Desautels, Paul E. 1920-1991 creator text utu 2020 monographic en 1 online resource : multiple file formats "Gems in the Smithsonian Institution" by Paul E. Desautels is an informational work written in the mid-20th century. The publication provides an in-depth exploration of various gemstones and the National Gem Collection housed within the Smithsonian Institution. It likely covers the origins, characteristics, and significance of gems, appealing to both gem enthusiasts and casual readers interested in the beauty and science behind these precious stones. At the start of the book, Desautels provides an overview of the historical and cultural significance of gemstones, referencing their use in adornment since prehistoric times. He introduces the National Gem Collection, detailing its origins in 1884 and its development through donations that have amassed more than 1,000 items. The opening emphasizes the criteria that qualify minerals to be considered gems, such as beauty and durability, and sets the stage for a deeper examination of gemology, including practical and aesthetic aspects of gem collection and appreciation. (This is an automatically generated summary.) Release date is 2020-08-08 Produced by Stephen Hutcheson and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net Original publication data not identified Precious stones Gems Smithsonian Institution NK Original publication data not identified 65060068 https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/62879 https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/62879 UtSlPG 260607 20260610134441.0 62879