gems, diamond, corundum, ruby, sapphire, garnet, tourmaline, topaz, opal, turquoise, pearl

Hamlin presents a broad popular survey of gemstones, combining mineralogical information with historical accounts, legends, famous specimens, mining localities, cutting, valuation, and use in jewelry. He discusses diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds, tourmalines, topaz, garnets, opals, turquoise, pearls, and numerous other ornamental materials, describing their physical properties, colors, geographical sources, and notable examples. Particular attention is given to American gemstones and mineral localities, including the tourmalines of Maine, a subject on which Hamlin had previously written extensively. The work blends contemporary gemological knowledge with anecdotes and historical lore and provides a useful late-nineteenth-century account of popular and commercial attitudes toward precious stones in the United States.