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It was Coco Chanel who said that in times of financial crisis, an instinctive desire for authenticity is reawakened in every domain.

Perfect timing, then, for Assouline to launch a luxury edition of books on Chanel, housed in a case inspired by the iconic chain-handled envelope purse.

Produced exclusively by Chanel for Assouline, the slipcase is crafted of quilted black leather bearing a metal Chanel logo making it ripe for display.

Inside are three volumes on Chanel, including Chanel Fine Jewelry by Francois Baudot. The book tells the story of how the legendary designer decided to start working with fine gems after a group of diamond merchants knocked on her door. Chanel, who elevated costume jewellery to high fashion status, had until that point scorned expensive gems.

But it was the Great Depression and the market for diamonds had dried up. And as the men presented their argument, Chanel began to view diamonds as a symbol of authenticity. On Nov. 1, 1932, the first Chanel Fine Jewellery collection was unveiled in her Paris townhouse.

Famed photographer Andre Kertesz photographed the event, and several images are in the book along with pictures of Chanel’s celestial-inspired jewels and stars such as Celine Dion wearing her designs.

The Chanel luxury edition is available at Assouline.com for $550 U.S.