Australian south sea pearls

This monumental, profusely illustrated volume by two noted authorities is probably the largest single collection of data on the subject of pearls. Its enormous amount of detailed information covers their origin and history, structure, and form; the pearl fisheries of Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas; fascinating facts and lore; and much more. Over 180 illustrations.

Blending history, science, and the jeweller's art to celebrate these natural gems, this lavishly illustrated volume, shimmering with new colour photography and archival images, traces the natural and cultural history of pearls around the world. Published to accompany an exhibition organised by the American Museum of Natural History in New York and the Field Museum in Chicago, Pearls begins with the earliest pearl artifacts found in Mesopotamia and discusses how pearls are formed, in nature and by humans, the ways different cultures have used pearls in literature, paintings, religious objects, and sculptures, and, of course, pearls as personal adornment.

A minature encyclopedia of pearl lore housed in one of the most remarkable autobiographies of our time.

A comprehensive treatise on gemstones, from one of the most experienced jewellers of his time.

This book is a comprehensive treatment of all aspects of the biology of pearl oysters, their anatomy, reproduction, genetics, and diseases. It considers how they are farmed from spawning and culturing larvae in hatcheries to adults in the ocean; how various environmental factors, including pollution affect them; and how modern techniques are successfully producing large numbers of cultured pearls. This is a useful reference source on pearl oysters and the culture of pearls, written and edited by a number of scientists who are world experts in their fields.

This book focuses on the exploits of Hugh Norman – a pioneer of the Australian pearling industry. More than a family chronicle, it deals with the early days of pearling and the characters and places involved. The book was co-written by Hugh Norman’s grandson John and John’s wife Verity. They had access to detailed family records and photographs which enabled them to add colour and life to the narrative. The book provides captivating insights into the history of Australian pearling together with vivid descriptions of pearling life with particular emphasis on Broome – the epicentre of the Australian pearling industry.

Pearl tells the story of the arrival of the pearl in the West, its enchanting mythology, man's fascination with its origins, and the role it has played in jewellery and art throughout the ages. It also explores the significance and impact the pearl has had on different cultures: how it was believed to possess medicinal and talismanic powers, and mystical symbolism.

This book studies the work of Bahrain's jewellers in both the past and present day. Bahrain's fame as a centre for jewellery has continued through the centuries right up to the modern day. Readers will find the wealth of this heritage comprehensively unveiled in this book.

This pearling classic is a study of pearls and pearling regions from all over the world, with a specific focus on early Western Australian pearling.