Jewelry Novels to Adorn Your Bookshelves
The month my friend Jamie Brenner’s novel, Gilt, was being released in paperback, I happened to read four other jewelry novels. I realized quickly that jewelry has always had special meaning to those who collect it, so it makes sense that there would be novels written about finding, collecting, or making bling.
Since some of my other favorite authors also have books about jewelry, I thought it would be fun to compile these literary gems all in one place. Pun totally intended. Many of these books are also on the Ultimate List of Beach Reads 2023.
But I MUST warn you. Whenever I’m reading one of these novels, I always end up inspired to buy jewelry. So, reader, beware! And if you get the itch to purchase some bling of your own, I might have rounded up my favorite costume jewelry below, too.
You know what they say, diamonds and books are a girl’s best friend!
The Best Jewelry Novels
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
The Best Fiction Jewelry Novel
The Heirloom by Jessie Rosen – Jump to section
The Best Historical Fiction Jewelry Novel
The Magnolia Palace by Fiona Davis – Jump to section
The Best Other Jewelry Novel
Love at First Like by Hannah Orenstein – Jump to section
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Contemporary Jewelry Novels
Plot
The Pavlin family is synonymous with the diamond engagement ring. When a publicity stunt pits the three daughters against each other, the winner will receive the Electric Rose- a massive pink diamond.
Now, 10 years later, Gemma Maybrook is devastated at the loss of her mother and is searching for the Electric Rose. The remaining two sisters are no longer speaking, the Pavlin name is in jeopardy, and Gemma is looking for answers.
Why Kirsten loves it
Nothing says summer like a new book from Jewish writer, Jamie Brenner. Every book she writes keeps getting better and better. This story is told in dual timelines and will keep you turning the pages!
Find this book in: Jewelry Novels / Beach Reads 2022 / Best Books by Jewish Authors
The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise
Author: Colleen Oakley
Year: 2023
Genre: Fiction
More info: USA Today Bestselling Author, Good Morning America Buzz Pick
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Tanner needs a place to live where she can sit and play video games to her heart’s content since she isn’t allowed to be at her house anymore. Louise Wilt’s daughter thinks she needs a caregiver.
Being Louise’s caregiver seems like the perfect gig for Tanner and the two ignore each other happily. When Tanner starts to notice that Louise has a close resemblance to a jewel thief and Louise suddenly insists on a road trip, their adventure begins. Is Louise the famed jewel thief from years ago?
Trigger Warnings
Domestic Abuse
Why Jackie loves it
I absolutely loved this book about thieves- or potential thieves. It was everything I hoped for and more. The relationship between Tanner and Louise develops as the characters develop. The plot is unique and it is a true feel-good book.
Find this book in: Books About Thieves / Jewelry Novels / Ultimate Beach Reads 2023 / Ultimate List of Feel-Good Books / Books About Road Trips
The Liz Taylor Ring
Author: Brenda Janowitz
Year: 2022
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Lizzie and Richie’s love story has its share of ups and downs, but after a 9-month separation, Ritchie gives his wife an 11-carat Diamond ring styled after Elizabeth Taylor’s.
Decades after the ring was stolen, or missing, or gambled away (depending on which of their children you ask) and long after their parents have passed, it resurfaced in the Caymans. The ripple effects of the ring and the drama are created, threatening to tear the 3 grown siblings apart.
Why Kirsten loves it
This jewelry novel has all the elements of the perfect beach read. Family drama, gorgeous jewelry, and a cast of characters you’ll love! I adored every character in the book and loved watching their personal growth and the way it impacted their family relationships.
Find this book in: Jewelry Novels
Plot
When Shea’s boyfriend proposes, she goes against her beloved Nonna’s rule to never accept a marriage proposal with an heirloom ring. She loves her fiance, John, but can’t shake her Nonna’s worries about heirlooms carrying the energy of their former owners.
Now, with the help of her big sister and a journalist, she will travel to New York, Italy, Portugal, and Boston to meet the previous owners and make sure the ring has forever marriage energy.
Why Kirsten loves it
Between the gorgeous settings and the hunt for the ring’s origin, this story was easy to fly through while remaining utterly enchanting. I might not agree with all of Shea’s decisions but the journey to happily ever after was so enjoyable!
Find this book in: Summer Reads 2024 / Books set in Italy / Jewelry Novels
Plot
When Helen, the family matriarch dies, the family is amazed to find out that she has left her granddaughter, a massive diamond that can only be the Florentine diamond. As the family hunts for the truth, there is drama from all over the world. Everyone seems to have a claim on the diamond and how did Helen come to process this priceless treasure?
Why Jackie loves it
This contemporary fiction book had a little bit of everything and I could not put it down. This jewelry novel has suspense, history, treasure, and family drama-Â the perfect combo for a great summer read.Â
Find this book in: Contemporary Fiction Novels / Jewelry Novels
Historical Fiction Jewelry Novels
The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau
Author: Kristin Harmel
Year: June 17, 2025
Genre: Historical Fiction
Age Range: 14+
Plot
Colette Marceau is a descendant of Robin Hood. She learned from a young age to take from the rich and cruel and give to those in need. This family motto helped the jewel thieves fund the French resistance in the Second World War.
In 1942, Colette’s mother stole a pair of bracelets from a Nazi’s mistress that had belonged to her Jewish friends who were deported to Auschwitz in the hope that she could return them one day. She sewed one bracelet into the hem of Collette’s and her little sister’s nightgowns. The night her mother was arrested, her little sister went missing along with a diamond bracelet.
Now, seventy years later, the bracelet has turned up in a Boston museum, and Colette finally has the chance to learn what happened to her sister and bring the murderer to justice.
Trigger Warnings
Murder, Death, Antisemitism
Why Jackie loves it
Why is this the first Kristen Harmel book I have read?! I can tell you it will not be the last. This book grabbed me from the first page and took me on a thrilling, emotional ride. There were so many aspects of this story that came together beautifully in the end. This is a powerful story that has so many true components, I found myself crying and smiling throughout. Thank you Simon & Schuster Audio #gifted.
Find this book in: Jewelry Novels / World War II Books / Best Historical Fiction Books of 2025 / Giftable Books
Plot
If you are looking for a historical fiction jewelry novel, look no further than this one. It’s all about the Hope diamond when it was in the Cartier collection. The story features a revenge plot, the history of the diamond, and a forbidden love story.
Why Kirsten loves it
This was a fast, easy read to round out my summer beach reading season.
Plot
I loved this charming contemporary fiction tale about a famed emerald necklace found in the basement of a Parisian magazine. Soon, the writers from the magazine are trying to track down the origins of the gorgeous necklace.
As we learn about the necklace passing from one owner to the next, the mystery of the jewels unravels along with the lives of the writers looking for its secrets.
Why Kirsten loves it
Compulsively readable, I adored all the various aspects of this debut jewelry novel. I look forward to finding out what else Amy Tector can do.
Find this book in: Books Set in Paris / Jewelry Novels
The Magnolia Palace
Author: Fiona Davis
Year: 2022
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: Instant New York Times Bestseller
Age Range: 16+
Plot
The story of Helen Frick and her assistant at a formative time in Helen’s life that coincides with Magnolia Diamond’s disappearance is riveting. As is the later timeline, told 50 years later, when a model and a Frick Museum intern are locked in the mansion overnight and on the hunt for the missing diamond.
Why Kirsten loves it
I’ve been big on Gilded Age books recently, so I knew I would love reading about the Frick family and their gorgeous mansion built in that time frame. I couldn’t put this jewelry novel down. It might be my first Fiona Davis, but it won’t be my last!
Find this book in: Dazzling Jewelry Novels / Books With Flowers in the Title / Books Set in Museums
Other Jewelry Novels
Night for Day
Author: Roselle Lim
Year: 2024
Genre: Fantasy
Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Ward and Camille never got over their relationship and there was never a clear reason why it ended. When they meet again in London while both applying for jobs, they reconnect and decide to give their relationship another try. Camille takes a job working at a strange antique dealer during the night shift and Ward’s job is at a high-end jeweler during the day.
When Camille starts her shift she realizes that the ghostly clientele is not what she had envisioned when she took the job. When her shift is over, she realizes she is stuck inside and cannot leave. Ward, on the other hand, is working with selfish and self-centered Gods. Somehow, he and Camille have found themselves trapped in a godly war with no escape other than the short time between night and day when they can speak with one another
Why Jackie loves it
Roselle Lim Never fails to write a creative and addicting story and this book was no exception. This adult fantasy is emotional as well as the characters come to terms with the people they were, the people they are, and who they want to be if they ever escape. This book was unputdownable and unlike any other book I have read.
Find this book in: Jewelry Novels / Best Ghost Books / Time Loop Books
Love at First Like
Author: Hannah Orenstein
Year: 2019
Genre: Romance
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
The story of a jewelry store owner who gets sloshed and posts a faux-engagement announcement to her 100k Instagram followers had me cracking up and smiling from ear to ear. Watching Eliza trying to get out of the mess she created while falling for Blake, was just so entertaining!
Why Kirsten loves it
I adored Orenstein’s debut, so I knew I had to get my hands on a copy of Love at First Like. Luckily, my friends at Atria were happy to send me a copy to review. I adored this jewelry novel. I lapped the whole thing up in one weekend at the beach. #gifted by Atria
Find this book in: Jewelry Novels / Hannah Orenstein Books
Jewelry Novels on our To-Read List
Shop Kirsten’s Favorite BaubleBar Jewelry
Whenever I read a jewelry novel, I always end up hunting for something the book describes. I’ve rounded up some of the affordable pieces from my favorite costume jewelry website.
Helpful Tips
- Pick a jewelry novel based in your favorite genre! There is fiction, historical fiction, romance, and even a fantasy on this list!
- Are you a Jackie or a Kirsten? If you don’t know, pick a recommendation from each of us!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a great novel about jewelry?
For contemporary fiction, check out Gilt or The Heirloom, but if you want to look at Historical Fiction, try The Honeybee Emeralds or The Magnolia Palace.
Is there any book that explains the diamond industry?
Gilt does a really good job of explaining the jewelry industry as a whole, while Love at First Like focuses on jewelry design. For a look at the historical diamond industry, try Cartier’s Hope.
Related Content
Epilogue
I adore a glitzy little novel, so I’m curious if any of my recommendations are jewelry novels you want to read? Have you read one that I missed? Drop it below, please!
