Colored Gemstones, 3rd Edition: The Antoinette Matlins Buying Guide--How to Select, Buy, Care for & Enjoy Sapphires, Emeralds, Rubies and Other Colored Gems With Confidence and Knowl
With more varieties than ever before to choose from, including altogether new gems, revolutionary new cuts, and new ways to buy gems -- such as internet auctions and TV shopping -- there has never been a more exciting time to buy or collect colored gemstones. But there are also new high-tech treatments and sophisticated frauds to look out for. Lack of information, error, or misrepresentation can make the thrill of buying a gem or piece of jewelry confusing, intimidating, overwhelming, and costly. Buyers need a source of expert guidance. This practical, comprehensive, easy-to-understand guide provides all the information you need in order to know what to look for, and what to look out for.
has a lot of interesting tidbits like how to clean your gemstones (soap and hot water with a soft brush is best; avoid the ultrasonics) and a great listing of what are blue green, yellow or red gemstones, but no pictures. She recommends using and perfectly the jeweler's friend, the loupe but no specific manufacturers just the requirement of 10x. Overall there are many good ideas in here for the total novice, intermediate s may find the latter half of the book better and advanced should just pass by.