'Merging knowledge with fascination she shows us that the preciousness of gems does not lie solely in their sparkle but in their story.' Clare Hunter, author of Threads: A History of the World Through the Eye of a Needle 'This is - fittingly - a gem of a book. Rich descriptions, fascinating histories and, at times, just pure, dazzling bling. A joy to read.' Tracy Borman, author of Elizabeth’s Women, Thomas Cromwell and The Private Lives of the Tudors 'Reading Precious is like opening history's treasure chest, to discover a trove of fascinating information.' Jane Robinson, author of...