From Library Journal
A leading authority in gems and gem care, Matlins has issued two additional titles in her "buying guide" series. Colored Gemstones covers traditional background information and the allure of precious and semiprecious stones, including emeralds, rubies, sapphires, and others. The text and appendixes include charts, graphs, and a guide for purchasing and valuing stones, as well as advice on gem care and how to avoid scams. Color inserts highlight stones by color and showcase special jewelry design and styles. Diamonds focuses on the unique quality of this special gem. The text offers advice on appreciating diamonds, their qualities and characteristics, and setting and purchasing details. Color inserts highlight shapes and settings that accent the beauty of this gem of all gems. While these are formula books in the mold of Matlins's previous titles (Jewelry and Gems, The Pearl Book), they include extensive appendixes that cover the information needed for investing and purchasing gems of all types. Highly recommended for public libraries. Stephen Allan Patrick, East Tennessee State Univ. Libs., Johnson CityCopyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.


Book Description
Colored Gemstones--The Antoinette Matlins Buying Guide : How to Select, Buy, Care for & Enjoy Sapphires, Emeralds, Rubies and Other Colored Gems with Confidence and Knowledge All the Information You Need to Buy, Collect, Sell--or Simply Enjoy--Sapphires, Emeralds, Rubies and Other Colored Gemstones with Confidence and Knowledge With more varieties than ever before to choose from, including altogether new gems, revolutionary new cuts, and new ways to buy gems--such as internet auctions and TV shopping--there has never been a more exciting time to buy or collect colored gemstones. But there are also new high-tech treatments and sophisticated frauds to look out for. Lack of information, error, or misrepresentation can make the thrill of buying a gem or piece of jewelry confusing, intimidating, overwhelming, and costly. Buyers need a source of expert guidance. This practical, comprehensive, easy-to-understand guide provides all the information you need in order to know what to look for, and what to look out for, including: * What qualifies as a "gemstone"?
* How to evaluate color--and its impact on price.
* Deciding between a natural gem and an enhanced gem.
* Colored gemstone synthesis and treatment.
* What to ask when buying the stone.
* What to get in writing.
* How to get what you want within your budget.
* Price guides for popular gems, opals, and synthetic stones. And much, much more! Written by an "insider," this easy-to-read guide is the "unofficial colored gemstone bible" for anyone who wants to get the most for their money and enjoy what they have purchased.


About the Author
Antoinette Matlins, P.G., is an internationally respected gem and jewelry expert, author, and lecturer. Her books are widely used throughout the world by consumers and professionals in the gem and jewelry field. Ms. Matlins' books include Jewelry & Gems: The Buying Guide (over 250,000 copies now in print--the only book of its kind ever offered by Consumer Reports); The Pearl Book: The Definitive Buying Guide; Gem Identification Made Easy; Engagement & Wedding Rings: The Definitive Buying Guide for People in Love; Diamonds: The Antoinette Matlins Buying Guide; and the forthcoming Jewelry & Gems at Auction: The Definitive Guide to Buying & Selling at the Auction House or on the Internet. Gemology Editor of National Jeweler magazine for almost a decade, her articles and comments on buying and selling gems and jewelry and on gem investment have appeared in many national and international consumer and trade publications. She is also the author of the "Gemstones" chapter in the Encyclopedia of Investments. Ms. Matlins has gained wide recognition as a dedicated consumer advocate. She has spearheaded the Accredited Gemologists Association's nationwide campaign against gemstone investment telemarketing scams. A popular media guest, she has been seen on ABC, CBS, NBC, and CNN, educating consumers about gems and jewelry and exposing fraud. In addition to her educational work, Ms. Matlins is retained by clients worldwide to seek fine, rare, or unusual gems and jewels for acquisition.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

With more varieties than ever before to choose from, including altogether new gems, revolutionary new cuts, and new ways to buy gems -- such as internet auctions and TV shopping -- there has never been a more exciting time to buy or collect colored gemstones. But there are also new high-tech treatments and sophisticated frauds to look out for. Lack of information, error, or misrepresentation can make the thrill of buying a gem or piece of jewelry confusing, intimidating, overwhelming, and costly. Buyers need a source of expert guidance. This practical, comprehensive, easy-to-understand guide provides all the information you need in order to know what to look for, and what to look out for.

SYNOPSIS

Colored Gemstones-The Antoinette Matlins Buying Guide : How to Select, Buy, Care for & Enjoy Sapphires, Emeralds, Rubies and Other Colored Gems with Confidence and Knowledge All the Information You Need to Buy, Collect, Sell-or Simply Enjoy-Sapphires, Emeralds, Rubies and Other Colored Gemstones with Confidence and Knowledge with more varieties than ever before to choose from, including altogether new gems, revolutionary new cuts, and new ways to buy gems-such as internet auctions and TV shopping-there has never been a more exciting time to buy or collect colored gemstones. But there are also new high-tech treatments and sophisticated frauds to look out for. Lack of information, error, or misrepresentation can make the thrill of buying a gem or piece of jewelry confusing, intimidating, overwhelming, and costly. Buyers need a source of expert guidance. This practical, comprehensive, easy-to-understand guide provides all the information you need in order to know what to look for, and what to look out for, including:
What qualifies as a "gemstone"? How to evaluate color-and its impact on price. Deciding between a natural gem and an enhanced gem. Colored gemstone synthesis and treatment. What to ask when buying the stone. What to get in writing. How to get what you want within your budget. Price guides for popular gems, opals, and synthetic stones.
And much, much more! Written by an "insider," this easy-to-read guide is the "unofficial colored gemstone bible" for anyone who wants to get the most for their money and enjoy what they have purchased.

FROM THE CRITICS

Library Journal