Precious Objects: A Story of Diamonds, Family, and a Way of Life

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. 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. With insight and drama, Alicia 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.

Now in paperback, 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.