Rings for the Finger

The subtitle of Rings for the Finger summarizes the content of this comprehensive book: “from the earliest known times to the present, with full descriptions of the origin, early making, materials, the archaeology, history, for affection, for love, for engagement, for wedding, commemorative, mourning, etc.” Using a fascinating collection of black-and-white photos and drawings, the author shares his love of gems and jewelry by focusing on rings—their history, meaning, and design. Author George Frederick Kunz, an avid mineralogist and mineral collector, was a prolific writer of books and articles about gems and minerals. This self-taught “gentleman scientist” was well respected in his field; the gem “kunzite” is the namesake of the man who identified it.