Il nuovo lume delle gioie

A practical guide for jewelers and connoisseurs alike, this seventeenth‑century treatise opens with a formal dedication to the Duchess of Mantua and a heartfelt appeal to the court’s patronage. Its author, a seasoned goldsmith in the service of the Imperial court, divides the work into four distinct sections, each devoted to a different class of gems—from the most coveted treasures to the mineral stones prized by craftsmen. Written in a clear, instructional style, the text blends technical detail with the modest humility of a humble servant eager to share his knowledge.

The first section turns its focus to the luminous world of Oriental pearls, cataloguing their sizes, shapes, and the subtle influence of the waters that nurture them. Readers are treated to vivid descriptions of famous pearls—such as the one fashioned into a Madonna’s likeness in Loreto—and the nuanced ways that colour, luster, and growth layers affect value. Throughout, the author’s candid voice acknowledges possible errors, inviting listeners into an authentic dialogue with a bygone master of his art.