Florentine Finish

Steeped in the atmosphere of New York’s famed “Diamond District” and written by a semiretired jewelry salesman, Cornelius Hirschberg’s only novel won the Edgar® Award for Best First Novel in 1964.

"Smart material, fresh characters, intricate plot, a thumping success!"—New York Herald Tribune

Hardy is a small-time diamond salesman and ex-cop who knows private deals mean trouble. Against his better judgment he decides to help a rich acquaintance find a special diamond for his wife. Saul finds the perfect gem, but the deal turns deadly when the diamond is revealed to be part of the haul from a violent murder-robbery.

Caught between the cops, the mob, a beautiful amateur jeweler, and shady gemologists, Saul must figure out how to clear his name before he becomes the next casualty.