5 Novels for the Jewellery-loving Bookworm

Any chance we get, we marvel at the beauty of precious stones. We love seeing them on display in stores, hearing about passed-down heirlooms, and even reading literature about iconic pieces of jewellery.

So, it’s no wonder that writers love to bring out the brilliance of jewelry through literature. As Dita Von Teese says in Burlesque and The Art of the Teese, “I choose a color from my collection… and with it, I can imagine a whole world.” If you’re a jewelry lover looking for a new read, check out the titles on our list, and you might just find yourself a hidden gem!

The Jewel Robbery at the Grand Metropolitan by Agatha Christie

Christie fans know about her fondness for extravagant means for murder; ancient poisons and daggers in luxurious settings. But Agatha Christie is fond of luxurious jewels as well. In The Jewel Robbery at the Grand Metropolitan, a pearl necklace sits in a lovely hotel room. Then, Hercule Poirot, Captain Hastings, and Mrs. Opalsen — the owner of the lavish pearl necklace — all coincidentally meet at the hotel. To their horror, the necklace has mysteriously vanished. Will you be able to sniff out the culprit before our world-famous detective does?

Girl with a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier

If you’re one for historically famous jewels, then you’re probably familiar with Johannes Vermeer’s famous painting. Said painting inspired Tracy Chevalier’s novel of the same name. Set in the painter’s prosperous household in the 1660s, 16-year-old Griet is hired as a maid. But to Griet’s detriment, the people of the Vermeer household see her as a threat because of her beauty and natural inclination to art. When Vermeer sits Griet down to paint her wearing the iconic blue headscarf and pearl-drop earring, the dynamic between the two drastically changes.

The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien

As the first volume in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of The Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring is a remarkable start to the classic series. It is said that, long ago, a Dark Lord forged a powerful Ring in an attempt to rule over the entire land. After many ages, young Frodo Baggins finds himself faced with an immense challenge. He must make his way across Middle-earth to find a way to destroy the Ring and foil the Dark Lord’s plans. Even if you’ve seen the movies, reading the books might just drive your obsession with the Ring all over again.

How to Ruin a Queen by Jonathan Beckman

Award-winning author Jonathan Beckman spins a tale about a sensational 1785 trial that captivated all of Europe. In the story, a prominent Catholic cardinal and scion of one of the most distinguished families in France is accused of forging the queen’s signature to obtain a 2,800-carat diamond necklace. With endless unanswered questions, How to Ruin a Queen is filled with political conspiracies, mystery, and delightful diamonds.

The Russian Pink by Matthew Hart

A newer release on the list, The Russian Pink is a carefully crafted tale of deception that’s sure to be a page-turner. The Russian Pink is a large, rose-hued diamond that makes a sudden appearance on the wife of surging presidential candidate Harry Nash. And our protagonist Alex Turner, an investigator for the Treasury Department’s diamond division, spirals into the mystery behind the precious stone. He challenges his virtues to uncover why secrecy and death follow the iconic Russian Pink wherever it goes.

Who doesn’t enjoy a good amount of glitz and glam in their life? Pick up one of these reads, and maybe pick up a jewel or two from any of the collections featured on our Pandora Blog while you’re at it.