The first and only book that explains in non-technical terms how to identify diamonds and colored gems, and how to separate natural gems from imitations, treated stones, synthetics, and look-alikes. The book's approach is direct and practical, and its style easy to understand. Using a simple, step-by-step system, the authors explain how to ...
Gem Identification Made Easy is the first and only book that explains in non-technical terms how to identify diamonds and colored gems, and how to separate natural gems from imitations, treated stones, synthetics, and look-alikes. The book's approach is direct and practical, and its style easy to understand. In fact, with this highly accessible guide, anyone can begin to master gem identification. Includes over 150 photographs and illustrationsover 80 in full color!
Using a simple, step-by-step system, the authors explain how to properly use essential but uncomplicated instruments to identify stones, what to look for gemstone by gemstone, and how to set up a basic lab at modest cost. Three of the instruments are inexpensive, portable, pocket instruments that, when used together, can identify almost 85% of all precious and popular stones.
The key to avoiding costly mistakes and recognizing profitable opportunities is knowing both what to look for and what to look out for.
Gem Identification Made Easy will help you:
- Open your eyes to the types of treatments, imitations, synthetics, look-alikes, and fakes in the gem market today.
- Learn how to tell the difference between them. Quickly spot:
- Synthetics, including synthetic emeralds and diamonds
- Filled diamonds
- Diffused "blue" sapphires and "red" rubies
- HPHT-treated diamonds
- ... and much more!
- Determine how to spot the newest "composite" imitations.
- Learn how to identify recently discovered gems such as “Mandarin” garnet, red “emerald,” and North Carolina's chromium-rich emeralds.
- Discover new treatments such as surface coatings to create “fancy color” diamonds and improve or change the color of many gemstones.
- Know when to seek help from a professional gemologist or lab.
- Become more professional in your business or hobby.
Contents
List of Tables xi
List of Color Plates xii
Preface to the Fourth Edition xiii
Acknowledgments xvii
Introduction by Anna M. Miller xix
Part 1
Before Beginning
1. Before Beginning 3
Part 2
Getting Ready
2. Setting Up the Lab 13
3. Proper Lighting for Gem Identification 37
PART 3
The Essential InstrumentsWhat They Are and How to Use Them
4. The Loupe and Dark-Field Loupe 49
5. The Chelsea Filter and Synthetic Emerald Filter 77
6. The Dichroscope 93
7. The Ultraviolet Lamp 111
8. The Refractometer 131
9. The Microscope 149
Part 4
Optional InstrumentsWhen and How to Use Them
10. The Spectroscope 175
11. The Polariscope 189
12. The Diamond-Type Spotter and Blue Diamond Tester
Essential Tools for Diamond Buyers 195
x CONTENTS
13. The Immersion Cell 215
14. The Electronic Diamond Tester 227
15. The Carbide ScriberAn Essential Tool
for Diamond Buyers 235
16. The "Synthetic Diamond Detectors" 241
Part 5
Antique and Estate Jewelry
17. Antique and Estate Jewelry
The True Test of Gem Identification Skill 249
18. A New Type of Composite Imitation 289
Part 6
Appendices
Gemstone Property Tables 307
Glossary 317
Recommended Reading 325
Where to Go for Additional Gemological Training 331
International List of Gem Testing Laboratories
and Gemologists 344
International List of Associations 361
Selected List of Gem Identification Equipment Suppliers
in the United States and Canada 368
Inde x 371
Antoinette Matlins, PG, FGA, is an internationally respected gem and jewelry expert, author and lecturer. With over 1 million copies of her seven books in print in nine languages, she is the most widely read author in the world on the subject of jewelry and gems. Honored with the international Accredited Gemologists Association's highest award for excellence in gemology, Ms. Matlins books are widely used throughout the world by consumers and professionals in the gem and jewelry field. Her books include Jewelry & Gems: The Buying Guide (over 400,000 copies now in printthe only book of its kind ever offered by Consumer Reports); Colored Gemstones: The Antoinette Matlins Buying Guide; The Pearl Book: The Definitive Buying Guide; Gem Identification Made Easy; Engagement & Wedding Rings: The Definitive Buying Guide for People in Love; and Jewelry & Gems at Auction: The Definitive Guide to Buying & Selling at the Auction House & on Internet Auction Sites (all GemStone Press).
Former gemology editor of National Jeweler magazine, her articles and comments on buying and selling gems and jewelry and on gem investment have appeared in many national and international consumer and trade publications. She is also the author of the "Gemstones" chapter in the Encyclopedia of Investments, second edition.
Ms. Matlins has gained wide recognition as a dedicated consumer advocate, and continues to spearhead the Accredited Gemologists Associations nationwide campaign against gemstone investment telemarketing scams and other types of consumer misrepresentation. A popular media guest, she has been seen on ABC, CBS, NBC and CNN, educating consumers about gems and jewelry and exposing fraud.
In addition to her educational work, Ms. Matlins is retained by clients worldwide to seek fine, rare or unusual gems and jewels for acquisition.
Antonio C. Bonanno, FGA, ASA, MGA, was founder and president of the National Gem Appraising Laboratory and director of the Columbia School of Gemology near Washington, D.C. He held the coveted "Master Gemologist Appraiser" title (MGA), the highest distinction awarded to gem and jewelry appraisers from the American Society of Appraisers. He worked with gems and minerals for over sixty years, specializing in forensic gemology, and was frequently called as an expert witness in a wide range of court cases. A Fellow of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain With Distinction, he was highly esteemed in the field and holds a place in the prestigious Gemstone Hall of Fame. He founded the Accredited Gemologists Association, which created the Antonio C. Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology in his honor after his death in 1996.
