Brilliant Effects: A Cultural History of Gem Stones and Jewellery

by Marcia Pointon

In a broad-ranging and exceptional work of cultural and art history, Marcia Pointon explores what owning, wearing, distributing, and circulating gems and jewelry has meant in the post-Renaissance history of Europe. She examines the capacity of jewels not only to fascinate but also to create disorder and controversy throughout history and across cultures.

Pointon argues that what is materially precious is invariably contentious. When what...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0300142781
• ISBN13: 9780300142785
• Release Date: March 2010
• Publisher: Paul Mellon Centre
• Length: 368 Pages
• Weight: 6.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 10.1" x 11.6"