This is a very fascinating study on the history of diamonds, however it does not talk about the African diamond trade, so if you are looking for the bloody and truly horrible information about modern (1800s and later) De Beers diamond monopoly you are going to need another book. This one covers 1700 and earlier, showing the gemological history of this notoriously hard to work stone. It is dense and a bit dry, not a light read, having a very scholarly feel and probably more suitable to jewelers and historians. However the book is worth it for the art, the illustrations and photos of the old jewelry showing how diamond working and jewelry evolved from ancient times is appealing to everyone, no matter your background. I came to this book as both an armchair historian and an ex-jeweler so it was right up my alley, but definitely one to read in segments rather than quickly read through.

It's okay. Has nothing on African diamonds or at least none on the controversial (problematic, unethical) diamond trade.