A Guide In Color To Precious Semiprecious Stones

Shows stones both rough and as jewelry, plus descriptions of more than seventy minerals.

This fascinating work provides a truly stunning visual guide to the beautiful world of gemstones. It brings together a wealth of information in clearly worded text accompanied by a dazzling collection of color photographs showing gems in their natural and cut states. From subjects as diverse as identifying and collecting minerals and advanced testing, to ethical sourcing of gems, every aspect of gemstones is covered, and is presented with a wealth of research in easy-to-understand sections, making it a must-have reference work for anyone who wants to delve into the exciting world of gems.

Compiles information on the physical and chemical properties of 512 minerals and more than 50 precious stones and rocks

This pocket-size format of the classic consumer guide to precious stones & their settings will teach anyone how to shop for gems with confidence.

Purchasing coloured gemstones can be a magical experience, filled with excitement and anticipation. But lack of information, error, or misrepresentation can make buying gemstones confusing, intimidating, overwhelming, and costly. With more varieties than ever before to choose from, including altogether new gems, revolutionary new cuts, and new ways to buy gems -- such as internet auctions and TV shopping -- there has never been a more exciting time to buy or collect coloured gemstones. But there are also new high-tech treatments and sophisticated frauds to look out for. Lack of information, error, or misrepresentation can make the thrill of buying a gem or piece of jewellery confusing, intimidating, overwhelming, and costly. Buyers need a source of expert guidance. To help you avoid the pitfalls and keep the magic, Antoinette Matlins, an internationally respected expert on buying gems, puts her insider knowledge to work for you in this easy-to-read, easy-to-use guide. Practical, comprehensive, and easy to understand, the guide offers in depth all the information you need in order to know what to look for and what to look out for, including: what qualifies as a 'gemstone'?; how to evaluate colour -- and its impact on price; deciding between a natural gem and an enhanced gem; coloured gemstone synthesis and treatment; what to ask when buying the stone; what to get in writing; how to get what you want within your budget; price guides for popular gems, opals, and synthetic stones; And much, much more!

A guide to the identification, structure, and uses of precious and semi-precious stones, novelty stones, agates, and crystals.