Precious Objects

A Story of Diamonds, Family, and a Way of Life

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Science, Earth Sciences, Geology, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Biography & Memoir
Cover of the book Precious Objects by Alicia Oltuski, Scribner
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Alicia Oltuski ISBN: 9781439171707
Publisher: Scribner Publication: July 19, 2011
Imprint: Scribner Language: English
Author: Alicia Oltuski
ISBN: 9781439171707
Publisher: Scribner
Publication: July 19, 2011
Imprint: Scribner
Language: English

In the middle of New York City lies a neighborhood where all secrets are valuable, all assets are liquid, and all deals are sealed with a blessing rather than a contract. Welcome to the diamond district. Ninety percent of all diamonds that enter America pass through these few blocks, but the inner workings of this mysterious world are known only to the people who inhabit it.

In Precious Objects, twenty-six-year-old journalist Alicia Oltuski, the daughter and granddaughter of diamond dealers, seamlessly blends family narrative with literary reportage to reveal the fascinating secrets of the diamond industry and its madcap characters: an Elvis-impersonating dealer, a duo of diamond-detective brothers, and her own eccentric father.

With insight and drama, Oltuski limns her family’s diamond-paved move from communist Siberia to a displaced persons camp in post–World War II Germany to New York’s diamond district, exploring the connections among Jews and the industry, the gem and its lore, and the exotic citizens of this secluded world.

Entertaining and illuminating, Precious Objects offers an insider’s look at the history, business, and society behind one of the world’s most coveted natural resources, providing an unforgettable backstage pass to an extraordinary and timeless show.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

In the middle of New York City lies a neighborhood where all secrets are valuable, all assets are liquid, and all deals are sealed with a blessing rather than a contract. Welcome to the diamond district. Ninety percent of all diamonds that enter America pass through these few blocks, but the inner workings of this mysterious world are known only to the people who inhabit it.

In Precious Objects, twenty-six-year-old journalist Alicia Oltuski, the daughter and granddaughter of diamond dealers, seamlessly blends family narrative with literary reportage to reveal the fascinating secrets of the diamond industry and its madcap characters: an Elvis-impersonating dealer, a duo of diamond-detective brothers, and her own eccentric father.

With insight and drama, Oltuski limns her family’s diamond-paved move from communist Siberia to a displaced persons camp in post–World War II Germany to New York’s diamond district, exploring the connections among Jews and the industry, the gem and its lore, and the exotic citizens of this secluded world.

Entertaining and illuminating, Precious Objects offers an insider’s look at the history, business, and society behind one of the world’s most coveted natural resources, providing an unforgettable backstage pass to an extraordinary and timeless show.

More books from Scribner

Cover of the book Thank You for the Light by Alicia Oltuski
Cover of the book Bonds vs. America by Alicia Oltuski
Cover of the book Shoe Dog by Alicia Oltuski
Cover of the book Knocking on Heaven's Door by Alicia Oltuski
Cover of the book The Flight of the Iguana by Alicia Oltuski
Cover of the book Chekhov Plays by Alicia Oltuski
Cover of the book The Idealist by Alicia Oltuski
Cover of the book The Lamplighter by Alicia Oltuski
Cover of the book The Infinite Gift by Alicia Oltuski
Cover of the book The Best American Poetry 1997 by Alicia Oltuski
Cover of the book Three Years by Alicia Oltuski
Cover of the book The Best American Poetry 2010 by Alicia Oltuski
Cover of the book Portobello by Alicia Oltuski
Cover of the book Riding the Bullet by Alicia Oltuski
Cover of the book The Wolves of Winter by Alicia Oltuski
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy