2011, Elizabeth the Queen (The Liz Taylor Jewelry Sale at Christies).
2011, Elizabeth the Queen (The Liz Taylor Jewelry Sale at Christies).
Image: ©2011 Christie’s Images Limited

It’s lovely to look at and otherworldly to wear but, really, there’s so much more to fine jewellery. It tells stories of conquests and power, conniving and passion. It marks passing styles and great historical moments. For a crash course on all of the above, get your hands on Stellene Volandes’ wonderful new book, Jewels That Made History (Rizzoli).

The editor-in-chief of US Town & Country is also an acclaimed jewellery expert and this little number is proof that she really knows her stuff. Her smart, easy-going, and witty approach to knockout jewels and jewellery-related moments in time will have you captivated. Read about heists, royal intrigue (there is always plenty of this where jewels are concerned), Hollywood starlets, business empires, and revolutions through the prism of diamonds and other sparklers.

1884, The Neckalce as Plot Point (Guy de Maupassant the Necklace).
1884, The Neckalce as Plot Point (Guy de Maupassant the Necklace).
Image: Getty Images/Edward Steichen/Condé Nast

Lady Gaga, Elizabeth Taylor, Anne Boleyn, and even former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright make stellar experiences but the headliners are definitely the gorgeous images of jewellery.

 From the November edition of Wanted, 2020.

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