Gemstones of the World. Newly Revised & Expanded Third Edition

Editorial Review

Gemstones of the World is truly the single volume that every hobbyist, jeweler, jewelry maker, and rockhound needs: it’s the cornerstone of the field. And this updated edition contains a host of new findings on “Gemstones for Collectors,” additional gems in the “Table of Constants,” and the “double fraction” figures that experts have long wanted—a very special new feature.

All the gemstones are treated in their many variations: more than 1,500 full-color photos showcase each precious and semiprecious stone in both its rough, natural, and its polished and cut renditions. Each entry offers complete information on the gemstone’s formation, structure, physical properties, and characteristics, along with the best methods of working, cutting, and polishing it. There are even full treatments of lesser-known gems, from andalusite to vesuvian, and a special section is devoted to rocks as precious stones, including alabaster, onyx, obsidian, and fossils. Organic gem materials are also covered, such as coral, ivory, amber, and pearl. Charts and tables help collectors identify unknown gemstones and check for genuineness.

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Customer Reviews

Gemstones of the World -

2008-05-23
I was expecting a bit more from this book! The reviews I read before purchasing this book all raved about how "complete" and "up to date" it was! It's obvious that the people responsible for those reviews don't have much experience in the Gemstone world! First off, the print in this book is FAR too small. The information is very crammed and the author barely brushes the surface when describing individual gemstones. There are also far too many gemstones left out of this book. Gemstone pictures represent about half of the book and are also very incomplete! If this book were larger (larger font), it would be far less crammed and much easier to read. If you are someone looking for a BASIC intro to Gemstones (the more popular ones), this book MAY suffice. However, if you are a Gemstone buyer, collector or hobbyist, this book will prove to be extremely incomplete. I'm really disappointed in the insufficient descriptions of individual gemstones and how crammed, small AND difficult to read, the text in this book proves to be.

Gemmy Book that Shines for Gemmophiles+

2008-05-18
This book on precious stones is brillant.I liked the quality and structure of the book.It's not a cheap paperback.Color photos and an abundant supply of them.Scientific data and historical background presented.It's ideal for those of us ,who are Reiki practitoners .This gem book is not Wicca related.Yet,it is quite facilitative for wiccans who use the healing stones and perform healing exercises.The depth of gemstone information is a farraginous mixture from almagest times until today.

Gemstones of the World

2008-03-05
This book is by far the best single source for gemological data for the price, anywhere. Pictures are excellent too, more than the other books I have reviewed. The only thing that would make it better, is to make it larger.

Best book on gems so far!

2008-02-11
Best book I've bought on gems. Tons of great color pics of rough and faceted stones. This should be the first book you buy on gems (I have about 6 of the top gem books and this one bests them all).

Excellent Resource

2007-11-13
This is a fantastic book. I learned a great deal reading this resource. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn about gemstone origins, types of cut, crystal formation, or if you just want to look at the pretty pictures of all of the most beautiful stones in the world yet discovered.

Good for beginner

2007-11-09

Gemstones of the world

2007-09-21
This is a very informative book with some good pictures, especially for the beginner who is learnig about gemstones. I read and reference it often. I am very pleased with this book and I look forward to using it for a long time.

Gemstones of the World

2007-09-12
I use it all the time. It has answered all of my questions. Great book.

Great book, tiny print...

2007-08-31
I so want to read this book but every time I try I get a headache because the print is so tiny, and that is with my reading glasses on. Otherwise a very interesting book!

Best overall gemstone book ever

2007-08-07
I bought the 2001 edition several years ago and found it indispensable at the jewelry store where I worked. Now that I'm getting into the nitty gritty of the Graduate Gemologist program at the GIA, I'm quite pleased to find an updated version available. I expect I'll be taking this to school with me to replace several large, ungainly lab manuals that haunt my desk.

This book makes a great cornerstone for any gem library. I own many gem guides and encyclopedias twice the size and weight of this while containing considerably less information. This one has the most complete collection of information and pictures I've seen anywhere at an astonishingly diminutive size. If you plan to buy only one gem book in your lifetime, I highly recommend this one.