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.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
EditorsMar 16, 2026
2026 Oscars Jewelry: One Necklace After AnotherNatalie Francisco rounds up the top Oscars jewels, including Rose Byrne’s Taffin necklace with a more than 20-carat yellow-brown diamond.
WatchesMar 16, 2026
TAG Heuer Has a New CEOBéatrice Goasglas has been with TAG Heuer since 2018. She is the first woman to head the 166-year-old, LVMH-owned watch brand.
IndependentsMar 16, 2026
Ben Bridge Debuts New Honolulu BoutiqueThe store features the first in-store build for the jeweler’s in-house “Bella Ponte” bridal brand.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
AuctionsMar 16, 2026
Bonhams Paris To Offer Antique, Signed Jewels The live fine jewelry auction will take place later this week, showcasing antique pieces, rare gemstones, and signed jewels.
Weekly QuizMar 12, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsMar 13, 2026
A Trio of Jewels from the 3 Gem Award Nominees for Jewelry DesignOur Pieces of the Week honor the 2026 nominees for the Gem Award for Jewelry Design, Silvia Furmanovich, Cece Fein-Hughes, and Catherine Sarr.
WatchesMar 13, 2026
Citizen, Vera Wang to Launch Watch CollectionThe 24-piece watch collection is set to debut in spring 2027.
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry EducationWith refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.
MajorsMar 13, 2026
24 Karat Club of New York’s Banquet to Return to Waldorf AstoriaThe reopening of the Waldorf Astoria means a homecoming for the industry group’s annual event, which will take place Saturday.
CollectionsMar 12, 2026
Jessica McCormack Sends Gold, Gemstones Into ‘Orbit’McCormack looked to the 19th century’s “golden age” of astronomy when designing her new celestial-themed collection.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2026
Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Awards GrantNelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on Friday.
TechnologyMar 12, 2026
Caratwise Launches, Names Former Signet Exec CEO The new smart design software allows jewelers to configure, price, and confirm a custom engagement ring in real time for in-store customers.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2026
MJSA ‘Future of Jewelry Making’ Scholarship Applications OpenThe MJSA Education Foundation’s scholarships support students pursuing jewelry careers.
AuctionsMar 11, 2026
‘Spectacular’ 26-Carat Diamond Going Up for Auction in London The largest white diamond to come to market in the U.K. in more than a decade, the VVS1, I-color stone is expected to top $1 million.
TechnologyMar 11, 2026
Cast Jewelry’s Rachel Skelly on Coming Back Online Only Skelly shares her plans for reimagining the fine jewelry retailer she re-acquired after it faltered last year.
CollectionsMar 11, 2026
Pyrrha Highlights ‘The Space Between’ In New CollectionThe collection takes inspiration from the emotional space between people, moments, and experiences.
IndependentsMar 11, 2026
From the Jazz Age to the Information Age: London Jewelers Turns 100In 2026, the jewelry retailer is celebrating a milestone only a small percentage of family-owned businesses survive to see.
IndependentsMar 11, 2026
Virginia Jewelers Raise Nearly $30K for Children’s HospitalThe group of jewelers held a jewelry raffle in support of the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU.
FinancialsMar 10, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q4 Sales Fall Flat The jewelry giant released preliminary results for the fourth quarter and full year on Monday, with final results slated to come next week.
MajorsMar 10, 2026
Saks Global to Close 15 More StoresThe retailer also gave an update on its vendor partnerships.
TrendsMar 10, 2026
Messika Names Julianne Moore as AmbassadorThe award-winning actress is the “epitome of modern allure,” the brand said.
CollectionsMar 10, 2026
Gemstones ‘Bloom’ in Sorellina’s New CollectionThe “Bloom” collection draws from the flower power movement of the 1960s and ‘70s with inlay pendants offered in eight colorways.
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2026
Diamond-Studded Painting Shines at RJO Foundation AuctionThe unique piece was one of the custom works offered at the foundation's recent silent art auction, which garnered nearly $15,000 in total.
TrendsMar 09, 2026
Jake Gyllenhaal Is Bulgari’s Latest AmbassadorBulgari named Gyllenhaal as its brand ambassador for his embodiment of artistic depth, intellectual curiosity, and warmth.
Events & AwardsMar 09, 2026
TJS Announces 2026 Scholarship WinnersAwards were given to four students, one apprentice, and an emerging jeweler.
AuctionsMar 09, 2026
Joanna Carson’s Jewels Lead White-Glove SaleThe top jewelry lot of the late model’s estate sale, hosted by John Moran Auctioneers, was an Oscar Heyman & Brothers for Cartier necklace.
GradingMar 06, 2026
Tom Moses Leaving GIA After Nearly 50 YearsMoses, who started at GIA’s Santa Monica lab in 1976, will leave the Gemological Institute of America in May.
