George Frederick Kunz (1856–1932)
Author of The Curious Lore of Precious Stones
About the Author
Image credit: Courtesy of the NYPL Digital Gallery (image use requires permission from the New York Public Library)
Works by George Frederick Kunz
Gems and precious stones of North America; a popular description of their occurrence, value, history, archaeology, and of the collections in which they exist. Also a chapter on… (1890) 47 copies, 1 review
The Book of the Pearl: Its History, Art, Science and Industry (Dover Jewelry and Metalwork) (1908) — Author — 45 copies, 1 review
The Mystical Lore of Precious Stones, Volume 1: Superstitions, Talismans and Amulets, Crystal Gazing (Superstitions, Talismans, Amulets, Crystal Gazing) (1986) 24 copies
Bishop Heber 2 copies
Natal stones: Birth stones, sentiments and superstitions associated with precious stones (1909) 2 copies, 1 review
Tagged
Common Knowledge
- Canonical name
- Kunz, George Frederick
- Birthdate
- 1856-09-29
- Date of death
- 1932-06-29
- Gender
- male
- Occupations
- jeweler
mineralogist - Short biography
- 19th century gem specialist, vice-president of Tiffany & Co. The gemstone "kunzite" is named for him; Dr. Kunz named many other gems such as morganite and tiffanyite (a diamond that glows when struck). Dropped out of school at 11, he continued his education and eventually was awarded three honorary doctorates. One of them, from Marburg University in Germany, was withdrawn after World War I due to some insulting reemarks made by Dr. Kunz against the German atrocities against libraries, museums and churches during the war.
- Nationality
- USA
- Places of residence
- New York, New York, USA
Paris, France
Hoboken, New Jersey, USA
Putnam County, New York, USA - Burial location
- Trinity Cemetery, New York, New York, USA
- Associated Place (for map)
- New York, USA
Members
Reviews
Curious Lore of Precious Stones : An Illustrated Guide to the History and Powers of Gemstones by George Frederick Kunz
This book is marvelous, Not only was this man an educated geologist, but also a skilled and knowledgeable jewelry and gem expert. He paired that with a love for archeology and the occult.
Natal stones: Birth stones, sentiments and superstitions associated with precious stones by George Frederick Kunz
Fine little guide to the folklore and meanings of birth stones. Includes infomration on monthly gems, poems, old sayings, guardian angels that surround the month of birth for children. Also, this shows the original folklore, as opposed to the birthstones accepted by the Jeweler's Association in the 1920s, which are based on higher profits for jewelers rather than history and social meanings.
Takes every mention of a gemstone used in Shakespeare's plays, and explains the usage, folklore and meaning of the stone. Great book for Shakespeare lovers,as well as people who appreciate gemstones.
The book of the pearl : the history, art, science, and industry of the queen of gems by George Frederick Kunz
Excellent and authoritative review of pearls in jewelry in history and folklore by the former vice-president of Tiffany & Co., and America's "Gem Expert" for many years.
You May Also Like
Associated Authors
Statistics
- Works
- 34
- Members
- 554
- Popularity
- #45,049
- Rating
- 3.7
- Reviews
- 9
- ISBNs
- 57
- Languages
- 1