Standard Catalog of Gem Values [Paperback]

Anna M. Miller (Author), John Sinkankas (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Mineralogist Sinkankas is a long-respected authority on gemology and the author of many books (e.g., Prospecting for Gemstones and Minerals, LJ 3/1/72), while Miller has written about appraising jewelry. Their collaboration results in a comprehensive, updated catalog that features current (1993) retail prices for hundreds of gemstones in both rough and faceted or cabochon forms. Well-written introductory material to each section explains gems, their supply and marketing, and the properties of rough and polished gemstones in language even nonprofessionals will understand, yet without sacrificing details. An unusual offering is the section on rarely discussed carvings, which also gives prices. Readers should not expect a picture of each gem; illustrations are mostly line drawings, which helps make this an affordable reference. Dealers, buyers, consumers, and students will want this book.?Therese D. Baker, Western Kentucky Univ. Libs., Bowling Green
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

The introductory chapter to this second edition of the Standard Catalog focuses on two ingredients, namely definitions, and the factors influencing the esteem in which a gem is held. Although the term "gem" means different things to different people, the catalog used it to denote finished top-quality stones read to wear in jewelry, whereas "gemstone" or "rough" designates little-worked rough material. With respect to the all-important objective of ornamentation, the key factors that decide the subjective quality of "esteem" are: attractiveness, durability, rarity, fashion and size....

Despite the merits of the introductory chapters, the true value of this publication is that it demystifies the business of gem pricing and provides a much-needed update to Sinkankas' 1968 Standard Catalog of Gem Values....

Thus, updated and entirely revised, this benchmark text of gem values will be welcomed by gem collectors, buyers, miners processors, appraisers, jewelers, lapidaries, and indeed by anyone interested in the value of gems and minerals. Authoritative, informative, and entirely readable, it represents an excellent buy. -- The Canadian Mineralogist, Vol. 33, 1995

The second edition of this gem values catalog has been entirely revised and updated, and will prove an essential reference handbook for any involved in the gem market. The appearance of such a revision, the first since 1968, assures that current market values are reflected and that appraisers and individuals alike have access to the latest facts. -- Midwest Book Review

This second edition of the long-awaited update of Van Nostrand's Standard Catalog of Gems (1968) retains its status as a classic. A high standard is expected from a work produced by John Sinkankas, and the reader will not be disappointed. Anna Miller's contributions are also a welcome addition.....

For the newcomer to the world of gems, this book is an essential reference work. For the possessor of the first edition, this second edition must also be an essential purchase. The book may be recommended to individuals with an interest in mineralogy, for it will help them to understand the value of the material they are likely to acquire. -- Geotimes, February 1996

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Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Geoscience Press,U.S.; 2nd edition (October 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0945005164
• ISBN-13: 978-0945005162
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #283,883 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #19 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Chemistry > Geochemistry
  • #85 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Earth Sciences > Rocks & Minerals

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Reference Source, March 11, 2000

By 

D. L. DeShong (Illinois) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Standard Catalog of Gem Values (Paperback)

At Last a book that makes sense of the wide disparity of gem prices. Each type of gem is broken down into as many as 20 price ranges. By size, by color, by clarity. Want to know WHY there can be thousands of dollars difference in stones of the same type & size? Buy this book! This book is a reference book. Lot's of information & data, but few pictures. I found it more useful when used with "Gemstone Buying Guide", by Rene' Newmann. As a neophite, seeing the pictures in the Newmann book & referencing the valuation tables in this book really helped me evaluate what I was buying. If you buy from TV shows or over the internet, the more information you have, the better your chances are of not overpaying.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars before you buy jewlery--buy this book, October 4, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Standard Catalog of Gem Values (Paperback)

buy gems but before you spend money know what you are paying for. Excellent guide lines as to all the current new 'designer' gemstones, being introduced to the market. However, add factor for the increase in gemstones prices. When is the new edition to be printed.??

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars STANDARD CATALOG OF GEM VALUES, September 1, 2000

By 

Nabila Abu-hantash "bulbula" (Kuwait Kuwait) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Standard Catalog of Gem Values (Paperback)

This book has a wealth of information presented in a concise manner. It contains cuts of gems , colours, sources ..etc, and does not limit itself to a particular gem. It even contains information about pearls, which I thought surprising. I only wish it was more updated, bcause I have had it for 2.5 years, and went to amazon to see if a third version was issued.