Gemstone Buying Guide, Second Edition: How to Evaluate, Identify, Select & Care for Colored Gems (Paperback)

~ Renee Newman (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Praiseworthy, a beautiful gem-pictorial reference and a help to everyone in viewing colored stones as a gemologist or gem dealer would . . .One of finest collections of gem photographs I've ever seen. The amount of work in this book is to be believed only by holding it in your hands. If you see the book, you will probably purchase it on the spot." -- Anglic Gemcutter

"With colour on almost every opening few could resist this book whether or not they were in the gemstone and jewelry trade . . .here the reader is given all the information needed to show the custoemr what a stone is, interesting facts about particular species and advice on cleaning and conservation. . . we are show how to evaluate cuts, styles, color, inclusions. Treatments, phenomenal stones and synthetic stones are also described. Beautifully produced with fresh photographs of a high standard, it could be sold to the customer along with their gemstone or jewelry purchase." -- Journal of Gemmology --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Description

Buying colour gems is a challenge. To make a wise choice, you must be able to judge their colour, flaws, transparency and brilliancy. This guide will show you how. Written for both consumers and professionals, it is easy to read, has over 200 colour photographs and gives practical pointers on how to buy the best stone for the money. Whether you are interested in jade, opal, ruby, topaz, spinel, garnet, tourmaline or some other coloured gem, you will find this guide to be a fascinating and valuable resource. Topics covered include: price comparison; gem treatments; quality evaluation; gem cleaning and care; fake stones; savvy buying.

Product Details

• Paperback: 156 pages
• Publisher: International Jewelry Publications; 2 edition (April 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0929975340
• ISBN-13: 978-0929975344
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 7 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #56,537 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great introduction to gemstones, August 15, 2005

By	Bookworm (Atlanta, GA) - See all my reviews

This is a great introduction for the beginner. Lots of color photographs of both cut gemstones and finished jewelry make this a beautiful book. The author goes over shape and cutting style, carat, color, clarity, cut quality and treatments. She also explains the difference between synthetic and natural stones. The last part of the book has entries for various gemstones with detailed descriptions of the qualities of each. Again with lots of photos. After reading this I do feel comfortable comparing stones and prices.

33 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Vibrant color photographs throughout add visualization, April 8, 2003

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

Now in an updated second edition, Gemstone Buying Guide by experienced and professional gemologist Renee Newman is an authoritative, useful and "user friendly", no-nonsense guide to evaluating, identifying, and caring for colored gems, ranging from pearls and opals, to moonstone, topaz, turquoise, and more. Vibrant color photographs throughout add visualization to the tips, tricks, and techniques skillfully described in the text. If you are buying or selling any kind of gemstone then give Renee Newman's Gemstone Buying Guide is "must" reading.

30 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gemstone Buying Guide, March 30, 2002

By	Elizabeth Cita "rapacious reader" (Kansas City, MO United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Gemstone Buying Guide: A Guide to Buying (Gem and Jewelry Buying Guides) (Paperback)

If you are looking for a brief, concise, easy to read book that spells out the basics for gem buying, this is for you. It also has some lore and some of the most beautiful photographs of gems I have ever seen. Inexpensive and useful.