From Library Journal
The Queen's Jewels captures the opulence and splendor of the gems of English queens from Mary Queen of Scots to Elizabeth II. Organized alphabetically by gemstones, this historical and visual documentary elegantly displays the world's most famous jewelry collection intertwined with accounts of romance, intrigue, and politics. It offers an inside look at the tastes of each monarch, from Queen Mary's Delhi Durbar emeralds to Elizabeth II's diamond engagement ring designed by Prince Philip. The Jewels of the Duchess of Windsor documents the final chapter of this century's best-known love story, that of the Engish king who abdicated to marry American divorcee Wallis Warfield Simpson, and the sale of the historic collection of jewels he gave her. Rayner, however, curiously focuses on a biography of the Duke and the events leading to the fabled marriage. Beautifully illustrated, the catalog portion meticulously describes and displays each of the 214 pieces, ranging from memorabilia of the Duke to the exquisite jewels designed mostly by Cartier and Van Cleef and Arpels. Includes a list of prices from the sale of the collection in 1987. Carefully researched and designed, both books are recommended. Stephen Allan Patrick, East Tennessee State Univ. Lib., Johnson CityCopyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

FROM OUR EDITORS

The most fabulous jewels in the world belong to Queen Elizabeth II of Britain. Prepared with the approval and cooperation of the Royal Family (who opened the Royal Archives to author Leslie Field for unlimited access), this entertaining, well-researched account of the monarchy's jewels traces the history of the collection, from Mary Queen of Scots's pearls and Queen Victoria's diamond earrings to Queen Mary's emeralds and the present Queen Mum's maple leaf brooch. Wonderful historical anecdotes accompany full-color plates of the jewelry, and archival photographs show how fashions over the years both change and repeat themselves. B&W photos. 8 1/2" x 11".

ANNOTATION

The first definitive account of the priceless jewels owned by Queen Elizabeth II, published with the full cooperation of Buckingham Palace. 285 illustrations, 85 in full color.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Here is the first definitive account of the priceless jewels owned by Britain's Queen Elizabeth II to be published with the full cooperation of Buckingham Palace. It includes stories and pictures of jewelry as worn by members of the royal family for over 400 years. Author Leslie Field, former fashion editor of The Sunday Times (London) and former editor of The Tatler, pored over little-known memoirs, photographs, and documents from the Royal Archives to write her lively and anecdotal text. Nearly 300 photographs capture the beauty and radiance of the jewels themselves and offer revealing glimpses into the lives of the world's most famous royal family.

FROM THE CRITICS

Library Journal