The Queen's Diamonds [Hardcover]

This is a beautifully-produced, authoritative, and very enjoyable picture book. It includes hundreds of fascinating photographs (many from the Royal Archives, some not seen before) of Royals over the last 150 years, wearing some of the famous and historically important diamonds at present in the Queen's Collection. There are also striking new photographs of every item selected for this book, which include the incredible "Cullinan III & IV" brooch worn by the Queen for her Diamond Jubilee.

Among the photographs there are several superb images of the Queen when young. It is interesting to notice continuity, for example in a photograph of the Queen during the recent State Visit by the Turkish President, wearing a wonderful diamond presented by the Sultan of Turkey to Queen Victoria over 150 years ago. The book includes a picture of Queen Victoria wearing the jewel in Winterhalter's marvellous portrait of 1859.

The book is divided into chapters by reigns, and Sir Hugh Roberts has written summaries of the significant aspects of each Sovereign as a collector. He also gives introductions to each of these stunning jewels in turn, with a factual outline of the story of each piece, how it may have been altered and adapted over the years, and accurate information on exactly who has worn it.

There are important new close-up photographs of these celebrated gems, specially taken for this book. For the crisp clarity of their detail, these new photographs are outstanding. Unless stated otherwise, the jewels are shown actual size; some of the photographs depict them enlarged on fold-out pages so the reader is able to examine their construction; there are also reverse-views of some pieces, revealing the extraordinary workmanship hidden behind the designs.

These photographs are remarkable but they have a slight drawback. As Sir Hugh Roberts reminds us in the Preface, the chief beauty of marvellous diamonds is their fiery sparkle, the brilliant effects of light reflected by their facets (-which is why their skilful cutting is so important.) So it is slightly disappointing for the reader that these new close-up photographs don't often convey the captivating flashes of light which give life and spark to these amazing gems when being worn.

Still-photography of precious stones is tricky -but it is possible for the vital flash to be caught in photos! Here these spectacular jewels are photographed floating in anonymous space, and unfortunately there is a somewhat clinical quality to the light. These magical and romantic royal diamonds perhaps look less brilliant and exciting than they could look - despite the outstanding detail.

(The book is printed on fine-quality paper, but without too much use the inside of the spine has cracked and some pages have become uneven.)

This book is a must-have, in my opinion. The history of the jewels is absorbing, and the information about the stones and settings is brilliant too (forgive the pun). This is an awe-inspiring collection of jewels, and it's lovely to know know about the background to each of the lovely pieces. The jewels themselves I wouldn't even try to describe. Well photographed and set out - a wonderful book.

I am so delighted with this book. Having studied gem origins and processes this book is the icing on the cake. The life stories of the gems is a fascinating subject in its own right. Thank you for such a wonderful book.