An examination of jewels and gemstones throughout history. It presents outstanding works of art from Europe, Egypt, the Middle East, India, China and the Americas with colour illustrations and commentary outlining the cultural background and individual quality of the pieces. The works of art have been selected for their exquisite craftsmanship and for their symbolic importance in history. Amongst the many masterpieces included here are the cameos of the Emperor Augustus, the crown of the Holy Roman Emperor, the lost Amber Room from St Petersburg, Faberge's eggs for the Russian Tsar, diamonds, including the Koh-i-Noor and the Star of India, and the crystal skulls of the Toltecs.