The Queen's Diamonds

The splendor and sparkle of the diamond is unmatched by that of any other gem in the world. As status symbols or emblems of endless love, diamonds have been worn, collected, and presented as lavish gifts since the earliest days of antiquity. Today, steady sales—and borrowed baubles on the arms of starlets—indicate that diamonds remain among the most sought-after gemstones. But few, if any, private collections surpass that of Queen Elizabeth II.

The Queen’s Diamonds takes r…