18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
In love with Gemstones!, July 6, 2001
The cover of "Gemstones" makes this a wonderful coffee table book. The book is filled with a color photo collection of cut and uncut stones, exquisite pieces of jewelry and exotic sculptures. Some photos show gems in their natural state and you will just be amazed at how they can be polished and cut to perfection.
An introduction entices you into reading about how gem minerals form, then the author delves into gemstones in history, why they are called gemstones, crystal structure, reflection and refraction, color and then cutting and polishing. Some stones are given special attention. There are full pages for diamond, ruby, sapphire, emerald, aquamarine, opal, amethyst, citrine, agate, jasper, tourmaline, topaz, peridot, zircon, garnet, chrysoberyl, spinel, jade, turquoise, lapis lazuli, moonstone, and labradorite stones.
Since attractive rocks and minerals have the potential for being any ornament, some softer materials are ideal for carving. There is a section that shows rare and curious gemstones I had never seen before. Who knew that fossilized wood could also be carved and polished. A two-page map shows where gem deposits are found. The country name is followed by the gems found in that region.
A grandmother may wear the birthstones of her grandchildren all in one ring or mothers may wear a necklace. One of the most beautiful rings I have seen had a diamond, emerald, amethyst and ruby and it secretly spells out "dear." I am in love with Moonstones for some reason. The clear ones are so amazing and can be worn as a necklace. They are said to be bits of moonbeams.
Here is a wonderful quote about Gemstones:
The rational person accepts that sapphire, September's birthstone, is an aluminum oxide crystal colored by traces of iron, titanium, vanadium, or chrome. But peering into the gem, you can just as well imagine, as did the ancient Persians, that it is a chip off the precious pedestal on which the earth balances, whose dancing reflections create the multifarious colors of the sky. They command your gaze. They escort you into the depths and facets of their crystalline and ordered universe. Gems-to-be are spewed from volcanoes and tossed up by ocean waves. Or they rest quietly in sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rock, waiting to be unleashed by water, wind, or the pickax of a miner. -Suzanne Winckler
This book might encourage greed.
I only want one of each! Is that too much to ask for? ;)
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
20 of 22 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Gemstones, a great book for beginners, January 24, 2000
In this book is explained the different kinds of stones, how they are cut, where to find them, collections, etc. A great book for a beginner to learn more about gemstones. Includes a beautiful pictures. Recommended!
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
