The Pearl Book, 2nd Edition: The Definitive Buying Guide: How to Select, Buy, Care for & Enjoy Pearls [ILLUSTRATED] (Paperback)

~ Antoinette L. Matlins (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Buying guides for gems and jewelry appear on the market with some regularity, and these two are similar in scope and content to their predecessors. Cuellar, founder and president of Diamond Cutters International, covers the standard topics of the four Cs (carat, clarity, color, cut), as well as the fifth C, cost. Various chapters focus on everything from ring settings to insurance, investment, and selling diamonds; other tidbits include carat size charts and even a list of 101 ways to be romantic. This serious yet lighthearted guide is geared to anyone looking for inside information on purchasing a diamond. Matlins's (Jewelry and Gems, LJ 5/1/94) work is equally informative yet more serious in nature. Each of the seven parts focuses on a variety of topics from the historical significance of pearls to pearl types and quality, from selection to caring for and wearing pearls. The two most important sections deal with insider tips and advice from the experts and what to ask when purchasing pearls. Other features include price guides, special charts, and a special color photograph section. Both of these books are suitable for public libraries.?Stephen Allan Patrick, East Tennessee State Univ. Lib., Johnson City
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"An interesting and insightful read for the professional and consumer alike." -- Devin Macnow, Executive Director, Cultured Pearl Information Center

"Indeed 'definitive': an excellent reference for novices and experts alike. Of particular significance is Ms. Matlins' approach to selecting and buying cultured pearls. If you can't take her along with you in person, at least take her advice." -- Richard D. Torrey, Publisher, Pearl World: The International Pearling Journal

"Offers comprehensive instructions on how to choose the best quality pearls for your budget . . . a valuable, new resource for any jewelry lover's library." -- Lynn Ramsey, President/CEO, Jewelry Information Center, New York City

"Simply the best. The most practical, interesting, and useful book about pearls for the student, collector, consumer and professional alike." -- John R. Latendresse, CEO, American Pearl Company

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 198 pages
• Publisher: Gemstone Press; 2nd edition (December 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0943763282
• ISBN-13: 978-0943763286
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,008,137 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another Winner by Matlins!, March 21, 2005

By	E. M. Griffith "auntleesie" (Central Coast of California) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Pearl Book, 3rd Edition: The Definitive Buying Guide: How to Select, Buy Care for & Enjoy Pearls (Paperback)

If you love pearls--or just want to learn more about them--this is the #1 book to buy. I have Matlins 'Jewelry & Gems: The Buying Guide' which is very well worn from use, so I decided to start learning more about pearls with this book.

Wow! Talk about bursting with information! Matlins covers everything from history and lore to famous pieces, moves on to explaining the differences/types of pearls, how to evaluate them, *and* what to look out for... she provides estimated value lists, gives advice on how to buy, wear and care for pearl jewelry. Whew!

Did you know a drop of salad dressing can ruin a pearl? I didn't!

The author also interviewed many pearl industry professionals and their thoughts are informative as well as (at times) entertaining. In fact, the entire book could be described as "conversational". It's not textbook in style, yet provides so much information it could be used as one!!

Do you sell pearls? The information Matlins provides can help you better understand and describe the charecteristics (and value!) of the pearls you sell. Are you looking to invest in pearls or start a collection? Add this book to your shopping cart--you might save hundreds or thousands in the long run.

But if you simply have a passion for pearls and want to learn all you can about them, this book is a "must have" for your library. It's comprehensive, loaded with tips, and easy to read. There aren't pages & pages of photos. It does have some good compare/contrast photos, as well as others of important or famous pieces. You may find yourself wishing there were more of the "educational" sorts of pictures, but overall that's a small nick in an otherwise glowing treasure. No doubt the binding will become worn from frequent use.
IN SUMMARY:I highly recommend 'The Pearl Book'. It's truly worth every penny. You'll know what to look for if you get this gem.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Get Your Pearl Education Here!, April 3, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Pearl Book : The Definitive Buying Guide : How to Select, Buy, Care for & Enjoy Pearls (1st Edition) (Paperback)

I recently became interested in pearls when I bought a very rare cultured mabe abalone pearl from US Abalone, a California abalone farm. Ms. Matlin's book emphasized just how rare, lustrous and valuable this pearl was, helping me distinguish between mine and the countless other pearls being cultured which pale in comparison in terms of quality, beauty and veracity. I am forever grateful to her for this! Also, learning about the history of pearls--from Cleopatra's ingestion of a beautiful accident of nature to the South Sea and Tahitian black cultured pearls' popularity today--has been a wonderful education for me. Her book covers ALL you'd need to know to be a wise buyer of pearls. I feel like a much smarter pearl buyer today--smarter than even many jewelry store proprietors who have revealed to me they don't realize that "freshwater pearls" are from a marine creature and not humanly manufactured!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars GREAT JOB!, November 28, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Pearl Book : The Definitive Buying Guide : How to Select, Buy, Care for & Enjoy Pearls (1st Edition) (Paperback)

I've always admired the beauty of pearls, but never known much about them. The folklore and history explained in this book makes it as much an enjoyable novel as it is an informational source. The knowledge I have gained from reading this book is invaluable. (Remember, guys! We women just LOVE pearls!)