Gem Identification Made Easy: A Hands-On Guide to More Confident Buying & Selling

by Antoinette L. Matlins, A.C. Bonanno

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 books 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.

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 Carolinas 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.

Genres: Gemstones, Jewellery, Reference, Nonfiction

330 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 2003

About the author

Antoinette Leonard Matlins

Reviews

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Susan Oram · Rating 4 out of 5]

Has lots of great technical info

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

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,

[Tara Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

If I never have to read Gem Ident books again, it'll be too soon.

[Kate]

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.

[Rami · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book covers a lot of interesting tools used in gem identification but not all are used by industry professionals and can be used by amateurs.