This book on the handling of exotic gems begins with an exploration of 11 price factors to consider when purchasing one: color, clarity, transparency, shape, cutting style, cut quality, brilliance, cut weight or stone size, treatment status, copper, chromium and/or vanadium content, geographic origin, and distinctness of optical effects. Each of the price factors is further detailed--under clarity, for instance, the following inclusions are listed: pinpoints, grains, clouds, voids, needles, growth tubes, graphs, fingerprints (healed cracks that resemble human fingerprints) and fluid inclusions. The volume then discusses nine different classes of tourmalines, providing one or more striking color photographs on each page and also includes chapters discussing blue chalcedony, fire agate, and matrix opal. The book itself is printed on thick glossy pages that should resist wear and tear. Annotation ©2014 Ringgold, Inc., Portland, OR (protoview.com)
An in-depth, full-color guide to identifying, evaluating, buying and caring for all varieties of tourmaline as well as matrix opal, fire agate and blue chalcedony. The book includes information on their history, nomenclature, geographic sources, use in jewelry, cutting requirements, treatments and imitations. The gemstones are shown mounted in jewelry, loose, in the rough, under a microscope and as beads in 422 color photos.
Exotic Gems, Volume 3 is the third in a series of books that explains with close-up photos the price factors and identifying traits of unusual gems. The stones are shown not only loose but also in jewelry, in the rough, under magnification and as beads in 422 color photos. Fun facts, historical anecdotes, geographic sources, gem treatment information, cutting advice, gemstone lighting recommendations, and tips on gem care are included along with diagrams and tables to aid in identification and evaluation. If you're interested in matrix opal, fire agate, blue chalcedony, Paraiba tourmaline, rubellite or other tourmalines, Exotic Gems can provide you with jewelry design ideas and in-depth information that will help you be a smart buyer and seller. Written in a succinct and user-friendly style, Exotic Gems: Volume 3 is an ideal reference for jewelers, sales associates, appraisers, gem collectors, gemology students, designers gem dealers and consumers.
