Pearls: A Natural History

Based on an exhibition at the American Museum of Natural History in New York and The Field Museum in Chicago, this volume tells the story of pearls, which are unique among gemstones because they require no faceting or shaping to bring out their beauty and luster. Landman and Paul M. Mikkelsen of the American Museum of Natural History), and Rndiger Bieler and Bennet Bronson of The Field Museum explore the biology, gemology, anthropology, mineralogy, ecology, and the decorative arts aspects. Starting with the Great Age of Pearls in the 16th and 17th centuries, they move to the history of pearling cultures worldwide, the science of pearl, the development of cultured pearls, and the ecology and conservation of pearl-producing mollusks. Extensively illustrated with color photographs and tables. 9.25×11.25. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)