The Book of the Pearl: History, Art, Science, & Industry of the Queen of Gems.
New York: The Century Co., 1908. First printing. Hardcover book. The definitive collectors' book on pearls and the pearling industry all over the world including the NW coast of Australia. Kunz was well known for his encyclopedic knowledge of minerology for which he was rewarded with a new discovery being named "Kunzite" and a vice presidency at the famed Tiffany store in New York. He wrote a series of books on gemstones, this being one of the most beautiful books published in the United States. "This beautiful example of modern book design is prized not only for the enormous amount of reliable information that it contains, indeed still unmatched in any work since, but also for the large number of high quality illustrations in color and in black-and-white. The lavish use of gilding on the binding imparts a particularly opulent appearance". Sinkansas 3690.
Thick 4to, 548pp 108 illustrations, (some in color), 5 maps. Bound in publishers' pale turquoise cloth, with ornate gilt & creamy white representing pearls design on the front cover and spine. Spine tips and corners rubbed. Good + overall. Item #29274
Price: $750.00