In the Church of Saint-Sulpice, Paris, there is a holy water font. It was made of a shell of the giant clam, Tridacna gigas. I often wondered where it came from because these clams are only found far away from Europe. I found it intriguing that the shell already arrived in France in the early sixteenth century as a gift from the Venetian Republic to King Francis I. Where did it come from? What story could such a shell tell? What thoughts did the sculptor, Jean-Baptiste Pigalle have when he carved the beautiful column upon which the shell rests? What is its religious significance? Only a few pearls from giant clams are believed to exist, and their origins are shrouded in mystery. Is there a pearl somewhere belonging to this clam? It will have to be the Pearl of Saint-Sulpice, alias the Pearl of Allah. The pearl took me on an unexpected adventure to the French Revolution and before, to a1964 scientific meeting where the descendants of the secret league of the Scarlet Pimpernel unites and onwards to the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in1974 where I faced the prowess and strength of the guardians of Aphrodite in the Troodos Mountains. Join me if you dare.

Highlights: Quick access to official websites for bookings, current prices, tickets, reservations, extra information and much more Day Trips with destination overview, images, distance, highlights and more - for each day-trip Stunning Pictorials Maps and free quick access to extra filtered maps Written and published in 2024 80+ pages, 70+ vibrant, full-color pages Over 90+ meticulously curated entries featuring stunning images, invaluable tips, practical insights, and much more Up-to-date and triple-checked information for accuracy and reliability Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of France's wine country with "Unveiling Bordeaux: Your Essential Guide to the Pearl of Aquitaine - Essentials Edition." This exquisitely crafted guidebook opens the door to Bordeaux's world-renowned vineyards, its historical grandeur, and its unparalleled culinary scene, delivering a rich blend of deep cultural insights and the latest local finds. From the majestic châteaux dotting the lush landscapes to the vibrant city streets brimming with gastronomic delights and historical treasures, our guide ensures your Bordeaux adventure is nothing short of extraordinary. What Sets this Bordeaux Guide Apart: Newly Published in 2024: Stay ahead with the most current insights and discoveries, making your Bordeaux visit as enriching as it is delightful. Over 90 Entries Across 80+ Full-Color Pages: Be inspired by each page, bursting with breathtaking images and detailed entries with quick access feature to official websites for bookings current prices, tickets, reservations, extra information and much more. Balanced and Engaging: Avoid being overwhelm with our perfectly balanced guide, offering detailed insights without sacrificing engagement or accessibility. Reliability You Can Trust: Every recommendation and tip is triple-checked for accuracy, offering a dependable companion to help you navigate Bordeaux with confidence. Unbiased Excellence: Free from commercial bias — no kickbacks, and focused solely on your experience, just a pure commitment to providing you with the best of Bordeaux’s enchanting offerings. Why Our Guide is a Must-Have for Your Bordeaux Experience: Our guide goes beyond mere sightseeing, inviting you to immerse yourself fully in the essence of Bordeaux. Whether you're exploring the age-old cellars of prestigious wineries, discovering the architectural marvels of the city, or indulging in the finest culinary experiences, we ensure a holistic journey. We don't just list places to visit; we weave narratives that enrich your understanding and interaction with this magnificent region. A Guide for Every Occasion: The Perfect Present: Ideal for wine aficionados, history lovers, and food enthusiasts alike, offering a journey through Bordeaux's rich landscape even before setting foot in the region. For the Dreamers: Let it be a source of inspiration for your next grand adventure, or a gateway to the world’s wine capital from the comfort of your home. For the Connoisseurs: A beautiful addition to any collection, serving as both a practical tool for exploration and a visual celebration of Bordeaux's splendor. ​​​​​​​Secure Your Copy: Prepare for an unforgettable exploration of Bordeaux's rich history, culture, and culinary excellence. With this guide in your hands, you're not just visiting Bordeaux; you're experiencing it in all its glory. Discover Your Journey with Tailored Travel Guides!

The preparation of this book has been a joint labor during the spare moments of the two authors, whose time has been occupied with subjects to which pearls are not wholly foreign—one as a gem expert, and the other in the fisheries branch of the American government. For many years the writers have collected data on the subject of pearls, and have accumulated all the obtainable literature, not only the easily procurable books, but likewise manuscripts, copies of rare volumes, original edicts, and legislative enactments, thousands of newspaper clippings, and interesting illustrations, many of them unique, making probably the largest single collection of data in existence on this particular subject. It was deemed advisable to present the results of these studies and observations in one harmonious volume, rather than in two different publications. While the book is a joint work in the sense that each writer has contributed material to all of the chapters and has critically examined and approved the entire work, the senior author has more closely applied himself to the latter half of the text, covering antiquity values, commerce, wearing manipulation, treatment, famous collections, aboriginal use, and the illustrations, while the junior author has attended to the earlier half of the book, with reference to history, origin, sources, fisheries, culture, mystical properties, and the literature of the pearl.

Paris, the City of Light, inspires the entire world -- especially the poets of Quebec. In this anthology, superbly translated by Stephen Scobie and Marie Vautier, Quebecois poets explore the splendours, mysteries and secrets of Paris. This ancient centre of culture, the capital city of their ancestors, the settlers of New France, puts the poets in touch with the source of their vibrant art. Paris speaks to Quebec's greatest poets in their own language and they in turn celebrate this city of beauty and of art. Edited by Claudine Bertrand and illustrated with atmospheric black-and-white photography, this anthology makes a wonderful introduction to contemporary Quebecois poetry and an intriguing exploration of one of the world's favourite cities."

Pearl: Natural, Cultured and Imitation discusses some aspects, distinction, and authenticity of pearl. This book is divided into 10 chapters that cover the origin, anatomy, sources, and prices of this precious gem. The first five chapters are devoted to natural pearls, their unique features, origin, history, structure, anatomy, and source. The next two chapters cover cultivation and testing of cultured pearls, as well as their market value. A chapter focuses on the properties of various imitation pearls. The concluding chapters deal with the pricing of pearls, primarily based on an elaborate method using a base price referred to as the "unit base price. These chapters also consider other pearl uses other than necklaces, such as borders to brooches and festoons. This book will be of great value to pearl traders, manufacturers, and users.