The Top Jewellery Books Every Jewellery Lover Should Read

Whether you’re a seasoned collector, a budding designer, or simply enchanted by the sparkle of gemstones and the artistry behind fine adornments, there’s something deeply inspiring about diving into the world of jewellery through the written word. From lavish coffee table tomes filled with dazzling imagery to insightful reads that explore history, craftsmanship, and the cultural significance of ornamentation, jewellery books offer a treasure trove of knowledge and beauty. In this post, we’ve curated a list of the top jewellery books that every jewellery lover should have on their shelf or have at least read—each one a gem in its own right. If you’d like to buy any of these or know more simply click the book jacket images and you’ll go straight to where you can purchase them.

We are not affiliated, associated, authorised, endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with the following brands or authors. The views expressed here are our own.

Happy reading!

Books About Jewellery History, Iconic People and Gemstone Mining Stories:

💎 Precious: The History and Mystery of Gems Across Time
by Helen Molesworth

If you’ve ever gazed into a gemstone and wondered what secrets it might hold, this book is your literary treasure chest. Helen Molesworth – gemmologist, historian, and the V&A’s senior jewellery curator (she recently curated the Cartier exhibition)– takes us on a glittering journey through time, exploring how precious stones have been adored, feared, worshipped, and fought over throughout history.

Blending serious expertise with a flair for storytelling, Precious sparkles with tales of cursed diamonds, ancient empires, and iconic jewels. It’s a fascinating mix of gemmology, myth, and cultural history that reads more like a spirited chat over afternoon tea than a dry academic tone.

Perfect for:

• Lovers of fine jewellery with a curious streak

• Aspiring gemmologists

• History buffs who like their facts faceted and fabulous

💎 Stoned: Jewellery, Obsession and How Desire Shapes the World by Aja Raden

This one’s a cheeky, clever romp through history with diamonds in one hand and scandal in the other. Aja Raden – scientist, jeweller, designer, and former Head of Auction Division at the famed House of Kahn – doesn’t just talk about jewellery; she talks about how it’s changed the course of history. From wars started over pearls to empires built (and broken) on bling, Stoned is a witty, sharply observed take on the power of sparkle.

Raden’s voice is bold, sassy, and unashamedly fun. She’s not afraid to call out the madness of it all – the obsession, the deception, the sheer lengths people will go to for something shiny. It’s history, but with a strong martini and a wink. If you love jewellery and sarcasm you will love this read!

Best for:

• Jewellery lovers with a rebellious streak

• History buffs who like their facts fun and feisty

• Anyone who enjoys a bit of sparkle with their social commentary

💎 The Cartiers: The Untold Story of the Family Behind the Jewellery Empire by Francesca Cartier Brickell

Step aside, tiaras – this is the ultimate family saga of sparkle. The Cartiers tells the sweeping, behind-the-scenes story of the legendary Cartier family, from their humble beginnings in a Parisian workshop to becoming the jewellers of royalty, celebrities, and serious collectors the world over.

Written by Francesca Cartier Brickell – a direct descendant of the family – this book is part memoir, part biography, and part historical drama. It’s filled with private letters, personal anecdotes, and glittering details that reveal the real people behind the famed maison. From daring business moves to glamorous clients (think Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor, and the Maharajas of India), this is the story of how a family legacy was built, piece by fabulous piece. It is quite lengthy but reviews have described this book as the jewellery version of Downtown Abbey. If you like family sagas and rich storytelling this one is for you whilst sipping on a glass of fine champagne.

Best for:

• Lovers of fine jewellery with a taste for rich storytelling

• Fans of family sagas with real sparkle

• Anyone curious about the glamorous inner workings of a true jewellery empire

💎 No Stone Unturned: The Hunt for African Gems True Short Stories by Richa Goyal Sikri

For those who like their jewellery stories with a touch of adventure and a whole lot of heart, No Stone Unturned is a sparkling stand-out. Richa Goyal Sikri takes us on a journey deep into the gem-rich landscapes of Africa, unearthing not just precious stones, but the people, politics, and passion behind them.

This isn’t your typical glossy jewellery book – it’s more of a travelogue meets treasure hunt, with a journalist’s eye and a gem-lover’s soul. From mine to market, Goyal Sikri shines a light on the lesser-seen side of the industry, celebrating the unsung heroes behind the scenes – miners, traders, and artisans – who bring brilliance to life.

Readers describe it as “eye-opening”, “moving”, and “a much-needed shift in perspective for the jewellery world”. It’s praised for being beautifully written, refreshingly honest, and full of genuine curiosity. A few noted it’s less about luxury and more about human value – and that’s exactly what makes it so powerful.

Best for:

• Conscious collectors who care where their gems come from

• Adventurous souls who love a behind-the-scenes story

• Jewellery professionals and enthusiasts ready to dig a little deeper

💎 King of Diamonds: Harry Winston, the Definitive Biography of an American Icon by Ronald Winston & William Stadiem

Step aside, Gatsby – Harry Winston was the real deal. Known as the “King of Diamonds”, he wasn’t just a jeweller; he was a legend who built an empire out of brilliance (quite literally). In this sparkling biography, co-written by his son Ronald Winston and author William Stadiem, we get an insider’s look at the man behind the myth – the one who brought us the Hope Diamond, wowed Hollywood, and redefined glamour in the 20th century.

This is the story of how a son of immigrants became America’s most famous jeweller, dazzling everyone from Marilyn Monroe to monarchs. It’s part history, part family memoir, part high-stakes diamond drama – all told with the glitz and grit of a life lived under the brightest lights.

Best for:

• Jewellery lovers who enjoy a good rags-to-riches tale

• Fans of vintage Hollywood and old-school glamour

• Anyone curious about the brilliant (and occasionally bonkers) world behind the diamonds

Coffee Table Picture Books:

💎 Gem Love Letters
by Doris Hangartner

If gemstones could whisper sweet nothings, this book would be their love song. In Gem Love Letters, gem and jewellery designer Doris Hangartner pens heartfelt odes to some of the world’s most enchanting stones – from mesmerising emeralds to hypnotic spinels – celebrating not just their beauty, but their emotional power.

Each chapter is a personal letter to a different gem, written with passion, reverence, and a deep understanding of what makes each one unique. Hangartner draws on years of expertise and a genuine love for her craft, creating a book that feels part gemmological insight, part soul-stirring tribute.

Best for:

• Hopeless romantics with a passion for precious stones

• Gemmology fans who like their science with soul

• Anyone looking for a luxurious coffee table book with heart and sparkle

💎 Paraíba: The Legacy of a Colour by Katerina Pérez & Kevin Ferreira

Some gemstones are beautiful. Others are unforgettable. And then there’s the Paraíba tourmaline – that electrifying neon‑blue that seems almost too vivid to be real. Paraíba: The Legacy of a Colour is a gorgeous tribute to one of the most magical and mysterious gems ever discovered.

Authored by jewellery blogger and influencer Katerina Pérez and Kevin Ferreira, freelance rough and finish coloured gemstone consultant with a GIA Graduate Gemologist diploma, this book guides you through the enthralling journey of a previously unknown stone from Brazil, which has since captured the hearts (and jewellery boxes) of connoisseurs worldwide. It’s a fascinating exploration of geology, history, ethics, art – all illuminated by that unforgettable colour.

Perfect for:

• Gem connoisseurs with a taste for the rare and remarkable

• Jewellery lovers who’ve fallen under the spell of Paraíba

• Anyone who wants to learn how one extraordinary colour captured the world’s imagination

💎 Bulgari: Beyond Time by Giovanna Mazzocchi, Silvia Mazzocchi, & Germano Celant

When a name becomes synonymous with sparkle, style and Italian flair, you know the story must be extraordinary. Bulgari: Beyond Time is a spectacular chronicle of one of the world’s most iconic jewellery houses—authoritatively penned by fashion and cultural experts Giovanna and Silvia Mazzocchi, alongside insightful art critic Germano Celant.

This beautifully produced tome takes you behind the velvet curtains of Rome’s legendary jeweller with a focus on luxury watches. From the daring architectural designs of the 1940s to the Hollywood red carpets of today, it showcases how Bulgari has consistently merged ancient inspiration with modern audacity. Lavish photographs highlight signature pieces—think serpent motifs, colourful gemstone pairings, and that unmistakable Roman sense of grandeur.

Ideal for:

• Fans of high‑end jewellery and watches fused with bold design

• Lovers of Italian art, architecture, and aesthetics

• Anyone who appreciates beauty that transcends eras—and time itself

💎 Cartier: The Impossible Collection by Cartier & Phaidon Editors

What happens when one of the world’s most iconic jewellers teams up with one of the most beautiful book-makers? Cartier: The Impossible Collection is the result — a sumptuous celebration of Cartier’s most legendary creations, captured in breath-taking photography and stellar storytelling.

Each page highlights a single masterpiece — from royal tiaras to avant-garde watches — chosen for its significance, design, and sheer wow factor. Arranged thematically rather than chronologically, this collection invites readers to appreciate Cartier’s craftsmanship, innovation, and luxurious artistic vision without the constraints of a traditional timeline.

Best for:

• Devotees of high jewellery looking for a visual feast

• Those who love curated collections and impeccable design

• Anyone wanting a timeless treasure that doubles as an art and coffee-table showpiece

💎 Gouaches by Hélène & Jeanne Karpov

For those who adore the art behind the art, Gouaches is a hidden gem—an exquisite showcase of 57 original gouache paintings crafted by twin sisters Hélène and Jeanne Karpov. These Paris-based Russian jewellery illustrators, each with years of experience at top houses on Place Vendôme, decided to let their invisible work step into the spotlight—and how dazzling it is

This treasure trove of gouache artistry serves as both inspiration and education. It reveals the meticulous technique behind the scenes—rendering delicate gemstones, textures, reflections, and metalwork with brush and opaque watercolour—precisely the finishing touch atelier artisans follow to bring high jewellery to life .

Fascinating for:

• Jewellery designers and talent-seekers of traditional savoir-faire

• High-end jewellery fans curious how a masterpiece begins as a painting

• Art-lovers who see beauty in every brushstroke

💎 The Smithsonian National Gem Collection—Unearthed: Surprising Stories Behind the Jewels by Jeffrey Edward Post

A captivating backstage pass to one of the world’s most dazzling gem collections—from the curator himself. Dr Jeffrey Post, long-time guardian of the Smithsonian’s National Gem Collection, opens the vault on the tales behind its treasures: the Hope Diamond, Star of Asia sapphire, Carmen Lucia ruby, Hooker emerald and more.

Far more than a pretty-face book, Unearthed combines spectacular full-colour photography with rich storytelling. It’s arranged in three elegant parts: a “Storied Collection” of 40 must-see gems, a gem-families section that’s a great primer for novices, and a grand finale devoted to the infamous Hope Diamond.

Best for:

• Those swept up in stories of provenance, scandals and royal intrigue

• Gem-lovers wanting stunning visuals paired with accessible science

• Museum fans hoping to bring the Smithsonian’s sparkle home

💎 Women Jewellery Designers by Juliet Weir‑de La Rochefoucauld

This sumptuous coffee‑table tome does what it says on the tin—shedding glorious light on the trailblazing women who have shaped jewellery design from the arts-and‑crafts era right up to today’s glitterati.

Author and jewellery expert Juliet Weir‑de La Rochefoucauld opens with a thoughtful exploration of women’s early, often overlooked roles in the industry before dedicating the lion’s share to designers from the interwar years (such as Coco Chanel, Jeanne Toussaint and Suzanne Belperron), the post-war boom featuring icons like Tiffany’s Elsa Peretti, Angela Cummings and Paloma Picasso, through to contemporary heavyweights such as Victoire de Castellane, Cindy Chao, Anna Hu and Michelle Ong.

It’s beautifully illustrated and lavishly produced—just as reviewers describe it, “a sumptuous feast for the eyes” and “eye candy on every page” Featuring 360 pages of carefully curated pieces, it blends historical insight with designer profiles, context on shifting gender dynamics, and globe-trotting coverage of modern talents.

Perfect for:

• Those interested in creative women, politics, and design evolution

• Jewellery fans keen on exploring both established icons and rising stars

• Anyone who wants a rich visual journey spanning a century of creativity

💎 If Jewels Could Talk: The History of Jewellery in Fashion
by Carol Woolton

Imagine if your jewellery box could spill its secrets – the love affairs, the red carpets, the royal dramas. In If Jewels Could Talk, Vogue’s long-time jewellery expert Carol Woolton gives voice to the sparkle, uncovering how jewellery has shaped – and been shaped by – fashion through the decades.

From sentimental lockets to statement diamonds, this book is a visual feast and a cultural history all in one. Woolton weaves in anecdotes from Hollywood icons, royals, and fashion legends, showing how jewels have been used not just to dazzle, but to express identity, status, rebellion, and romance. Think of it as the perfect cocktail of fashion, history, and a little bit of gossip. It’s more of a glossy coffee table treat than a deep dive, but perfect for anyone who adores a good sparkle with their style history.

Great for:

• Fashion lovers curious about the intersection of jewellery and style across decades

• Design students or creatives seeking visual inspiration and historical context

• Jewellery enthusiasts who want more than just gemstones—stories, icons, and meaning.

💎 The World of David Morris

The World of David Morris is a dazzling celebration of one of Britain’s most prestigious luxury jewellers. This beautifully produced book showcases the house’s rich heritage, signature designs, and the exquisite craftsmanship that has adorned royalty, celebrities, and connoisseurs for decades. Featuring behind-the-scenes insights and vibrant photography, it’s both a visual feast and a tribute to timeless elegance and innovation in fine jewellery.

Ideal for:

• Luxury lovers drawn to the glamour and history of high-end British jewellery

• Visual aesthetes and collectors who appreciate artisan craftsmanship and opulent design

• Industry professionals or aspiring jewellers looking to understand the legacy of a world-renowned jewellery house

💎 David Webb: Jewelry and Culture

David Webb: Jewelry and Culture dives into the bold, artistic world of one of America’s most visionary jewellery designers. Known for his vibrant, sculptural pieces and fearless use of colour, Webb’s work fused ancient motifs, modern art, and social commentary. This book not only explores his distinctive aesthetic but also his influence on American culture, with archival photos, sketches, and writings that reveal the depth of his creative philosophy.

Perfect for:

• Art and design aficionados interested in the crossover between jewellery and cultural expression

• Fashion-forward readers who love statement pieces with personality and historical reference

• Readers who enjoy deeper cultural context alongside beautiful visuals and design heritage

💎 Fabergé: Romance to Revolution (V&A Exhibition Book)

This lavishly illustrated hardcover accompanies the Victoria & Albert Museum’s celebrated Fabergé in London exhibition (2021–22). Edited by curators Kieran McCarthy and Hanne Faurby, the book explores Carl  Fabergé’s extraordinary craftsmanship—from his Russian origins to the establishment of the only overseas branch in London in 1903. Showcasing over 120 stunning objects (including Imperial Easter eggs, enamelled flowers, hardstone animals, and royal commissions), it delves into Fabergé’s unparalleled technical innovation, aesthetic elegance, and the socio-cultural context of both the Romanovs and Edwardian high society

Brimming with expert essays and archival imagery, it celebrates how Fabergé’s pieces transcended their status as luxury items to become cultural icons .

Perfect for:

• Royalty & Pageantry Fans – Those fascinated by the glittering world of the Romanovs and Edwardian aristocracy will relish its historical richness

• Art & Craftsmanship Aficionados – With in-depth focus on technical mastery and design intricacies, it’s a treat for lovers of fine jewellery artistry.

• Museum-Goers & Exhibition Lovers – If you missed the V&A exhibition, this book’s vivid photography and expert commentary offer a brilliant substitute.

💎 Little Book of Tiffany & Co.: The Story of the Iconic Jewellery Brand by Tamara Sturtz‑Filby

This charming, compact volume from the Little Books of Fashion series is a beautifully illustrated celebration of Tiffany & Co.’s storied heritage. Through over 100 vivid images and expert commentary, Sturtz‑Filby traces the brand’s evolution—from its 1837 New York origin under Charles Lewis Tiffany to its global status. The book highlights iconic milestones such as its role in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, collaborations with Beyoncé and Jay‑Z, and the enduring allure of its signature engagement rings and “little blue box” .

Perfect for:

• Brand Historians & Cultural Buffs – Readers keen on how Tiffany shaped luxury, cinema, celebrity culture and modern branding.

• Visual Lovers & Compact Collectors – Those who adore glossy, photo-driven books they can carry everywhere.

• Gift Seekers – Ideal as a refined and stylish splurge for jewellery fans, fashionistas, or anyone taken by Tiffany’s timeless magic.

Find Your Perfect Piece 

Feeling inspired by any of the stunning designs in these books? At Timothy Roe, we create stunning, one-of-a-kind pieces, including rings, earrings, pendants, and more. Each design is brought to life in our Chichester workshop, where exceptional craftsmanship meets a deep appreciation for remarkable stones. For those with a particular vision, we also offer a bespoke service – ideal for crafting a unique rings or meaningful gifts that’s entirely your own. Whether you’re choosing from our collection or creating something bespoke, every piece of jewellery from Timothy Roe is made with passion, care, and expertise.