From Library Journal
Matlins and Bonanno's guide is as clear and easy to understand as their previous, well-received Gem Identification Made Easy (LJ 9/1/90) and Complete Guide to Buying Gems (LJ 5/15/84). They have updated, expanded, and revised these works to include cautionary advice to the gem-buying consumer about new advancements in fraudulent enhancements of diamonds and especially colored gemstones. Updated price guides and advice on cut, settings, and metals; questions to ask before purchase; advice on selecting a jeweler, appraiser, and insurer; and charts of diamond gradings, gem names, and alternatives point out just how much a consumer needs to know to avoid costly mistakes. Newman concentrates on gold jewelry craft and value. With the aid of her own excellent photographs (showing what can be seen through the indispensable 10X loupe), she describes what to look for in gold jewelry fabrication: mountings, settings, marks, fineness, and quality. Consumers will learn how to test for fakes and karat value, though some of the testing methods using acids are best left to professionals. Safer tests, like the squeeze test for rings and bracelet strength, will empower the buyer who is deluged with too-good-to-be-true jewelry sales. Especially useful is the section on evaluating gold chains. This is another easily read and understood guide by a respected gemologist. Both books are highly recommended, and public libraries might wish to consider purchasing more than one copy of each.Therese D. Baker, Western Kentucky Univ. Libs., Bowling GreenCopyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.