Hardcover
Uncover the lustrous secrets of pearls: history, value, and iconic allure.

Pearls

Their History, Sources, Types and Qualities

$91.99

  • Hardcover

    240 pages

  • Release Date

    20 October 2025

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Summary

Throughout history, pearls have been treasured for their beauty wherever they’ve been found. Before the creation of cultured pearls, natural pearls were incredibly rare, considered symbols of wealth and power reserved for the elite. With the pearl culturing revolution, pearls became widely available, and they remain an iconic fashion staple for celebrities, athletes, royalty and everyone in between.

This lavishly illustrated guide – which features hundreds of photos, maps and diagrams…

Book Details

ISBN-13:9780228105749
ISBN-10:0228105749
Author:Renée Newman
Publisher:Firefly Books Ltd
Imprint:Firefly Books Ltd
Format:Hardcover
Number of Pages:240
Release Date:20 October 2025
Weight:1.29kg
Dimensions:28mm x 238mm x 315mm
A-Format
B-Format
C-Format
A4
Pearls by Renée Newman - ISBN: 9780228105749
238 × 315 mm
mm / in
What They're Saying

Critics Review

An extraordinary, beautifully illustrated, and impressively informative study on the history of pearl jewelry. Exceptionally ‘reader friendly’ in organization and presentation, this coffee-table style volume from Firefly Books is a fascinating and unreservedly recommended acquisition for personal, professional, community, college and university library Jewelry Craft, Antique and Collectible Jewelry collections.

– “Midwest Book Review” (1/1/2026 12:00:00 AM)

Industry professionals and laypeople alike will enjoy this book. Clear explanations and excellent photographs enhance understanding, from the beginning level to expert pearl aficionados. For the industry professional who already has excellent pearl references in their library, this book will help modernise and supplement the information previously published.

–Jo Ellen Cole “The Journal of Gemmology” (3/1/2026 12:00:00 AM)

Jam-packed with interesting facts and crucial insights well beyond those of the standard gemology course overview, Pearls provides the reader with a well-rounded understanding of the many varieties of these gems… This impressive volume covers pearls of all kinds in great detail, offering something for the collector, the gemological novice, and the seasoned jewelry industry veteran. It is no surprise that Renée Newman has produced – yet again – a deeply insightful and interesting book on a well-chosen gemological topic. Kudos to the author on this great achievement!

–Caitlin St. John, GIA GG “The Jewelry Appraiser” (10/1/2025 12:00:00 AM)

Renée Newman’s most recent book, Pearls – Their History, Sources, Types and Qualities is more than just a book – it’s a culmination of decades of expertise, passion, and a deep commitment to educating readers about the beauty and intricacies of pearls. For anyone who has ever been enchanted by the nuance in colors and luster of pearls, this book is a must-read. Whether you’re a jewelry enthusiast, a gemologist, or simply someone curious about these little miracles, her latest work offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of pearls that is as informative as it is inspiring… It’s a celebration of pearls and their enduring beauty. It’s a testament to Newman’s dedication to educating and empowering her readers, and it’s a fitting addition to her impressive body of work. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a curious beginner, this book will deepen your understanding and appreciation of pearls, leaving you with a newfound respect for the queen of all gems. With its blend of historical context, practical advice, and self-explaining photos, Newman’s book is a must-have for anyone who loves pearls. It’s a combination of scholarship and accessibility, making it a joy to read and an invaluable addition to any library. If you’re looking for the definitive guide to pearls, this is it. Newman’s latest work is nothing short of a gem.

–Julius Zheng “Gem Spectrum” (10/26/2025 12:00:00 AM)

This book is beautifully produced. Its “coffee table” size permits large color illustrations and the text is completely up-to-the-minute and leavened with interesting sidebars. If you are at all interested in pearls you probably already own Ms. Newman’s previous pearls book… The question then is, should you buy this one? The answer is unequivocally “yes!”.

–Eric J. Hoffman “Association for the Study of Jewels and Related Arts (ASJRA)” (10/1/2025 12:00:00 AM)

About The Author

Renée Newman

Renée Newman is a highly respected gemologist and the author of gem and jewelry guides, including Diamonds, which charted the history, sources, cutting techniques and more of the world’s strongest gemstone. Her books have been used worldwide as sales-training tools, buying guides, class texts and references for jewelry professionals. She earned her graduate gemologist diploma from the prestigious Gemological Institute of America (GIA).

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