Publishing company Assouline has unveiled that it will be launching a new tome names ‘Jewelry Guide: The Ultimate Compendium’ in December.

Written by veteran French editor Fabienne Raybaud, former head of the jewelry and watches department of the French newspaper Le Figaro for a quarter of a century, the 324-page book covers a wide range of topics for those who want to make a start in the world about gems and the designs that magnify them.

Opening with a brief history of jewellery as ‘small precious objects’ that reflecting human travel since the beginning of recorded history, the book begins with memorable examples in history and now closed houses whose influence has cast a long shadow in contemporary jewellery design such as Boivin, Fouquet and Jean Despres.

The book includes nearly 250 scenes, including 60s top model Penelope Tree’s 90.38-carat “Briolet of India” diamond in front of her eye on the cover, hundreds of pieces, and famous faces such as Elizabeth Taylor, Zendaya or Julia Roberts.

Published in English and French by Assouline, “Jewelry Guide: The Ultimate Compendium” will be available from December for $95, 95 euros or 70 British pounds.