In Erik Larson's book "The Devil in the White City," the author chronicles the events surrounding the Chicago World's Fair of 1893, a pivotal moment in American history. The narrative intertwines the stories of the fair's architect, Daniel Burnham, and the infamous serial killer H.H. Holmes, who used the fair's excitement as a backdrop for his heinous crimes. Larson captures the clash between the grandeur of the fair and the dark, underlying forces at play, illustrating a period of both innovation and terror.

The phrase "seemed like jewels on a skull" metaphorically encapsulates the juxtaposition of beauty and horror that permeates the book. It reflects how the dazzling spectacle of the World's Fair concealed the lurking dangers and moral decay symbolized by Holmes. This imagery highlights the dichotomy of the era, where progress and charm coexisted with sinister realities, presenting a compelling narrative that explores the extremes of human nature amid a celebrated backdrop.