An easy-to-use book that shows how anyone can learn to identify most of the gems and synthetics found in the marketplace. This practical book is essential reading for collectors, dealers, or students alike on how to avoid costly mistakes and recognize profitable opportunities.
I found this book extremely helpful! It discusses the use of tools etc. with down-to-earth language and gets right to the point. A definite must-read for anyone studying gemology or just wanting to know the basics of gem identification.
There are few "secret" or tidbits in the book. Mainly it deals with how to test and use your equipment. The basic set is the 10x loupe the Chelsea filter and a 60x microscope. Of course without specimens you go no where so they recommend gem and mineral shows. I doubt I would have bought it, even with my 5.00 kindle credit, knowing this.
prefect book gemstone Gem Identification Made Easy, Third Edition: A Hands-On Guide to More Confident Buying & Selling by Antoinette L . Matlins and Antonio C. Bonanno (Jul 2003)
teaches how to used tools also for those who have not attended school to do so,
Read first few chapters as writing reference, did not need to go in further. Useful for that purpose, obviously a little dated in terms of content now.