Jean-Pierre Rambosson / Yan' Dargent - ‎Les pierres précieuses et les principaux ornements - 1870

Original edition. A reference gemology book illustrated with a beautiful chromolithograph frontispiece (raw stones) and 43 illustrations by Yan' Dargent reproduced within and outside the text.

Enriched copy with a former handwritten note from Mr. Bonglon 'Lieutenant in the 95th march, 3rd battalion': [To my dear godson Henri Fabre, by giving you this book I have the secret hope that, once your education is complete, people will say of your sister Marie: 'She is a pearl!', and of you, dear Henri: 'He is a diamond!']

This work presents the most curious and varied notions about the formation of precious stones: diamond, ruby, emerald, sapphire, topaz, opal, turquoise, amethyst, tourmaline, garnet, lapis lazuli, agate, etc. It introduces the treasures offered by the heart of the seas: nacre, pearl, coral. ...

An excellent, largely descriptive work on gemstones that has held the top position among French-language gemology treatises for many years. Despite its age, it remains an enriching and recommended read as a permanent reference. (…) The beautiful and vigorous wood engravings are excellent and depict mining scenes, snow crystals, the famous quartz crystal cave found in the Swiss Alps near Tiefengletscher in 1867, jewelry, engraved gemstones, and more.

Pleasant bound copy. Antique half-green morocco, spine with gold-embossed raised bands and richly decorated panels with small gold tools, featuring the title and author. Front covers in cold-stamped percaline. All edges gilded.

Solid volume. Stained flat surfaces, faded percaline. Interior in very good condition, with no or very few rust marks.


Jean-Pierre Rambosson / Yan' Dargent

Precious stones and the main ornaments.

Paris, Firmin Didot Frères, 1870

ii-298pp

In-8 size, 24 x 16 cm