Rubies & Sapphires (Fred Ward Gem Series) [Paperback]

Fred Ward (Author), Charlotte Ward (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1995 | Series: Fred Ward Gem Series

Part of the Fred Ward Gem Book Series. This lavishly illustrated book in the all-color series includes History and Lore, Hunt for Treasure, Romancing the Stone, Jewels and Artifacts, Synthetic Corundum and Simulants, and Buying & Caring for Rubies & Sapphires. This book provides the ideal introduction to two of the world's most famous gems. Follow author Fred Ward around the world in search for the most important examples of these beautiful and historic gemstones.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

Review

...well written and informative... fascinating reading for professionals as well as laymen... magnificent illustrations... I shall keep your book in a prominent place in my professional library and can assure you that I shall take it out often and study some portion of it. -- Dr. E. Gubelin, C.G., F.G.A.

The color work is superb and the text is so interesting that lay person and jeweler alike will eat it up. It is so handsomely presented that it can't help but be a great value in enhancing gem knowledge. -- R. Liddicoat, Chairman, GIA

Ward, a Graduate Gemologist, is famous for his inspired gem series in National Geographic Magazine. The book is enjoyable from cover to cover and I can't wait until the next of the series. -- Lapidary Journal Magazine --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

For fourteen years Fred Ward created, wrote, and photographed National Geographic Magazine's legendary gemstone series. He has now greatly expanded his classic work into the 8-book Fred Ward Gem Book Series, complete with new photographs and text. His easy-to-read accurate text provides you what you need to know to buy and enjoy the world's most historic and beautiful gemstones. Mr. Ward's award-winning photographs make each page a visual feast. This book is part of "America's Most Popular Gem Book Series." --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 64 pages
• Publisher: Gem Book Pub; Revised edition (January 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0963372378
• ISBN-13: 978-0963372376
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,123,772 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Many of our armchair adventures began by flipping pages of a National Geographic Magazine. Glimpses of foreign cultures, the beauty of the planet from the majestic to the minute, or a look toward the heavens above or secrets below have come from the images of National Geographic photographs. As photographer and writer over the past four decades, Fred Ward has opened our eyes to special and spectacular views of the world. His contributions to Time, Newsweek, Life, and, of course, National Geographic have led him through adventures that we merely read about. If the adventure makes the man, his retelling makes his audiences a part of the action.

Fred Ward has simply done it all. His travels for Geographic led him through more than 130 countries, piloting experimental aircraft and his own helicopter, and diving underwater, all in search of the perfect picture and the most interesting story. His photography has won numerous national awards, and his work--including historic images of President Kennedy, Martin Luther King, and Gerald Ford¬--is in the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Library of Congress. His journalism has also collected a variety of honors.

Fred's gemstone series for National Geographic evolved into nine published gem books. His connections in the industry gave him the opportunity to become not only a gem dealer but also the owner and founder of Jade Designs, Blue Planet Gems, and ultimately, Gem Book Publishers. Along the way, he produced and directed two National Endowment for the Humanities films on Mexico, and various TV commercials and corporate documentaries, and he served as a special gem consultant for National Geographic television.

Without a doubt, through his explorations in the world, this man shares his legendary experiences with the rest of us.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent!, November 17, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Rubies & Sapphires (Fred Ward Gem Book Series) (Paperback)

Fred Ward has a clear and concise writing style. This book is comprehensive, despite it's slender size. It is stunningly illustrated, with fabulous photos of well-known, and ordinary, gemstones and objets d'art. A must for the fan of jewels and gemstones. I'm collecting all his books now.

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A terrific introduction to the subject, October 4, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Rubies & Sapphires (Fred Ward Gem Book Series) (Paperback)

Fred Ward is the author of the classic series on gems published in National Geographic magazine and this book displays similar quality. Meticulously researched, wonderfully photographed, it is a marvelous introduction to the subject.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating Stones, April 16, 2010

By 

D. GRAY-RAUS (London, UK, Europe) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Rubies & Sapphires, Fourth Edition (Paperback)

Even though this is a very slim volume, the information it contains is second to none - very interesting.