author
Wallis Richard Cattelle
1848–1912
Best known for writing lively, accessible books about pearls, diamonds, and other precious stones, this English-born American author brought gem lore and practical knowledge together for general readers and the jewelry trade alike.
1 Audiobook
The Pearl, its story, its charm, and its value
by Wallis Richard Cattelle
About the author
Born in England in 1848, he later moved to the United States and built his career as a dealer in precious stones. That practical background shaped his writing, which focused on the history, beauty, and commercial value of gems.
His best-known books include Precious Stones; a Book of Reference for Jewellers (1903), The Pearl; Its Story, Its Charm, and Its Value (1907), and The Diamond (1911). These works blend reference material with a readable, enthusiastic style, making them appealing both to specialists and to curious general readers.
He died in 1912. Although not widely known today, his books remain useful snapshots of early 20th-century gem knowledge and the long fascination people have had with rare and beautiful stones.