils. A rollicking true crime romp about a first class charmer and conman. [e-book | print]

Jewelry designer Aja Raden discusses how gemstones and jewelry have influenced world history in Stoned. The first question that Raden asks her readers is “what makes a jewel valuable?” Some instances of this value stems from rarity. At other times, political and cultural influence shift the market. Ranging from the natural to the curated, from pearls to the House of Fabergé, jewelry has played a large role in the construction and perception of class, wealth, and power. Raden explores the ways that we have coveted (or not) these materials and the consequences of those desires. Have you ever wondered why diamonds are meant to be a girl’s best friend? Check out Stoned to find out. [print]

There are few names so associated with luxury jewelry as “Cartier.” In The Cartiers, Francesca Cartier Brickell recounts the rise of her family’s jewelry empire. Louis-François Cartier first opened his shop in 1847, selling both watches and fashion jewelry. As his popularity grew, so did the status of his clientele. By the time his grandsons took over the company, it had risen to international acclaim. Covering ambition, betrayals, family drama, and love, The Cartiers is as informative as it is exciting. With Brickell’s access to her family archives, she opens a personal window into the lives of a well-known family. [print | audiobook]

⏤Emily