TY  - BOOK
AU  - Desautels,Paul E.
TI  - Gems in the Smithsonian Institution
AV  - NK 
PY  - 2020///
CY  - Salt Lake City, UT
PB  - Project Gutenberg
KW  - Precious stones
KW  - Gems
KW  - Smithsonian Institution
N1  - 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
N2  - "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.)
UR  - https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/62879
ER  -