Jewelry & Gems the Buying Guide by Antoinette Matlins, Antonio C. Bonanno (2005, Paperback)

It contains sections from how to purchase great diamonds to colored gemstones (my favorites!). The first part of the book deals with examining stones, how to hold the stone when examining it, using a loupe (those round magnifying glass-type things that are used by jewlers), identifying the parts of a gem (yes, there are parts of gem such as a table, a girdle, a crown, a pavilion and a cutlet) , and the different cuts of stones (round, trilliant, pear, Marquise, oval, emerald, etc.). The second part of the book deals exclusively about diamonds, the importance of the cut and proportion, body color and grades, faulty cuts, girdle faults, popular and nonpopular shapes, desirable colors, diamond flaws, clarity and how it's determined, V, VV, S, I explained, weight, spotting frauds, and comparing diamond prices. Section 3 is about colored gemstones, determing value, gemstone treatment, fraud, purchasing colored gems, and pearls. Part 4 is about Design and Style and offers important advice before buying. Part 6, the final chapter, offers important advice after you purchase a gemstone. There's even a section that gives retail prices, by carat, on each type of gemstone! Lots of important diagrams too! My next book to purchase that will compliment this book is Gem Identificatin Made Easy by Antoinette Matlins and A.C. Bonanno. This book will explain how to use pocket, portable and laboratory instruments to identify diamonds and colored gems! Yeah, baby! No more guessing!

I like this book because it written with the average person in mind. It is thorough with alot of information, but easy to understand. It is a great book for anyone who is interested in gemstones or jewelry whether they are collectors, investors or just casual buyers. I bought it as a sales tool for my business. I can loan it to prospective buyers to help them with their decision and instill confidence in them that I am here to help them and not trying to take advantage of them. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in buying or selling gemstones or jewelry.
Jim's Gems & Jewelry