From Library Journal
Matlins and Bonanno's guide is as clear and easy to understand as their previous, well-received Gem Identification Made Easy (LJ 9/1/90) and Complete Guide to Buying Gems (LJ 5/15/84). They have updated, expanded, and revised these works to include cautionary advice to the gem-buying consumer about new advancements in fraudulent enhancements of diamonds and especially colored gemstones. Updated price guides and advice on cut, settings, and metals; questions to ask before purchase; advice on selecting a jeweler, appraiser, and insurer; and charts of diamond gradings, gem names, and alternatives point out just how much a consumer needs to know to avoid costly mistakes. Newman concentrates on gold jewelry craft and value. With the aid of her own excellent photographs (showing what can be seen through the indispensable 10X loupe), she describes what to look for in gold jewelry fabrication: mountings, settings, marks, fineness, and quality. Consumers will learn how to test for fakes and karat value, though some of the testing methods using acids are best left to professionals. Safer tests, like the squeeze test for rings and bracelet strength, will empower the buyer who is deluged with too-good-to-be-true jewelry sales. Especially useful is the section on evaluating gold chains. This is another easily read and understood guide by a respected gemologist. Both books are highly recommended, and public libraries might wish to consider purchasing more than one copy of each.Therese D. Baker, Western Kentucky Univ. Libs., Bowling GreenCopyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.


Book Description

Completely Updated, Expanded, Revised.New edition of the "unofficial bible" for jewelry and gem buyers. Explains how to buy diamonds, pearls, precious, and other popular colored gems, gold, and jewelry with confidence and knowledge.This authoritative book includes new sections on design and style, pearls, gold, and platinum, as well as full coverage of recently discovered new gems to look for...and new treatments and trickery to look out for. Easy to read and understand, Jewelry & Gems: The Buying Guide covers every aspect of purchasing and enjoying jewelry and gems.Selected contents:Retail Price Guides for Diamonds, Colored Gems, and Pearls.Getting to Know Gems.Diamonds: How to Determine the Value of a Diamond.The Four C's - Treatments - New shapes & old - How flaws affect diamonds - How to read diamond grading reports - How to spot fraud & misrepresentationColored Gemstones: New Stones Add Exciting Choices.Mystery & Magic - Determining value - New treatments - Synthetics - Fraud & misrepresentation - Misleading names - Gem alternatives by colorPearls: Types - Factors that affect quality and value.Gold & Platinum.Choosing the Setting.Important Advice Before You Buy; Questions to Ask.Selecting a Reputable Jeweler, Appraiser, & insurer.Gemstone Investment.


About the Author

Antoinette L. Matlins, P.G., is an internationally respected gem and jewelry expert, author, and lecturer. Her books are widely used throughout the world by consumers and professionals in the gem and jewelry field alike. 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, Matlins is active in the gem trade.Antonio Bonanno, F.G.A., P.G., A.S.A., was one of America's most distinguished gemologists. For over 40 years he was President of National Gem Appraising Laboratory and Director of Columbia School of Gemology in Silver Spring, Maryland.

ANNOTATION

This completely updated, revised and expanded edition by two experts explains how to buy diamonds, pearls, and other precious and popular gems and metals with confidence and knowledge. Also includes information on design and style, plus gemstone laboratory reports. 16 full-color plates; 100 illustrations.

FROM THE CRITICS

Library Journal