Events & AwardsJun 18, 2024
Driehaus Museum Displaying Rare Jewels From Chicago CollectionsSourcingJun 20, 2024
Jewelry Expert Helen Molesworth to Release First Book
“Precious: The History and Mystery of Gems Across Time” will be available on Sept. 17.
Helen Molesworth’s new book, “Precious: The History and Mystery of Gems Across Time,” is a blend of gemology, history, pop culture, and her own story.
New York—Gemologist and jewelry expert Helen Molesworth has penned a new book, set to release this fall.
“Precious: The History and Mystery of Gems Across Time,” is a blend of gemology, world history, pop culture, and memoir.
The book traces gems from ancient Egyptian records and “forgotten hiding spots” to the high-stakes auctions of today, according to Random House Publishing Group’s Ballantine Books.
Molesworth, who currently works as the senior jewelry curator at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum, has also been a professor of jewelry history at HEAD, an art and design school in Geneva, as well as managing director of the Gübelin gem academy in Hong Kong.
She spent 10 years as a jewelry specialist for Sotheby’s and Christie’s in London, where she led the sale of Princess Margaret’s private jewelry collection in 2006, as well as in Geneva, where she was responsible for “business-getting” for biannual multi-million-dollar Magnificent Jewels sales.
Throughout her time with the auction houses, she handled, researched, and valued many world-class gems and important collections.
In the book, she dives into the history of important gems—some of which she has personally handled—such as the Cheapside Hoard Emerald, the Graff Ruby, the Poltimore Tiara, and the Cullinan Diamond, among others.
Related stories will be right here …
“Precious: The History and Mystery of Gems Across Time,” is a blend of gemology, world history, pop culture, and memoir.
The book traces gems from ancient Egyptian records and “forgotten hiding spots” to the high-stakes auctions of today, according to Random House Publishing Group’s Ballantine Books.
Molesworth, who currently works as the senior jewelry curator at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum, has also been a professor of jewelry history at HEAD, an art and design school in Geneva, as well as managing director of the Gübelin gem academy in Hong Kong.
She spent 10 years as a jewelry specialist for Sotheby’s and Christie’s in London, where she led the sale of Princess Margaret’s private jewelry collection in 2006, as well as in Geneva, where she was responsible for “business-getting” for biannual multi-million-dollar Magnificent Jewels sales.
Throughout her time with the auction houses, she handled, researched, and valued many world-class gems and important collections.
In the book, she dives into the history of important gems—some of which she has personally handled—such as the Cheapside Hoard Emerald, the Graff Ruby, the Poltimore Tiara, and the Cullinan Diamond, among others.
The narrative also includes stories of famous pieces, such as Lady Diana’s famous blue sapphire, Jackie Kennedy’s pearls, the curse of the Hope Diamond, and more.
“Beautifully written and superbly interesting, Helen Molesworth tells a compelling, global story of gems—their unending allure and continuing impact on human history,” said Tristram Hunt, director of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Having travelled extensively to gem shows and mine sites across the world, Molesworth also weaves the tales of her own travels into the book. She recounts her journeys to African diamond mines, Colombian emerald mines, and the sapphire-rich rivers of Sri Lanka.
While Molesworth has co-authored and published several works throughout her career, “Precious” is her first book for general readers.
The hardcover is $30, and it will be available for purchase on Sept. 17.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Sourcing
The Latest
ColumnistsJan 28, 2026
Peter Smith: Setting the Next Generation Up for SuccessIn his new column, Smith advises playing to your successor's strengths and resisting the urge to become a backseat driver.
SurveysJan 28, 2026
Consumer Confidence Falls Below Pandemic Lows in JanuaryThe index fell to its lowest level since May 2014 amid concerns about the present and the future.
IndependentsJan 28, 2026
Foundrae Heads to Aspen for Latest Store OpeningThe new store in Aspen, Colorado, takes inspiration from a stately library for its intimate yet elevated interior design.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
FinancialsJan 28, 2026
Tiffany & Co., Bulgari Sales Resilient as LVMH’s 2025 Sales SlipThe brands’ high jewelry collections performed especially well last year despite a challenging environment.
Weekly QuizJan 22, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJan 27, 2026
De Beers London, GemFair Debut New Collection Highlighting Artisanal DiamondsThe collection marks the first time GemFair’s artisanal diamonds will be brought directly to consumers.
TechnologyJan 27, 2026
Clientbook Launches Appointment Booking ToolThe new tool can assign the appropriate associate based on the client or appointment type and automate personalized text message follow-ups.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Tucson Preview 2026: Earthy Tones and Innovative Shapes Buyers are expected to gravitate toward gemstones that have a little something special, just like last year.
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Angolan Diamond Cos. Join NDC as Rio Tinto, Murowa Exit Endiama and Sodiam will contribute money to the marketing of natural diamonds as new members of the Natural Diamond Council.
MajorsJan 26, 2026
Francesca’s To Close All StoresThe retailer operates more than 450 boutiques across 45 states, according to its website.
MajorsJan 26, 2026
BIJC Names 5 New Board MembersThe new members’ skills span communications, business development, advocacy, and industry leadership.
CollectionsJan 26, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Celebrates 189 Years of Love StoriesThe jeweler’s 2026 Valentine’s Day campaign, “Celebrating Love Stories Since 1837,” includes a short firm starring actress Adria Arjona.
GradingJan 26, 2026
DCA Updates Colored Gemstone CourseThe new features include interactive flashcards and scenario-based roleplay with AI tools.
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Watches of Switzerland Acquires 4-Store Jewelry Chain in TexasFamily-owned jewelry and watch retailer Deutsch & Deutsch has stores in El Paso, Laredo, McAllen, and Victoria.
WatchesJan 23, 2026
Damiani Group to Acquire Baume & MercierThe Italian luxury company purchased the nearly 200-year-old Swiss watch brand from Richemont.
TrendsJan 23, 2026
Martin Katz’s Earrings Call to Mind Wintry Weather Micro-set with hundreds of diamonds, these snowflake earrings recreate “winter’s most elegant silhouette,” and are our Piece of the Week.
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Names New Director of Creative, Brand StrategyElla Blum was appointed to the newly created role.
Supplier BulletinJan 22, 2026
The Rise of Centralized Sourcing in the Colored Gemstone MarketSponsored by RapNet
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Lugano Diamonds Finds a BuyerInvestment firm Enhanced Retail Funding, a division of Gordon Brothers, was the successful bidder.
SourcingJan 22, 2026
De Beers To Release ‘A Diamond Is Forever’ BookIt explores the history of the iconic tagline and the company’s strategy to redefine the role of diamonds in society.
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Swarovski Appoints New North America PresidentRetail veteran Sindhu Culas has stepped into the role.
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Stuller Names New Chief Merchandising, Marketing, Sales OfficerTaylor Burgess, who has been at Stuller since 2013, was promoted to the newly created role.
PodcastsJan 21, 2026
Episode 1: High Gold Prices, the Diamond Dilemma, & What’s NextWas 2025 a good year for jewelers? Did lab-grown diamonds outsell natural? Find out on the first episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
EditorsJan 21, 2026
6 Jewelry Designers Poised to Have a Breakout Year in 2026Whether you recognize their jewels or are just discovering them now, these designers’ talent and vision make them ones to watch this year.
CrimeJan 21, 2026
4 Men Charged in $1.7M California Smash-and-Grab Jewelry Store RobberyPlus, JSA’s Scott Guginsky discusses the need for jewelers to take more precautions as the gold price continues to climb.
IndependentsJan 21, 2026
Delaware Jeweler Felice Morris Dies at 91Morris’ most cherished role was being a mother and grandmother, her family said.
