Gem Identification Made Easy: A Hands-On Guide to More Confident Buying & Selling

by Antoinette L. Matlins, A.C. Bonanno

New, revised, expanded edition of the first and only book of its kind. Covers the latest gems, synthetics, treatments, and instruments. Easy to use. Practical. Non-technical. Shows how to identify diamonds, colored gemstones, and pearls, and separate them from fakes and look-alikes. Explains what instruments are needed, how to use them, where to get them, and what should be seen for each gemstone.No science background necessary.Faster than you can imagine, anyone can learn to identify most of the gems and imitations found in the marketplace. This practical volume is the key to avoiding costly mistakes and recognizing profitable opportunities. Essential reading for collectors, investors, jewelry lovers, hobbyists, jewelers, antique dealers, and gemology students. With this highly accessible guide, anyone can begin to master gem identification.Selected Contents:Setting up a basic lab.Description of Each Instrument: What It Will Show & How to Use It.Dark Field Loupe - Synthetic Emerald Filters - Immersion Cell - Synthetic Diamond Detector - Loupe - Chelsea Filter - Electronic Diamond Tester - Refractometer - Ultraviolet Lamp - Microscope - Spectroscope - Polariscope - DichroscopeWhat to Look For, Gem by GemAntique & Estate Jewelry - The True Test for the Gem Detective.Dyeing - Composite Stones - Foil Backing - SubstitutionsAppendices: Charts and Tables of Gemstone Properties, Schools, Laboratories, and more.

Genres: Gemstones, Jewellery, Reference, Nonfiction

270 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 1989

About the author

Antoinette Leonard Matlins

Reviews

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book extremely helpful! It discusses the use of tools etc. with down-to-earth language and gets right to the point. A definite must-read for anyone studying gemology or just wanting to know the basics of gem identification.

[Susan Oram · Rating 4 out of 5]

Has lots of great technical info

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

There are few "secret" or tidbits in the book. Mainly it deals with how to test and use your equipment. The basic set is the 10x loupe the Chelsea filter and a 60x microscope. Of course without specimens you go no where so they recommend gem and mineral shows. I doubt I would have bought it, even with my 5.00 kindle credit, knowing this.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

prefect book gemstone Gem Identification Made Easy, Third Edition: A Hands-On Guide to More Confident Buying & Selling by Antoinette L . Matlins and Antonio C. Bonanno (Jul 2003)

teaches how to used tools also for those who have not attended school to do so,

[Tara Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

If I never have to read Gem Ident books again, it'll be too soon.

[Kate]

Read first few chapters as writing reference, did not need to go in further. Useful for that purpose, obviously a little dated in terms of content now.

[Rami · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book covers a lot of interesting tools used in gem identification but not all are used by industry professionals and can be used by amateurs.