Overview

Lavishly illustrated, Gems of the World is intended for anyone who has ever been fascinated by crystals, jewelry, and gems, from general readers to seasoned professionals. It is a fine addition to general collections. --Booklist, on the previous edition Gems of the World is a practical and comprehensive guide to the identification and properties of precious and semiprecious gems, novelty stones, agates and crystals. This edition has been revised and thoroughly updated. Changes and new features include updated maps of recently established diamond bourses and geographical country changes, plus new gem varieties and localities where they are found, new techniques for producing synthetic gemstones and simulants, and much more. There is comprehensive information on gems: gem formation mining the diamond industry conflict diamonds ethical sourcing crystal structure (diagrams and cuts) optical and physical properties fashioning and cutting (properties and uses) gemstone cuts for diamonds buying a diamond buying colored gemstones imitation and synthetic gemstones gemstone enhancement history of gems famous diamonds caring for gemstones and jewelry a color key of 139 gemstones. The text describes the world's diamond cutting and trading centers, the diamond pipeline that flows from mine to retail, and information on the gemstone industry, ethical mining, conflict diamonds and the emergence of new diamond centers. The description directory of gemstones is organized by their chemical composition. The 139 profiles describe each gem's geology, chemistry, properties (such as color, refractive index, and luster), cultural use in history and its value in jewelry. Photographs show the gem as a raw crystal, in common cuts, polished for use, and in some cases, also in a piece of jewelry. Gems of the World is an ideal reference for gemologists, collectors and general readers.

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9780228100072

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Reviews

[Review of previous edition: ] With semi-precious stone jewelry surging in popularity, this hefty hardcover offers fascinating detail about the stones' origins and quality. A great guide to identify and learn about stones in pieces you already own, from abalone to zoisite, not to mention diamonds, sapphires and the usual precious stones too.--Wendy Warburton The Ottawa Citizen (05/04/2008)

[Review of previous edition: ] Gems of the World by gemologist Cally Oldershaw is an up-to-date and illustrated reference guide for the identification and use of precious and semiprecious gems.--Modern Jeweler (08/01/2008) [Review of previous edition: ] The more than 130 gemstones, presented in vivid colour photographs, detailed art work, and diagrams, all provide information that will enlighten gemologists, as well as jewelers and those who appreciate the wonders of the gem world. Well documented maps, showing the location of the gems of the world, provide valuable guides.-- (09/01/2008) [Review of previous edition: ] Internationally renowned mineralogist, expert gemologist, and former curator of gemstones Oldershaw has written a wonderful reference guide to the field of gemology... Comprehensive (though not all-inclusive) and lavishly illustrated, Gems of the World is intended for anyone who has ever been fascinated by crystals, jewelry, and gems, from general readers to seasoned professionals. It is a fine addition to general collections.-- (10/01/2008) [Review of previous edition: ] [This] is an excellent introduction to the world of gems, and it follows much of the beginning curriculum for a gemological diploma (though it will not serve to replace it)....The entries are rich in detail and useful information, including complete gemological properties. The book concludes with a useful series of maps of worldwide gem localities, a glossary of gem terms, and an index.... It would be ideal for novice gem enthusiasts looking to begin their scientific study of the subject, and it should serve admirably as a counter aid for retail jewelers. The book's production values are solid, and the paper and binding are of sufficient quality to survive years of use.-- (09/01/2008) [Review of previous edition: ] Whatever your stone, Oldershaw knows how to identify, rate, and care for it... [She is] and expert and former museum curator of gemstones.-- (03/15/2008) [Review of previous edition: ] With semi-precious stone jewelry surging in popularity, this hefty hardcover offers fascinating detail about the stones' origins and quality. A great guide to identify and learn about stones in pieces you already own, from abalone to zoisite, not to mention diamonds, sapphires and the usual precious stones too.-- (05/04/2008)

[Review of previous edition: ] With semi-precious stone jewelry surging in popularity, this hefty hardcover offers fascinating detail about the stones' origins and quality. A great guide to identify and learn about stones in pieces you already own, from abalone to zoisite, not to mention diamonds, sapphires and the usual precious stones too.--Wendy Warburton-The Ottawa Citizen- (05/04/2008)

Author Information

Cally Oldershaw is a mineralogist and liaison officer for the Geological Society of London and an examiner for the Gemmological Association of Great Britain.

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