NEW YORK - Between 1550 and 1750, nearly every royal family in Europe assembled vast collections of exquisite and entertaining objects. Lavish public spending and the display of precious metals were important expressions of power, and possessing artistic...

The Dresden Green Diamond. 41 carats (8.2 g) natural green diamond, which probably originated in the Kollur mine in the state of Andhra Pradesh in India. In 1768, the diamond was incorporated into an extremely valuable hat ornament, surrounded by two...