Bergstein avoids the boring ‘Geology 101’ and instead dives into the historical legends and myths of that penultimate gemstone, the diamond. It’s important to recognize, which Bernstein does, that diamond provenance has influenced our culture’s appreciation of, and value for, diamonds. We would not feel the way we do about this simple crystal without having seen Elizabeth Taylor sporting her collection, or Audrey Hepburn at Tiffany’s, or Marilyn Monroe singing “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend,” or all the royalty and stars flaunting their diamonds (the latter every year on countless red carpets)! This is the story Bergstein shares and, frankly, it’s the most important one that influences your impression of diamonds today.
[Oh yes, I know, you’re so aware of conflict diamonds and that diamonds aren’t *really* rare, but if someone offered you an 8 carat pear shaped D internally flawless, let’s be real: you’d take it in a heartbeat.]
One more thing—Bergstein has done her gemological homework. It’s the first layman’s description of simulant versus synthetic versus naturally occurring I’ve read that gets it right. People with a decade in the industry screw this up, so Bergstein’s contribution to educating the public is very welcome. Buy the book, be entertained and informed, and know that you’ll finish knowing much more (correctly) about diamonds that you did before picking it up.