Customer Reviews

The Gem Merchant : How to Be the One, How to Deal with One ( How To Buy and Sell Gems )

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When I opened my store I was inundated with colored stone offerings and needed to evaluate and negotiate for stones with tough dealers. I was a graduate gemologist and knew how to identify and grade gems, but knowing the value and how to negotiate for the best price was something they didn't teach in school. "The Gem Merchant" showed me this, gave me good idea's on how to sell loose stones to retail customers and much more.

I highly recommend this enjoyable, simply written and highly useful book.

Robert Staley III GG.

After my schooling I realized that I wasn't taught how much gemstones were worth. Here in Switzerland I found books on the history of gems, gem testing. gem cutting, the esoteric and healing powers of gems, but none on how to buy or market them. This common sense, delightfully written book saved the day. Silvia Weber GG.

The Gem Merchant provides unique insights into this last true vestige of laisez faire capitalism. You don't need a degree or a professional certification, all you need is a passport, a sense of adventure and, of course, a whole lot of cash and you too can be an international gem dealer. Sound romantic? If you really want to try it you better read this book. David Stanley Epsetein is uniquely qualified to be your guide. Himself, a gem merchant, he has lived in Brazil for the past fifteen years and makes a living out of helping poor hapless buyers negotiate the arcane world of gems. And, he has seen it all! Bon voyage!

Very concise and informative book on the exact hows, whats and whys of gem dealing at the source.

The author lives in Minas Gerais state, "general mines" in Portuguese, the busy trading area in Brasil. The book casts light on how buying and selling is really done in the trading towns setup near the mining districts.

Excellent information. You won't learn anything about what's in this book by studying at the GIA. Of course, you need the GIA to be able to grade and identify stones. But then you'll need this book to successfully trade and market them.