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Gem: The Definitive Visual Guide
Gem is a dazzling visual guide to precious stones, organic gems, and precious metals that weaves together beautiful, specially commissioned images and science, natural history, mythology, and true stories of adventure and discovery.
From diamonds to sapphires to limestone, this comprehensive guide profiles all the key gemstones and other precious materials, and stunning images show the jewels in their different cuts, colors, and uses. The stories, myths, and legends that surround the most celebrated gems and jewel-laden artifacts from around the world are revealed, from their journeys in the company of royalty, film stars, and thieves to the curse of the Hope Diamond. For additional reference, an 80-page reference section at the back of the book highlights a variety of other rocks and non-precious stones.
Created in association with the Smithsonian Institution, Gem combines stunning photographs with expert knowledge, and its lavish jacket features a debossed and foiled diamond, making it perfect for gift giving.
From diamonds to sapphires to limestone, this comprehensive guide profiles all the key gemstones and other precious materials, and stunning images show the jewels in their different cuts, colors, and uses. The stories, myths, and legends that surround the most celebrated gems and jewel-laden artifacts from around the world are revealed, from their journeys in the company of royalty, film stars, and thieves to the curse of the Hope Diamond. For additional reference, an 80-page reference section at the back of the book highlights a variety of other rocks and non-precious stones.
Created in association with the Smithsonian Institution, Gem combines stunning photographs with expert knowledge, and its lavish jacket features a debossed and foiled diamond, making it perfect for gift giving.
440 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2016
15 people are currently reading
329 people want to read
About the author
D.K. Publishing
9,026 books2,092 followersDorling Kindersley (DK) is a British multinational publishing company specializing in illustrated reference books for adults and children in 62 languages. It is part of Penguin Random House, a consumer publishing company jointly owned by Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA and Pearson PLC. Bertelsmann owns 53% of the company and Pearson owns 47%.
Established in 1974, DK publishes a range of titles in genres including travel (including Eyewitness Travel Guides), arts and crafts, business, history, cooking, gaming, gardening, health and fitness, natural history, parenting, science and reference. They also publish books for children, toddlers and babies, covering such topics as history, the human body, animals and activities, as well as licensed properties such as LEGO, Disney and DeLiSo, licensor of the toy Sophie la Girafe. DK has offices in New York, London, Munich, New Delhi, Toronto and Melbourne.
Source: Wikipedia.
Established in 1974, DK publishes a range of titles in genres including travel (including Eyewitness Travel Guides), arts and crafts, business, history, cooking, gaming, gardening, health and fitness, natural history, parenting, science and reference. They also publish books for children, toddlers and babies, covering such topics as history, the human body, animals and activities, as well as licensed properties such as LEGO, Disney and DeLiSo, licensor of the toy Sophie la Girafe. DK has offices in New York, London, Munich, New Delhi, Toronto and Melbourne.
Source: Wikipedia.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
October 7, 2016
This book is huge, it is heavy when you pick it up. If it was in the library, I bet that you would sit on the floor and hold with your crossed legs. wander through the color rich pages. I have loved gems from when a boy in second grade gave me a ruby ring from the dime store and I spent many hours as a child cracking geodes against the sidewalk. Just like those geodes, each page is a joy and and treasure.
If you have a passion for jewelry, this book so many famous broaches, necklaces. jewel encrusted crowns. All of them illustrations have captions of their historic significance or something very memorial about them. I love the pages on jade. It reminds me of going to a large jade shop being fascinated by very large green and white ship. Each page is a surprise and wonder.You will spend many hours enjoying this book on gems. There is so much to explore.
I received this finished copy by making a selection from Amazon Vine books but that in no way influenced my thoughts or feelings in this review. I also posted this review only on sites meant for reading not for selling
If you have a passion for jewelry, this book so many famous broaches, necklaces. jewel encrusted crowns. All of them illustrations have captions of their historic significance or something very memorial about them. I love the pages on jade. It reminds me of going to a large jade shop being fascinated by very large green and white ship. Each page is a surprise and wonder.You will spend many hours enjoying this book on gems. There is so much to explore.
I received this finished copy by making a selection from Amazon Vine books but that in no way influenced my thoughts or feelings in this review. I also posted this review only on sites meant for reading not for selling
July 16, 2017
Gems contains a breathtaking number of factual errors and misspellings. This book was clearly not reviewed by anyone with a working knowledge of gems and especially minerals, as many of the specimens in the book are mislabeled. The photos were taken by someone without an expertise in photographing transparent materials, and to make matters worse the images are reproduced at low resolution such that it is impossible to clearly identify species or inclusions.
One section of the book organizes gems by color, which is misleading as color is only one factor used to identify gems. This characteristic is given great importance while at the same time, the images are in many cases oversaturated and processed such that their natural colors are obscured. The complex science of color in minerals is oversimplified, treatments and enhancements to color are barely and inconsistently mentioned.
This is a fun coffee table book, but it anyone who uses it as a reference does so at their own peril.
One section of the book organizes gems by color, which is misleading as color is only one factor used to identify gems. This characteristic is given great importance while at the same time, the images are in many cases oversaturated and processed such that their natural colors are obscured. The complex science of color in minerals is oversimplified, treatments and enhancements to color are barely and inconsistently mentioned.
This is a fun coffee table book, but it anyone who uses it as a reference does so at their own peril.
December 26, 2019
A fabulous collection of pictures of gorgeous jewelry and the stones that are used in it. Another reviewer commented about numerous misspellings and bad photography, but I don't know the field well enough to catch either problem. I just like the featured gems and jewelry and the introduction to gemstones I had never heard of. Some are too fragile to wear as jewelry, but can be faceted for collectors. All or at least most are shown as roughs, as polished stones, and as faceted stones, if applicable. Possible colors are mentioned, countries where found are listed, but not always with exact locations. Saying the USA doesn't pin it down much.
The book is heavy. Amazon says shipping weight is 5.6 pounds but that sounds low to me, or maybe five pounds is heavier than I think it is.
The Introduction includes What is a mineral, What is a gem, and What is a jewel. Native Elements covers such things as gold, silver, platinum, copper, diamond. Gemstones covers all the ones you know: such as sapphire and ruby and lots more, including such semiprecious stones as malachite, agate, onyx, and turquoise. Organic gems covers pearls, shell, jet, amber, coral and the previously-unknown-to-me peanut wood. Rock gems and rocks touches on obsidian, limestone, sandstone, marble, and granite. Each chapter features fantastic gems and small sculptures using gems such as the Russian Amber Room, Michelangelo's David (for marble), the Alhambra, a Chinese birdcage (jade), Duchess of Windsor's Cartier flamingo brooch (diamonds, rubies, sapphires & emeralds). There's also a page of Indian jewels. And Lots More.
If you like sparklies and even opaque semiprecious stones, you'll probably like this book. I skipped the really technical parts. I finished it on Christmas Day which seems appropriate since I couldn't afford the really fabulous jewels here.
The book is heavy. Amazon says shipping weight is 5.6 pounds but that sounds low to me, or maybe five pounds is heavier than I think it is.
The Introduction includes What is a mineral, What is a gem, and What is a jewel. Native Elements covers such things as gold, silver, platinum, copper, diamond. Gemstones covers all the ones you know: such as sapphire and ruby and lots more, including such semiprecious stones as malachite, agate, onyx, and turquoise. Organic gems covers pearls, shell, jet, amber, coral and the previously-unknown-to-me peanut wood. Rock gems and rocks touches on obsidian, limestone, sandstone, marble, and granite. Each chapter features fantastic gems and small sculptures using gems such as the Russian Amber Room, Michelangelo's David (for marble), the Alhambra, a Chinese birdcage (jade), Duchess of Windsor's Cartier flamingo brooch (diamonds, rubies, sapphires & emeralds). There's also a page of Indian jewels. And Lots More.
If you like sparklies and even opaque semiprecious stones, you'll probably like this book. I skipped the really technical parts. I finished it on Christmas Day which seems appropriate since I couldn't afford the really fabulous jewels here.
February 7, 2018
Hello, This is a very good book and I would recommend it. There are a vast number of illustrations and good information on gemstones. However, those particularly interested in jewellery history and pieces will need to look at other sources. A person named Gloria wrote a review on July 16, 2017 about the many misspellings... in the book. It would have been nice to have examples. This book (less the 80 page mineral and rock directory) was also published in the U.K. by DK with the title, Jewel. Regards, Bill
January 30, 2024
This book is an encyclopedia about gemstones. You can see the types of gemstones, their history, and jewelry collections along with clear photos.
The content is exactly the same as the DK book below. Same image and text. Only the cover is different.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
If you are planning to purchase one, it is recommended that you choose the one with the cover you like.
The content is exactly the same as the DK book below. Same image and text. Only the cover is different.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
If you are planning to purchase one, it is recommended that you choose the one with the cover you like.
November 30, 2016
If you can lift it to take it home, this coffee table book from the Smithsonian is better than visiting many of these gems at the Smithsonian, the Tower of London, and/or any other museum worldwide because the pictures are huge and you can stare at them as long as you want...no elbowing crowds, no moving sidewalks, no rinky dinky display cases. Absolutely fabulous!
May 12, 2017
This huge book is full of big, beautiful photos of gems, jewelry, and all sorts of beautiful things. If you like all things shiny this is definitely the book for you. Each page is full of large photos and descriptions of all the hundreds of different varieties of gems. Interspersed are stories about famous pieces of jewelry, famous gems, or cultural notes. I just adore this book.
August 28, 2022
This is a very detailed picture book. Great "coffee table" size. A wonderful visual reference for natural earth gem materials and some brief historical notes regarding various famous pieces of jewelry.
October 4, 2022
A complete breath of fresh air when compared to normal stuffy old gemstone books. Gem is able to tell interesting information about each specimen in a creative and captivating way. This book shows how each stone ties into history, art and mystery.
June 9, 2017
This was fascinating and full of beautiful images! Not just about gems, but covered the wide range of minerals, rocks, organic gems like pearls, etc.
February 25, 2018
I wanted to do some research on various gems and found this to be a great starting point. Lots of great information and beautiful pictures.
August 22, 2018
Fabulous book! exquisite pictures and fascinating information.
June 12, 2025
What a beautiful book! Well organized and superb photographs, lots of explanatory data about gems and many stories around gems and famous stones.
March 22, 2017
Love it!
March 12, 2019
This is a survey of many of the headline-grabbing gems across the world. In particular, is is a companion to the Hall of Gems at the Smithsonian Insititution. You will find spectacular photography and summaries on most of the signature pieces in the Hall of Gems. For example, the Dom Pedro Aquamarine, the Hope Diamond, The Hooker Emerald, Marie-Antoinette's earrings, Marie-Therese's tiara...as well as fascinating overviews explaining exactly why you need to make time to marvel at the Alexandrite and watch the humble rocks from New Jersey glow with green fire when the lights are off. Mostly, you will see the photos and be inspired to do your own research more deeply into the history of the items shown. Preferably including a visit to the Smithsonian.
There are also many pages devoted to diverse bucket-list sorts of lapidary that are scattered across the world: The Amber Room, the Black Prince's "Ruby", the Staffordshire Hoard, The Koh-i-Noor, and the Crown of the Andes, to name a few. Slick, master jewelers such as Cartier and Bulgari are featured; we are also shown muddy digs, raw materials and open pit mines.
It is a comprehensive guide to all minerals and gems. There are attractive photo montages of gems arranged by the Moh's Hardness Scale , native elements, and gems laid out colorfully in accordance with their role in gift marketing. There is not much in the way of backstory; how could there be with all those photos stealing the show?
This is a true feast for the eyes of a gem enthusiast.
There are also many pages devoted to diverse bucket-list sorts of lapidary that are scattered across the world: The Amber Room, the Black Prince's "Ruby", the Staffordshire Hoard, The Koh-i-Noor, and the Crown of the Andes, to name a few. Slick, master jewelers such as Cartier and Bulgari are featured; we are also shown muddy digs, raw materials and open pit mines.
It is a comprehensive guide to all minerals and gems. There are attractive photo montages of gems arranged by the Moh's Hardness Scale , native elements, and gems laid out colorfully in accordance with their role in gift marketing. There is not much in the way of backstory; how could there be with all those photos stealing the show?
This is a true feast for the eyes of a gem enthusiast.
October 29, 2016
An Exhaustive and Beautiful Presentation …
This book was reviewed as part of Amazon's Vine program which included a free copy of the book.
DK books are known for covering subjects in a visually appealing manner, but the upper echelon of these books are the volumes with “Smithsonian” and “The Definitive Visual Guide” in the title. These books are exquisitely presented with luxurious photography and voluminous information that adds fine detail to broad subject matter. GEM is a fine example of the quality that these Smithsonian “line” of DK books offer.
GEM provides an exhaustive study of jewels: precious/semiprecious stones, precious metals and organic gems. It serves as a one-stop-shop for all things jewel-related. Educational in nature, the visual appeal takes over the minute you begin flipping through the first few pages.
This guide is organized into four broad chapters (Native Elements, Gemstones, Organic Gems, Rock Gems and Rocks) that are loaded with information. An introductory chapter preps readers with an educational overview of gems that provides both a technical and general understanding of the material covered in the book. This informative introduction sets the tone for what is in store for the rest of the book and also serves as a handy reference point as you proceed with the gem-specific material.
The heart of the book is the coverage of the gems themselves and the book offers a tidy template that makes the volume of information being presented much easier to digest. Every stone/rock/gem is thoroughly explained with a general summary and a detailed inset that provides finer details (chemical name, formula, color, structure, hardness, luster, locations, etc.). The photography that accompanies each entry is certainly appealing and the biggest selling point of the book. The pictures are truly beautiful to study by themselves as they allow readers to see the gems in most every state. Rather than offering a simplistic array of photos, these photos are arranged for maximum visual pleasure and intricate study: varying sizes, angles and contrasting backgrounds. Many of the gems are presented as jewelry, with an abundance of renowned jewelers’ products as examples. What I found fascinating were the historical highlights that are peppered throughout the book. An up-close study of Charlemagne’s Crown, Frederick the Great’s snuff box and Russia’s Amber Room were particularly intriguing.
This is not simply “a book about gems”; it is THE book about gems. You do not have to have a particular interest in jewels to appreciate what this book has to offer … it generates an interest as soon as you start turning the pages. I am a big fan of the Smithsonian line of DK books and consider them as excellent additions to any home library.
This book was reviewed as part of Amazon's Vine program which included a free copy of the book.
DK books are known for covering subjects in a visually appealing manner, but the upper echelon of these books are the volumes with “Smithsonian” and “The Definitive Visual Guide” in the title. These books are exquisitely presented with luxurious photography and voluminous information that adds fine detail to broad subject matter. GEM is a fine example of the quality that these Smithsonian “line” of DK books offer.
GEM provides an exhaustive study of jewels: precious/semiprecious stones, precious metals and organic gems. It serves as a one-stop-shop for all things jewel-related. Educational in nature, the visual appeal takes over the minute you begin flipping through the first few pages.
This guide is organized into four broad chapters (Native Elements, Gemstones, Organic Gems, Rock Gems and Rocks) that are loaded with information. An introductory chapter preps readers with an educational overview of gems that provides both a technical and general understanding of the material covered in the book. This informative introduction sets the tone for what is in store for the rest of the book and also serves as a handy reference point as you proceed with the gem-specific material.
The heart of the book is the coverage of the gems themselves and the book offers a tidy template that makes the volume of information being presented much easier to digest. Every stone/rock/gem is thoroughly explained with a general summary and a detailed inset that provides finer details (chemical name, formula, color, structure, hardness, luster, locations, etc.). The photography that accompanies each entry is certainly appealing and the biggest selling point of the book. The pictures are truly beautiful to study by themselves as they allow readers to see the gems in most every state. Rather than offering a simplistic array of photos, these photos are arranged for maximum visual pleasure and intricate study: varying sizes, angles and contrasting backgrounds. Many of the gems are presented as jewelry, with an abundance of renowned jewelers’ products as examples. What I found fascinating were the historical highlights that are peppered throughout the book. An up-close study of Charlemagne’s Crown, Frederick the Great’s snuff box and Russia’s Amber Room were particularly intriguing.
This is not simply “a book about gems”; it is THE book about gems. You do not have to have a particular interest in jewels to appreciate what this book has to offer … it generates an interest as soon as you start turning the pages. I am a big fan of the Smithsonian line of DK books and consider them as excellent additions to any home library.
July 20, 2023
2023: Goodreads doesn't have the 2023 updated edition listed and it's waaaaaaaaaay to cumbersome to request they add it. The 2023 version that I recently read was another well-written and chockful of useful information about gems, minerals and what I call plain-old-lovely rocks. It *is* a super heavy (weight wise) read. The only real criticism I have is that it would have been nice to see more cultural jewelry included. There wasn't much on Native American jewelry that I could find in the book. Also, it would be nice to know what the value of the gems were in modern markets...but I understand that is *not* the purpose of the book. And in reading this review that I wrote several years ago -- I have to apologize to Kelsey McKim for not continuing to send her a gemstone on her birthday -- sometime in the future -- I hope to send you a little bundle when I start collecting gemstones myself again...
2017 review:
This book is ginormous and weighs about three thousand tons.
Even so, it was lovely to gaze all the gorgeous gemstone and pieces of jewelry art. I particularly liked the antique pieces and royal histories behind some pieces/stones.
It was a tad unwieldy to handle, therefore the -1 star from perfect rating. Even on a dining room table it was hard take it all in and the glossy pages reflected light so much is was glarey on the eyes at times.
Still...I wish I owned it because it describes every gemstone I could ever imagine and gave me more ideas for Kelsey McKim's birthday presents. I'm glad the library had this book so I could take a good long look at it.
2017 review:
This book is ginormous and weighs about three thousand tons.
Even so, it was lovely to gaze all the gorgeous gemstone and pieces of jewelry art. I particularly liked the antique pieces and royal histories behind some pieces/stones.
It was a tad unwieldy to handle, therefore the -1 star from perfect rating. Even on a dining room table it was hard take it all in and the glossy pages reflected light so much is was glarey on the eyes at times.
Still...I wish I owned it because it describes every gemstone I could ever imagine and gave me more ideas for Kelsey McKim's birthday presents. I'm glad the library had this book so I could take a good long look at it.
December 16, 2016
An absolute beauty of a book, filled to the brim with beautiful photography, informative guides, and many nice little historical interludes to look into the history of notable and notorious jewels and valuables.
One thing that stuck out for me (and for which I deduct a star) is the apparent need for more women on DK's team that put this together. On the page about sunstones, four jewel cutters are mentioned. This is fairly unusual for the book. But the three male cutters are described as "award-winning," "renowned," and "a master cutter." No such praise for the one female cutter, Naomi Sarma. A quick Google search shows her profiled in Forbes, winning awards, and designing amazing jeweled art. Take a look at your descriptors, DK. It matters.
One thing that stuck out for me (and for which I deduct a star) is the apparent need for more women on DK's team that put this together. On the page about sunstones, four jewel cutters are mentioned. This is fairly unusual for the book. But the three male cutters are described as "award-winning," "renowned," and "a master cutter." No such praise for the one female cutter, Naomi Sarma. A quick Google search shows her profiled in Forbes, winning awards, and designing amazing jeweled art. Take a look at your descriptors, DK. It matters.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews