The history of the world triumphs and tragedies,breakthroughs and breakups through the iconicjewels that have inspired and influenced since thedawn of time.From ancient treasures to royal weddings, great heiststo the red carpet, this book is a stunning, surprising,and glittering tour of historic turning points andgem-driven drama, delving into the passions andpredilections of some of the world's most interestingand extraordinary people.Starting in the era of Cleopatra and continuingthrough to contemporary jewelry statements byJennifer Lopez, Lady Gaga, and Meghan Markle, Stel-lene Volandes tells the stories of how shiny stones andprecious metals have determined empires, inspiredexpeditions and great crime, and been the commu-nicator of status and ruin since ancient times. Eachmoment is placed in historic and relevant context,with Volandes drawing engaging parallels betweenNapoleon's gift to Marie Louise at the birth of theirson and the modern push present or the insouciantstory behind the brooch Jackie Kennedy famouslywore to a 1962 State Dinner with the Shah of Iran.Illustrated with a mix of archival images and gorgeousphotography of the jewels, this book is a beautiful,informative, and essential read for history lovers,fashion, celebrity, and pop-culture followers, as well aspassionate jewel hounds