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Stoned

Stoned

By Aja Raden

Jewelry, Obsession, and How Desire Shapes the World. Harper Collins, 2015.

0.0 / 0

17 mins read

14 Key insights

A brief summary of Stoned

A fascinating look at the history of not only jewelry but the deeply human fascination it provokes, illuminating the way this often-destructive passion has shaped individuals, societies, and events of epic proportions.

Key insights in Stoned

1
What do you get from this book? A provocative look at the desire all humans share to possess precious objects
2
Beautiful objects have a particular hold over us, prompting an intense desire which has the potential to shape human history
3
The Dutch notoriously bought Manhattan from Native Americans for some beads, yet more was at stake than we realize
4
Diamond engagement rings only became a “necessary luxury” because a mining cartel—and two brilliant advertisers—created the desire for them
5
The Spanish Empire was shaped by the hunt for emeralds, a truly rare and magical gem
6
The conquistadors struck gold in South America, but they needed a way to keep track of the flow of treasure
7
One ostentatious, astoundingly expensive necklace was tied up in France’s political turmoil and Marie Antoinette’s dark fate
8
Drama between two royal sisters fed into a war with Spain—all fueled by their obsession over a huge pearl
9
Fabergé eggs were a symbol of the Russian nobility’s opulence, but the country was poised for violent upheaval
10
The Soviet Union was partly funded by an American con artist who sold the mythology of the Russian nobility’s tragic fate
11
Japan’s incredible 20th century economic successes were reflected in one man’s vision of making perfect pearls available to all
12
Summary of the key insights
13
Selected critiques in brief
14
Final word

Who should read Stoned

Jewelers and jewelry designers • lovers of precious stones and fine accessories • history buffs • economics students • anyone interested in our obsession with luxury items

About the author of Stoned

Aja Raden is a jewelry designer and jeweler who has worked at the exclusive House of Kahn as Head of the Auction Division and designed pieces for fine jewelry company Tacori. Raden also has academic expertise in a range of fields, having studied physics and ancient history at the University of Chicago.

author avatar

Aja Raden

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