Aja RadenEcco Stoned: Jewelry, Obsession, and How Desire Shapes the World

This book looks at a few gemstones and discusses their history and indeed some of the more lucrative items of jewelry created using these gemstones over time. The book begins with a introduction into diamonds and how their perceived value was all the marketing ploy of De Beers. The book gives a sweeping overview of some of major pieces of jewellery that have been created with diamonds - most notably Marie Antoinettes famous diamond necklace. The chapter on emeralds makes for fascinating reading from how they are formed in the earths crust to their conquest by the Spanish in Colombia.Pearls get a lengthy discussion on their formation in the innards of mollusks to the famous and their history from La Peregrina to modern day "cultured" pearls in Japan (which are still real pearls, just farmed, if that makes sense......). The story of the most expensive Easter eggs going - Russian Faberge eggs - are given some very detailed discussion with some fascinating insight how Armand Hammer of Occidental Petroleum played his part in bringing them to America. Though I found it a bit annoying/bizarre that the story was intermittently interrupted by a paragraph on the details of one of the Faberge eggs - 14 times I think. It would have been better in an Appendix.The style of the authors writing is certainly unique. She has clearly pushed the publisher hard to get across her personality which includes many subjective tongue in cheek comments such as "he makes my skin crawl". Some may find it annoying at times but I thought it was most appropriate and actually added to the enjoyment of the book.There are a couple of reasons why this book is only 4 star and not 5. She sometimes goes on far too long about how frivolous Marie Antoinette was in her personal life - while interesting - gets lost from the story of diamond necklace or indeed diamonds in general. The same could be said about the love triangle involving Mary Tudor and King Philip of Spain which goes on for 10+ pages without really adding to the story of the pearl. At the same time her research on many aspects of history is pretty decent for someone who is not a historian. But another reason for deduction of the star is that none of the historical references are referenced. There is no reference list at all actually, which in a book of such an amount of historical detailis a bit surprising. Yes it is a pain but it is necessary.Still a hugely enjoyable book and a great job to the author and publisher.

Fantastic writing and fascinating approach on the subject of jewels, luxury and desire. Raden writes in such a way that you can be laughing and learning at the same time! It’s a great book for anyone working in Jewellery retail and has helped me understand the history of why people desire to acquire luxury, and equally loading you with lots of useful history and stories to sell. Great as an interest and education read - I’ve since passed this book on to a friend and need to get another copy! Looking forward to future publications from this author.

Incredible book about the power of perception, suggestion and how the dark side of human nature and our gullibility has determined the path and history of the world. I will never see things the same again.It is well written, easy to read, enjoyable, humorous, and fun. I've just bought another copy for my 11 year old, because she kept stealing mine.Everyone must read this book!

For something written by a non-Brit, surprisingly witty, and as expected very informative

Great book. Fabulous gift. I've purchased two