Description
Book Synopsis: As entertaining as it is incisive, Stoned is a raucous journey through the history of human desire for what is rare, and therefore precious. What makes a stone a jewel? What makes a jewel priceless? And why do we covet beautiful things? In this brilliant account of how eight jewels shaped the course of history, jeweler and scientist Aja Raden tells an original and often startling story about our unshakeable addiction to beauty and the darker side of human desire.
What moves the world is what moves each of us: desire. Jewelry—which has long served as a stand-in for wealth and power, glamor and success—has birthed cultural movements, launched political dynasties, and started wars. Masterfully weaving together pop science and history, Stoned breaks history into three categories—Want, Take, and Have—and explains what the diamond on your finger has to do with the GI Bill, why green-tinted jewelry has been exalted by so many cultures, why the glass beads that bought Manhattan for the Dutch were initially considered a fair trade, and how the French Revolution started over a coveted necklace.
Studded with lively personalities and fascinating details, Stoned tells the remarkable story of our abiding desire for the rare and extraordinary.
Details
Discover the captivating allure of jewels with "Stoned: Jewelry, Obsession, and How Desire Shapes the World." Written by jeweler and scientist Aja Raden, this enthralling book takes you on a raucous journey through the history of human desire for the rare and precious. Uncover the secrets behind what makes a stone a jewel and why we covet beautiful things.
Immerse yourself in the fascinating stories of eight jewels that shaped the course of history. From diamonds to green-tinted jewelry, each gem has its own remarkable significance. Learn how jewelry has influenced cultural movements, launched political dynasties, and even started wars. With a masterful blend of pop science and history, Raden breaks down the evolution of desire into three captivating categories: Want, Take, and Have.
Discover the surprising connections between your own jewelry and world events. Did you know that the diamond on your finger has a historical link to the GI Bill? Or that green-tinted jewelry holds a special place in countless cultures? Delve into the intriguing story behind how glass beads played a role in the Dutch acquisition of Manhattan, and how a coveted necklace sparked the French Revolution.
In "Stoned," Aja Raden infuses the narrative with vibrant personalities and captivating details, making this book a must-read for anyone fascinated by the extraordinary. Uncover the timeless allure of jewels and explore the darker side of human desire. Satiate your curiosity and indulge in the knowledge hidden within the pages of this mesmerizing journey.
Ready to embark on this exhilarating exploration of desire and beauty? Satisfy your craving for knowledge by grabbing your copy of "Stoned: Jewelry, Obsession, and How Desire Shapes the World" now.
Click here to buy "Stoned" and uncover the captivating secrets of the world of jewelry.
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