Exotic Gems: How to Identify and Buy Tanzanite, Ammolite, Rhodochrosite, Zultanite, Sunstone, Moonstone & Other Feldspars (Newman Exotic Gem Series) [Paperback]

Renee Newman (Author)

Book Description

Series: Newman Exotic Gem Series | Publication Date: February 15, 2010

This is the first in a series of books that will explore the history, lore, evaluation, geographic sources, and identifying properties of lesser-known gems. This volume has 288 colour photographs of mounted and loose tanzanite, ammolite, zultanite, rhodochrosite, sunstone, moonstone, labradorite, spectrolite, andesine, amazonite, bytownite, orthoclase and oligoclase. Some of the pictures are close-up shots that show how to make visual judgements about clarity, transparency, colour, cut quality and brilliance. A few pictures show how the gems are cut and many others show creative jewellery designs with these stones. The book also provides tips on caring for the gems, selecting an appraiser and detecting imitations and gem treatments. The healing and metaphysical properties of the gems are also addressed. Written for both consumers and professionals, it's easy to read, well-organised, and packed with fascinating information and photos. If you are interested in coloured gemstones, you will find this to be a valuable resource that will help you discover and buy unusual gem varieties you may never have seen before.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Having written guides to buying rubies, sapphires, emeralds, diamonds, and pearls, Renée Newman turns her attention to rarer specimens. Exotic Gems, Volume 1: How to Identify and Buy Tanzanite, Ammolite, Rhodochorsite, Zultanite, Sunstone, Moonstone & other Feldspars prepares readers (and beaders) to encounter these beautiful and potentially valuable gems. The language is accessible, and chapters including "Price factors in a nutshell" will prove indispensable to novice buyers. The breadth of information on each stone, Renee's guide to choosing an appraiser, 288 vibrant photos and a bibliography also make this book a handy resource for seasoned collectors. We'll be watching for future installments of the Exotic Gems series. --Bead and Button Magazine, October 2010

Product Details

• Paperback: 154 pages
• Publisher: International Jewelry Publications; 1 Reprint edition (February 15, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0929975421
• ISBN-13: 978-0929975429
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #52,919 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #4 in Books > Science & Math > Nature & Ecology > Field Guides > Rocks & Minerals
  • #13 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Antiques & Collectibles > Jewelry
  • #29 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Antiques & Collectibles > Reference

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Professional to Layman...Newman Does It Again!, March 3, 2010

By 

Reading It All "Reading It All - Robyn" (Orange County, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Exotic Gems: How to Identify and Buy Tanzanite, Ammolite, Rhodochrosite, Zultanite, Sunstone, Moonstone & Other Feldspars (Newman Exotic Gem Series) (Paperback)

Renee Newman knocks it out of the park again!!!! In her latest book Exotic Gems: How to Identify and Buy Tanzanite, Ammolite, Rhodochrosite, Zultanite, Sunstone, Moonstone & Other Feldspars (Newman Exotic Gem Series) Ms. Newman opens the world of the exotic to her loyal fans.

The great thing about any Renee Newman guide is that she writes for everyone - the professional jeweler, gemologist and hobbyist will all be able to glean important information and inspiration from her books.

In the first volume of her Exotic Gems series Newman looks specifically at Tanzanite, Ammolite, Rhodocrosite, Zultanite and several of the Felspar family of gems (Moonstone, Labradorite, Spectrolite, Sunstone and more).

In words that everyone can understand she walks you through the chemical, physical and optical qualities and then she takes you to the mines, shows you what it takes to cut some of these exotics and then finishes up with some of the most gorgeous photos of faceted gems, carved gems and gems in jewelry...and she even talks about the Metaphysical Lore of the gem.

The popularity of the television shopping networks has opened up a new era in gems in jewelry - there was a day when gem Rhodocrosite was considered to soft for jewelry and it was only found in mineral collections - those days are gone and Renee Newman's book give us the information we need to make decisions about using these materials in jewelry and for those looking to purchase them.

This book is worth buying just for the "eye candy" value - delightful to see such a great range from bridge to fine jewelry - cutters to carvers. Thanks Renee - I am looking forward to volume two!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful reference and a joy to read!, November 27, 2010

By 

hoffmanjade(dot)com - See all my reviews

This review is from: Exotic Gems: How to Identify and Buy Tanzanite, Ammolite, Rhodochrosite, Zultanite, Sunstone, Moonstone & Other Feldspars (Newman Exotic Gem Series) (Paperback)

Would you recognize a beautiful ammolite if you saw one? Seen any zultanites lately? If these gems sound unfamiliar, this book may be for you.

Renée Newman has authored several highly praised guides for buyers of diamonds, sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and pearls. With this book she enters the realm of the more unusual gems. Newman starts off with a careful discussion of all the factors affecting price-- 10 different factors are discussed and illustrated. Then comes a brief summary of gem treatments and a quick review of gemstone terminology, all in clear English.

The first stone discussed in detail is tanzanite. You may consider this gem more mainstream today than "exotic," but have you seen yellow tanzanite? Or pink, or green? This chapter, the longest in the book at 31 pages, mostly updates Newman's previous writings on tanzanite, including its many treatments, coatings, and imitators. Especially interesting is the dramatic improvement from recutting chipped or poorly cut tanzanites; two examples are well illustrated.

Then follow chapters on zultanite (color change diaspore), ammolite, rhodochrosite (including the desirable transparent variety), and the various feldspars such as sunstone, moonstone, labradorite, and spectrolite. Ammolite, an iridescent gem found within ancient fossilized mollusks (ammonites), is an unusual and surprisingly beautiful gem that deserves wider recognition. Newman gives us a peek into the mines and shows examples of how several exotic stones are cut. Rounding out the book is advice on caring for these gemstones, their "metaphysical properties," and a chapter on selecting an appraiser.

This is a very practical guide to these unusual gems, yet has more than enough technical detail to satisfy the gemologist. It is clearly written, easy to understand, and illustrated with excellent color photographs and photomicrographs from a wide variety of sources. Both set and unmounted gems are pictured.

The first in a promised series, this book is a wonderful reference as well as a joy to read. It will leave you looking forward to Ms. Newman's next volume.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A new precious gem!, March 8, 2010

By 

D. Gregory - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Exotic Gems: How to Identify and Buy Tanzanite, Ammolite, Rhodochrosite, Zultanite, Sunstone, Moonstone & Other Feldspars (Newman Exotic Gem Series) (Paperback)

Another marvelous book in Renee Newman's collection! Very well written, easy to understand yet so knowledgeable. A plus are the beautiful and informative pictures covering the process from the gemstones being mined to being set in finished gorgeous jewelry! A must-have book to enjoy and learn about wonderful gemstones in an always expanding jewelry field.