Gem Identification Made Easy (6th Edition): A Hands-On Guide to More Confident Buying & Selling

About the Book

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 book's 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. Includes over 150 photographs and illustrationsover 80 in full color!

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 Carolina's 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.

Table of Contents:
Contents List of Tables • xi List of Color Plates • xii Preface to the Fourth Edition • xiii Acknowledgments • xvii Introduction by Anna M. Miller • xix Part 1 Before Beginning 1. Before Beginning • 3 Part 2 Getting Ready 2. Setting Up the Lab • 13 3. Proper Lighting for Gem Identification • 37 PART 3 The Essential Instruments—What They Are and How to Use Them 4. The Loupe and Dark-Field Loupe • 49 5. The Chelsea Filter and Synthetic Emerald Filter • 77 6. The Dichroscope • 93 7. The Ultraviolet Lamp • 111 8. The Refractometer • 131 9. The Microscope • 149 Part 4 Optional Instruments—When and How to Use Them 10. The Spectroscope • 175 11. The Polariscope • 189 12. The Diamond-Type Spotter and Blue Diamond Tester— Essential Tools for Diamond Buyers • 195 x CONTENTS 13. The Immersion Cell • 215 14. The Electronic Diamond Tester • 227 15. The Carbide Scriber—An Essential Tool for Diamond Buyers • 235 16. The "Synthetic Diamond Detectors" • 241 Part 5 Antique and Estate Jewelry 17. Antique and Estate Jewelry— The True Test of Gem Identification Skill • 249 18. A New Type of Composite Imitation • 289 Part 6 Appendices Gemstone Property Tables • 307 Glossary • 317 Recommended Reading • 325 Where to Go for Additional Gemological Training • 331 International List of Gem Testing Laboratories and Gemologists • 344 International List of Associations • 361 Selected List of Gem Identification Equipment Suppliers in the United States and Canada • 368 Inde x • 371

About the Author :
Antoinette Matlins, PG, FGA, is an internationally respected gem and jewelry expert, author and lecturer. With over 1 million copies of her seven books in print in nine languages, she is the most widely read author in the world on the subject of jewelry and gems. Honored with the international Accredited Gemologists Association's highest award for excellence in gemology, Ms. Matlins’ books are widely used throughout the world by consumers and professionals in the gem and jewelry field. Her books include Jewelry & Gems: The Buying Guide (over 400,000 copies now in print—the only book of its kind ever offered by Consumer Reports); Colored Gemstones: The Antoinette Matlins Buying Guide; The Pearl Book: The Definitive Buying Guide; Gem Identification Made Easy; Engagement & Wedding Rings: The Definitive Buying Guide for People in Love; and Jewelry & Gems at Auction: The Definitive Guide to Buying & Selling at the Auction House & on Internet Auction Sites (all GemStone Press). Former gemology editor of National Jeweler magazine, 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, second edition. Ms. Matlins has gained wide recognition as a dedicated consumer advocate, and continues to spearhead the Accredited Gemologists Association’s nationwide campaign against gemstone investment telemarketing scams and other types of consumer misrepresentation. 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. Antonio C. Bonanno, FGA, ASA, MGA, was founder and president of the National Gem Appraising Laboratory and director of the Columbia School of Gemology near Washington, D.C. He held the coveted "Master Gemologist Appraiser" title (MGA), the highest distinction awarded to gem and jewelry appraisers from the American Society of Appraisers. He worked with gems and minerals for over sixty years, specializing in forensic gemology, and was frequently called as an expert witness in a wide range of court cases. A Fellow of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain With Distinction, he was highly esteemed in the field and holds a place in the prestigious Gemstone Hall of Fame. He founded the Accredited Gemologists Association, which created the Antonio C. Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology in his honor after his death in 1996.