Secrets of the Gem Trade: The Connoisseur's Guide to Precious Gemstones

by Richard W. Wise

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Editorial Reviews
Product Description
Secrets Of The Gem Trade is the first comphrehensive gemstone grading manual. The book divides into two parts. Section I describes the criteria used to quality grade faceted gems, cabochons, pearls, opals, star stones and Catseyes.

Section II applies the grading criteria to 35 of today's most important gemstones. The book covers diamond, ruby, sapphire, emerald, tourmaline, garnet, pearl, agate and opal

The book inludes 1st person travelogues from Mr. Wise's trips to the major gem bearing areas of the world, including Africa, Asia, Australia and South America.

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All Customer Reviews
Average Customer Review: 5 out of 5 stars

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5 out of 5 stars

One of the top 10 books for your gemological library., 2008-09-09
If his book Secrets of the Gem Trade has made Richard a rock star, it is because he has accomplished the notable feat of making the nuances of fine gems accessible, not only in his rich text but also with extraordinary images of extraordinary gemstones; many as seen through the lens of famed gem and mineral photographer Jeffrey Scovil. Richard has literally defined "connoisseurship," guiding the reader into the world of colored stone appreciation, enriching the journey with his passion for history and travel.

This book has earned its place in classic gemological literature and no library collection is complete without it. Secrets of the Gem Trade serves not only as an invaluable reference, but also as inspiration to many wishing to enter the world of colored stones.

E. Skalwold, F.G.A, G.G.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5 out of 5 stars

Brilliant, 2008-07-14
I highly recommend this book. Although it doesn't cover a wide specter of colored gemstones, it does focus on the ones worth investing in and it goes into detail about what to specifically look for when investing in these particular gems. The fact that it is peppered with stories of the author's adventures is a plus. A very satisfying read!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5 out of 5 stars

Secrets of the Gem Trade, 2008-06-29
This made for a fascinating read and the pictures are fantastic. Is it worth the sticker price? Yes.

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:

5 out of 5 stars

Secrets of the Gem Trade: The Connoisseur's Guide to Precious Gemstones, 2008-01-31
This book is packed with useful information. Anyone interested in gemstones will learn a lot of things you don't typically find in other books on this topic. I'm glad I got it.

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:

4 out of 5 stars

Great information and images., 2008-01-19
With wonderfully good information and great images, the writer introduces a wide reaching and vast amount of valuable information through a fascinating, personalized journey. However this otherwise excellent treatise could be made infinitely better by a more professional publishing house. The typography, layout, and copy editing are awful, albeit I absolutely love the riveting cover.

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