Tavernier, India.12, Sri Lanka.12, Burma.12, Persia, history.1, corundum, quality.10, gems, jade, Fischer-Book, Indian lapidary

Samuel Chappuzeau’s The History of Jewels, and of the Principal Riches of the East and West is an early English-language work devoted to precious stones, pearls, and other valuable natural products. It discusses diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds, pearls, and other gems, including their geographical sources, qualities, sizes, values, trade, and notable specimens, while also treating other commodities regarded as riches of the East and West. Drawing upon contemporary travel and commercial literature, the book reflects European knowledge of the principal gem-producing regions and international gem trade during the 17th century. It is particularly valuable to historians of gemology for its descriptions of the characteristics and valuation of precious stones and for its evidence concerning the routes by which Asian and American luxury materials reached European markets.