Mystery, scandal and myth enhance the visual appeal and worth of the world’s most prized gems. Give your holiday season a sparkling start with Smithsonian National Gem Collection emeritus curator Jeffrey E. Post during his Ocean County Library Virtual Author Talk on Wednesday, Dec. 4 at 2 p.m.

Post will relate facts about precious stones such as the Hope diamond, Star of Asia sapphire, Carmen Lúcia ruby, Hooker emerald, and Blue Heart diamond as well as human dramas through history that add to…