A round, luminescent pearl is the simplest and most perfect
gem. Columbus sought--and found--this precious jewel coveted
by his Spanish sovereigns, sparking popularity throughout
Europe. Fashion icons Jacqueline Kennedy, Princess Grace,
and Michelle Obama cherished them, making them iconic. And
designer Coco Chanel raised them to new heights, bringing
pearls-- fake and real--to women everywhere. In" Tears of
Mermaids," Stephen G. Bloom travels 30,000 miles in an
effort to trace a single pearl--from the moment a diver off
the coast of Australia scoops an oyster containing a single
luminescent pearl from the ocean floor to the instant a
woman fastens the clasp of a strand containing the same orb.
Bloom chronicles the never-before-told saga of the global
pearl trade by gaining access to clandestine outposts in
China, the Philippines, French Polynesia and Australia. He
infiltrates high-tech pearl farms guarded by gun-toting
sentries, farms for pearls in rural China, and even goes
backstage at Christie's for a fast and furious auction of
the most expensive pearl ever sold. Teeming with rogue humor
and uncanny intelligence, " Tears of Mermaids" weaves a
nonstop detective story whose main character is the world's
most enduring jewel.
This book is a fascinating look at the history of pearls, and how they are harvested, sold, and made into some of the most beautiful jewelry known to man. Author Bloom takes his reader along on his journey to find the most illusive pearls, and the reader will find themselves caught up in the action and adventure as well! A very enjoyable read! (Sharon Galligar Chance 11:59pm November 30, 2011)
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