2005, Hardcover
127 pages
Dimensions: 220 x 220 mm
ISBN: 9781851494941
$25.00
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| Gemstones |
Understanding-Identifying-Buying
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 Language: English
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Author: Keith Wallis FGA
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The average person considering buying gem set jewellery or loose stones is faced with a fabulous glittering and colourful array of beauty and value. A wide choice of stones, some with household names, others strange but very attractive. Complicating things even more are the doubts as to which are real and which fake. The situation becomes more difficult each year as techniques for ‘improving’ stones progress and synthetics swamp the market.
Gemstones is a unique book that introduces the layperson to this complex world in simple and easily understandable terms. Describing what constitutes a gemstone, their history and some myths and legends surrounding them begin the introduction. This is followed by a section covering seventy or so gems with an emphasis on diamond, particularly its identification. A section on organic gems i.e. ivory, shell, coral etc. follows. Both these sections are fully illustrated with colour photographs of the stones.
A trip around the world follows, covering many countries visited by those on holiday or business and describing what, and in some cases where, to buy. Words of warning are also given as to what one should avoid. The influence of the Internet is recognised, with relevant websites helpfully listed. Appendices cover translation in four European languages, physical properties of the gems and colours. A glossary of terms and a comprehensive index is included.
About the Author
Keith Wallis is a qualified gemmologist and a Fellow of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain (Gem A). He was responsible for the design and development of an inexpensive range of test instruments that the student of gemmology could afford.
- Clear uncomplicated presentation
- Quality colour photographs illustrate the many gems
- A comprehensive index
- A totally unique approach to the subject
- Provides guidelines for the basic identification of gemstones in an easily accessible manner
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