THIS BOOK IS A CELEBRATION OF SOME OF THE WORLD'S MOST INTRIGUING AND PRECIOUS OBJECTS: THE CROWNS, SCEPTRES, ORBS, JEWELS AND EMBLEMS OF THE ROYAL FAMILIES OF EUROPE.

"This sumptuously illustrated book surveys the wealth, power, and prestige of 800 years of European monarchies in the form of the jewels that hung around their necks, were sewn into their clothing, and dripped from their fingers - often into the waiting hands of favored courtiers." "Beginning with the weighty, gem-encrusted gold crowns of medieval kings and ending with the glittering diamond tiaras of the princesses of the Belle Epoque, Royal. Jewels shows the exquisite range of gems worn by Europe's fabled monarchs." "Illustrated with exceptional photographs of the jewels themselves, as well as with evocative period paintings and vintage photographs of bejeweled monarchs and their families, Royal Jewels is the first book to gather together this unparalleled collection of jewelry - outstanding both in its quality and relevance to the social and cultural history of Europe and the Western world. The book will appeal to any lover of jewelry, fashion, or history."--BOOK JACKET.

The worlds fascination with the Russian imperial family endures, and with this stunning book a new spotlight is added. "Jewels of the Tsars," the first book to examine the familys unparalleled collection, is illustrated with extraordinary photographs taken under special conditions at the Kremlins Diamond Fund, and accompanied by 18th- and 19th-century portraits and photographs of the Tsars, their families, and their court. Prince Michael of Greece, a Romanoff descendant, writes with an insiders knowledge of his familys passion for rare and beautiful jewels, and their place in the troubled history of Imperial Russia.