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Agates - $35.00
Treasures of the Earth
by Roger Pabian, Brian Jackson, Peter Tandy and John Cromartie
Hard cover, 8.5" x 6", 184 pages, copyright 2006.
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Whether you are a seasoned expert or just beginning your collection, Agates is an indispensable resource to the rich geological and cultural significance of these beautiful stones. With beautiful and lavish color photographs of stunning agates from cover to cover, this book includes an illustrated and comprehensive identification guide to the different varieties of agates from around the world.

Chapters include Introduction, Names of Agates, What is an Agate?, Properties of Agates, Sources of Agates, Lapidary, Uses of Agates Through the Ages, and Collecting. An extensive bibliography provides references to further information on agates and agate localities, and a glossary and index are included.

Among the general types of wall-banded agates described and illustrated are agatised corals, agatised woods, calico agates, dendritic agates, disc and ovoid bearing agates, eye agates, faulted and brecciated agates, flame agates, fortification agates, iris or rainbow agates, jasp agates, lace agates, mocha agates, moss agates, plume agates, sagenitic agates, stalactitic agates, and tube agates. Among the general types of level-banded agates described and illustrated are landscape or scenic onyx, onyx, plynthoid onyx, sard onyx, thunder eggs and wave onyx. Other general types of chalcedony described and illustrated include bloodstone, carnelian, chert, chrysoprase, flint, jasper, plasma, prase and sard.

Among the worldwide localities and sources for agates discussed are Europe, Britain, the USA, Canada, Mexico, South America, Africa, Asia and Australia. The numerous varieties of agates described and illustrated from US localities alone include Guernsey Lake agates, Tepee Canyon agates, Fairburn agates, Union Road agates, Lysite agates, Sweetwater agates, Lake Superior agates, Tampa Bay agatised corals, Calf Killer agates, Horse Mountain agates, Nipomo (bean field) agates, Lavic agates, Horse Canyon agates, Paisley agates, Paul Bunyon agates, Siam agates, Wingate agates, China Lake agates, Owl Hole Lake agates, Burro Creek agates, Bull Canyon agates, Dugway agates, Pigeon Blood agates, Deming agates, Woodward Ranch agates, Rio Grande agates, Montana agates, Succor Creek agates, Graveyard point agates, Regency Rose agates, Beacon Hill agates, Richardson Ranch thunder eggs, Priday plume agates, Frieda thunder eggs, Eagle Rock agates, Antelope agates, Big Muddy Ranch agates, Deschutes River thunder eggs, Buchanan thunder eggs, Succor Creek agates, Rattle Snake eggs, Trent sagenite, Holley blue agate, Oregon Beach agates, Copco agates, Sweet Home agates, Thistle Creek agates, and others.

Agates is a profusely illustrated and expertly researched and written reference and no-brainer addition to the personal library of any agate collector or appreciator of these beautiful and unique gemstones.

Descriptions of Gem Materials is the most complete reference on natural and man-made gem materials available for gem cutters, gemologists and all others with an interest in gemstones. It provides a basis for gem identification and prepares the cutter for what may be expected when cabbing, carving or faceting a particular material. It covers the physical and optical properties for 346 distinct natural minerals and 56 man-made gems, more than 550 gem materials in all. Included are complete sets of tables for hardness, specific gravity and refractive index and information on common inclusions for each mineral. A complete list of varietal, alternate and incorrect names is presented and the pronunciation and derivation of gem names is provided.

Descriptions of Gem Materials is organized by eight major sections: Section 1 - Natural Gem Materials, Section 2 - Man-made Gem Materials, Section 3 - Table of Hardness, Section 4 - Table of Specific Gravity, Section 5 - Table of Refractive Index, Section 6 - Glossary of Important Geological Terms, Section 7 - Index of Alternate, Varietal and Incorrect Names, and Section 8 - Bibliography of Selected References.

Carat for carat, fine diamonds are among the most desirable and expensive items on Earth. Diamonds provide the standard of price, beauty and value against which all other gemstones are measured. More than unsurpassed in beauty and sparkle, no other gemstone has so many desirable attributes combined. In Diamonds, well known and authoritative gem and mineral author Fred Ward provides superb photos to illustrate his discussion of this gem. Chapters include History and Lore, The Hunt for Treasure, Romancing the Stone, Jewels and Artifacts, Synthetic and Industrial Diamonds, and Buying and Caring for Diamonds. Diamonds is sure to be appreciated by anyone with an interest in the history, lore and characteristics of this incomparable stone.

Emeralds are the premier gems in the beryl family. For more than 4,000 years, emeralds have been among the most valuable of all jewels. In Emeralds, well known and authoritative gem and mineral author Fred Ward provides superb photos to illustrate his discussion of this gem. Chapters include History and Lore, The Hunt for Treasure, Romancing the Stone, Jewels and Artifacts, lab-Grown Emeralds and Imitations, and Buying and Caring for Emeralds. Emeralds is sure to be appreciated by anyone with an interest in the history, lore and characteristics of this precious stone.

Glamour, intrigue, romance, the quest for treasure... those are all vital aspects of humankind's eternal search and love for gemstones. As long as people have roamed the world, the have placed extraordinary value on our incredible gifts from the land and sea. And once they found or purchased gems, the owners discovered their treasures lasted longer and looked more beautiful with proper care.

Gem Care offers simple, straight-forward, accurate information on the safest and easiest methods for wisely taking care of your gems and jewelry. Because gems have different characteristics, there is no single safe way to care for them. Much depends on the hardness of the gem, its toughness, and its susceptibility to heat, light, and acids. By using all the tips and sound advice in this book, your gems and jewelry should be safe and look like new for decades.

Specifically covered gemstones include alexandrite, amber, apatite, beryl (aquamarine, emerald, green beryl, heliodor, morganite, red beryl), chalcedony (agate, bloodstone, carnelian, chrysoprase, fire agate, jasper, moss agate, onyx, petrified wood, sardonyx), chrysoberyl, coral, cubic zirconia, diamond, diopside, garnet (almandite, demantoid, pyrope, rhodolite, spessartite, tsavorite, malaia), hematite, iolite, ivory, jade (jadeite, nephrite), kunzite, lapis lazuli, malachite, marcasite, moonstone, obsidian, opal (black, boulder, crystal, jelly, fire, white), pearl, pearl shell products (abalone, mabés, mother-of-pearl, shell), peridot, quartz (amethyst, ametrine, adventurine, citrine, rock crystal, rutilated quartz, tiger's eye), ruby, sapphire, spinel, tanzanite, topaz (blue, imperial, sherry), tourmaline (green, indicolite, parti-color, rubellite, watermelon), turquoise, and zircon.

The care of gold, platinum and silver is also discussed. If the information and advice authority Fred Ward presents in Gem Care saves you from making even one mistake in cleaning and caring for your gems and jewelry, you will most likely have saved yourself its modest cost many times over, or even prevented damaging a priceless family heirloom.

Gem Identification Made Easy is the first and only book that explains in non-technical terms how to identify diamonds and colored gems and separate them form imitations 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. Using a simple, step-by-step system, the authors explain the proper use of essential but uncomplicated instruments that will do the identification tasks, 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 which, when used together, can identify almost 85% of all precious and popular stones. The key to avoiding costly mistakes and recognizing profitable opportunities is know 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 imitations, synthetics, look-alikes and fakes in the gem market today. Learn how to tell the difference between them. Quickly spots synthetics, including synthetic emeralds and diamonds, filled diamonds, diffused "blue" sapphires and "red" rubies, and much more. Discover how to identify new gems such as "red" emerald and "Mandarin" garnet. Know when to seek help from a professional gemologist or lab. Become more professional in you business or hobby.

The contents are organized into 16 major sections: (1) Before Beginning, (2) Setting Up the Lab, (3) Proper Lighting for Gem Identification, (4) The Loupe and Dark-Field Loupe, (5) The Chelsea Filter and Synthetic Emerald Filter, (6) The Dichroscope, (7) The Ultraviolet Lamp, (8) The Refractometer, (9) The Microscope, (10) The Spectroscope, (11) The Polariscope, (12) The Diamond-Type Spotter - Essential tool for Diamond Buyers, (13) The Immersion Cell, (14) The Electronic Diamond Tester, (15) The "Synthetic Diamond Detectors", and (16) Antique and Estate Jewelry - The True Test of Gem Identification Skill.

Covered in appendices are Gemstone Property Tables, Glossary, Recommended Reading, Laboratories That Provide Internationally Recognized Reports of Genuineness and Quality, Where to Go for Additional Gemological Training, International List of Gem Testing Laboratories and Gemologists, International List of Associations, and Gem Identification Suppliers.

The Gemstone Property Tables include: Frequently Encountered Transparent Gems by Color, Hardness of Popular Gems, Specific Gravity Table, Refractive Index Tables for Single and Double Refracting Gems, Table of Dispersion, and Table of Birefringence of Gemstones. Other tables include: Suggested Lighting for Gem Identification Instruments, Using the Synthetic Emerald Filter Set to Separate Natural Emerald from Synthetic, Colors Exhibited by Popular Dichroic and Trichroic Gems - by Gem Color, Colors Exhibited by Popular Dichroic and Trichroic Gems - by Gem Family, Gems That Show No Dichroism, Fluorescent Gemstone Chart, Use of Ultraviolet Examination for Separating "Look-Alikes", Phosphorescent Gemstone Chart, Refractive Index of Popular Single Refracting Gemstone Materials, Diamond Types and Which Ones Respond to HPHT Techniques, Diamond Reactions to the SSEF Diamond-Type Spotter, Liquids Used to Immerse Gems for Better Examination, and Synthetic Gemstones and Man-Made Imitations.

Gems & Jewelry Appraising is the premier book of its kind, now updated and expanded. Gems & Jewelry Appraising, 2nd Editioncovers all the standards, procedures, and ethics of appraising gems, jewelry, and other valuables.

Each step involved in conducting an appraisal is fully explained, with photos, case studies, key documents, worksheets and pricing data included. Registered Master Value Anna M. Miller gives professional guidance and step-by-step instructions on how to Build a Clientele, Set Fees, Get Publicity, Handle Insurance Replacement Claims, Photograph Gems and Jewelry, Research and Write Reports, Test Metals, Research Provenance, Master the Different Approaches to Valuation, Use Price Guides, Understand Legal and Ethical Aspects of Appraising, and more!

This resource offers all the information that practicing or aspiring appraisal professionals will need to establish an appraisal business, handle various kinds of appraisals - for insurance, divorce, inheritance, liquidation, collateral and tax donation - and provide an accurate, verifiable estimate of value.

Simon and Schuster's Guide to Gems and Precious Stones provides both the connoisseur and the casual collector with a compact, easy-to-use volume describing more than 100 rare varieties minerals whose beauty and mystery have possessed our imaginations from time immemorial. More than 450 brilliant photographs accompany profiles of each gem, covering such aspects as appearance, physical properties - density, hardness, refraction - occurence, and how to judge quality and value. Additional sections describe the process of cutting gemstones and the techniques professional geologists use to evaluate the stone's weight and optical properties.

Simon and Schuster's Guide to Gems and Precious Stones is organized into three major sections: Natual Stones and Gems, Organic Gems, and Synthetic and Artifical Products. Detailed and comprehensive, this book is essential for anyone interested in the study of gems and precious stones.

DK Smithsonian Handbooks Gemstones is packed with more than 800 vivid full-color photographs of more than 130 varieties of cut and uncut stones, organic gemstones, and precious metals. With authoritative text, clear photography, and a systematic approach, this concise guide to identification enables you to recognize each gemstone instantly.

Photo-Encylopedic Approach - Each expertly written entry combines a precise description with annotated photographs to highlight the gemstone's chief characteristics and distinguishing features. Additional color illustrations and photographs show uncut stones, color variations, and a wide range of popular cuts. Easy-to-use, color-coded bands provide at-a-glance facts for quick reference. Also included is a concise glossary.

Contents include: What are Gemstones, How Gemstones are Formed, Where Gemstones are Found, Physical Properties, Crystal Shapes, Optical Properties, Natural Inclusions, Faceting, Polishing, Carving and Engraving, Gems Through the Ages, History and Folklore, Synthetic Gemstones, Imitation and Enhancement, Color Key, Precious Metals, Cut Stones, and Organics.

Gemstones Symbols of Beauty and Power offers the reader deep insight into the fascinating world of gemstones. It provides exact description of the individual gems and goes into their origins and their extraction. In his graphic style, Eduard Gübelin reports on the events deep inside the earth eons ago that lead to the creation of these superlative, sparkling natural products and their colorful radiance. Even if these wonders of nature can be reduced to chemical formulae, they nevertheless lose nothing of the fascination that they have had for humans since time immemorial.

Franz-Xavier Erni offers the reader a spellbinding tale of how gemstones have loyally accompanied humans throughout history. How gemstones have served women as jewelry and men as symbols of their power. The loveliest of gems adorn women's jewelry as well as the crowns and insignia of worldly and spiritual rulers.

Throughout the ages, individual gems have been allocated to the months of the year and to the signs of the zodiac and imbued with special healing powers in popular imagination. This book offers qualified answers to all questions relating to gemstones; it is not only an exciting read but also a reference work that can be consulted as required.

Gemstones: their characteristics and their origin covers 8 The exquisite rarity, 16 The causes of color variety, and 20 A commitment to eternity.

Gemstones: their extraction and processing covers 24 The extraction of gemstones, 32 The cutting of diamonds, 34 The cutting of color gemstones, 36 Polishing Agate, and 37 Glyptography.

Portraits of the gemstones covers 42 The beauty of color gems, 44 The beauty of the phenomena gems, 46 Diamond: King of gemstones, 56 Corundum: the colorful palette, 60 Ruby: divine crystal spark, 66 Sapphire: symbol of the firmament, 72 Beryl the palette of pastel colors, 76 Emerald: glittering like leaves in may, 82 Chrysoberyl: an exquisite trio, 86 Feldspars: a major company, 90 Garnets: a courtly household of noble vassals, 94 Opal: humming bird and firebird, 100 Peridot: green-golden ray of sunshine, 104 Quartz: bustling globetrotter, 108 Spinel: the corundum's disguised twin, 112 Spodumene: phoenix from the ashes, 114 Tanzanite: blue patrician from black africa, 118 Topaz: chalice of golden crystal, 122 Tourmaline: alpha and omega, and 126 Zircon: dizzying quick change artist.

Portraits of ornamental gems covers 132 The beauty of ornamental gems, Agate: fire and flames, 136 Charoite: reed pipes from the russian karst, 138 Jade: Metaphor for luck, 142: Lapis lazuli: incarnation of the starry firmament, 144 Malachite: master of the green shades, 146 Rhodochrosite and rhodonite, 148 Sugilite: budding mallow spur, and 150: Turquoise: morning fresh bloom of heaven.

Gemstones: symbols of authority and power covers 174 Exquisite treasures, 180 Noble gems for the word of god, and 188 Votive and consecretion crowns.

Beauty, magic and medicine covers 194 Famous jewels and their history, 202 Of seals, amulets and talismans, 208 Stones of the month - birthstones and 214 Gemstone medicine.

The fascination of internal life covers inclusions in gemstones.

A passion for collecting covers collecting rare gemstones such as benitoite, andalusite, danburite, sillimanite, kornerupines, sinhalite, sphene, taaffeite, scapolite, and others.

Natural or not? covers synthetics, composites and gemstone imitations.

Anyone interested in the mineralogy, creation, history and lore of gemstones will appreciate Gemstones Symbols of Beauty and Power as an authoritative, must have read and reference for their personal library.

Gemstones of the World, the definitive guide to gems for over 20 years, takes the mystery out of appreciating, buying and selling gemstones of all kinds. It covers everything from the romance and history of more than 1.400 gemstones to their geographic locations, scientific, physical, and color properties, and the way they are formed, structured and mined.

With many charts and diagrams, the author offers full coverage of the optical features of gems - light and color, luminescence, refraction, and inclusions - and about densities, and the chemical elements of each stone, with fascinating details on different cuts, polishing, synthetic and imitation gems, hardness, cleavage, classification, trade names, rarity and much more - all with an easy-to-understand text. And then there are the magnificent photographs of the stones themselves in brilliant full-color, with full data on the facing page. If you wanted only one book on gemstones in your library, this would be the one!

Chapters include Introduction, Origin and Structure of Gemstones, Properties of Gemstones, Deposits and Production of Gemstones, Cutting and Polishing of Gems, Description of Gemstones,Best Known Gemstones, Lesser Known Gemstones, Rocks as Gemstones, Organic Gemstones, New on the Market, Imitation and Synthetic Gemstones, Symbolism of Stones, and Table of Constants.

In Jade, Fred Ward presents the history and lore of jade. Chapters include In the Beginning, China and the Stone of Heaven, The Olmec, Maya and Aztec in Mesoamerica, The Maori in New Zealand, Jade today in Burma, China, Canada, New Zealand, Guatemala, Russia and the United States, and Buying and Caring for Jade. Any reader with an interest in gemstones and jade will appreciate this beautifully illustrated book.

In Opals, Fred Ward presents the history and lore of Opal. Chapters include History and Lore, Black Opal, Boulder Opal, Light Opal, Crystals and Fossils, Mexican Opal, Assembled Opals, Synthetics, and Simulants, Buying and Caring for Opal, and Play-of-Color. Any reader with an interest in gemstones and opals will appreciate this lavishly illustrated book.

In Pearls, Fred Ward presents the history and lore of pearls. Chapters include History and Lore, Natural Pearls, Cultured Saltwater Pearls, Cultured Freshwater Pearls, Mother-of-Pearl and Shell Products, Imitation Pearls, Buying and Caring for Pearls, and Determining Pearl Quality. Any reader with an interest in gemstones and pearls will appreciate this lavishly illustrated book.

In Rubies and Sapphires, Fred Ward presents the history and lore of rubies and sapphires. Chapters include History and Lore, The Hunt for Treasure, Romancing the Stone, Jewels and Artifacts, Lab-Grown Corundum and Stimulants, and Buying and Caring for Rubies & Sapphires. Any reader with an interest in gemstones and rubies and sapphires will appreciate this lavishly illustrated book.

The Spectroscope and Gemmology is the first book devoted exclusively to the spectroscope and its use in gemstone identification. Until 1933 the refractometer and microscope were the two principle tools in gem testing. Then B.W. Anderson introduced the hand spectroscope which quickly became the third vital instrument for the UK gemmologist. The publication of Anderson's papers in the mid -1950s alerted gem laboratories world wide to the importance of this instrument. Today its use is universal.

Anderson and his life long colleague, Payne, both of the world's first full-time gemmological laboratory, were the pioneers in recognizing the vast potential of the spectroscope for this purpose. The Spectroscope and Gemmology, as the extensively edited, updated and enlarged version of Anderson's original papers, provides a vital textbook wherever gemmology is used or taught. The distinguished gemmologist R. Keith Mitchell has undertaken the editing and has added chapters on the Pye spectrophotometer and on lasers. He has also reproduced new line drawings of spectra in three aspects to accommodate the prism instrument in both the British version and that favored by American gemmologists, and in another version as seen through the diffraction grating instrument.

Written for gemmologists everywhere and incorporating the latest developments this book will prove indispensable to all engaged in gemstone identification. The Spectroscope and Gemmology is organized into two major sections, The History and Development of Spectroscopy and Absorption of Gem Materials. A 5 page appendix provides references and notes. The History and Development of Spectroscopy covers 'The Celebrated Phenomena of Colours', The Yellow Lines of Sodium, The Absorption Spectra of Solids, Other Uses of the Spectroscope, Emission Spectra, The Quartz Spectrograph and The Spectrophotometer.

Absorption of Gem Materials covers Absorption Spectra, Light Sources - The Causes of Color, Absorption and Fluorescent Spectrum of Ruby, Absorption and Fluorescent Spectrum of Red Spinel, Absorption Spectra of Pyrope and Topaz, Absorption Spectrum of Emerald, Absorption Spectrum of Alexandrite, Absorption Spectrum of Jadeite, Absorption Spectrum of Demantoid Garnet, Other Chromium Spectra, Absorption Spectrum of Almandine Garnet, Absorption Spectrum of Blue Spinel, Absorption Spectra of Peridot and Sinhalite, Absorption Spectra of Enstatite and Diopside, Absorption Spectra of Kornerupine and Axinite, Absorption Spectra of Absorption Spectra of Green Tourmaline and Iolite, Absorption Spectra of Idocrase, Actinolite and Serpentine, Absorption Spectra of Sapphire and Chrysoberyl, Absorption Spectra of Aquamarine and Orthoclase: Spodumene and Jadite, Absorption Spectra of Andradite and Epidote, Absorption Spectra due to Manganese, Absorption Spectra due to Cobalt and Vanadium, Absorption Spectra due to Copper: The Spectrum of Turquoise, Absorption Spectra of Zircon, The Rare Earth Elements, Absorption Spectra of Diamond, Miscellaneous Spectra, Absorption in Synthetic Gemstones, Absorption Spectra of Glasses, Fluorescence Spectra, and Summary of Absorption Spectra.

Explore the fascinating story of turquoise, its history from ancient times to the present, and the influence of native artists in making this gemstone part of popular culture in America. Lavishly illustrated with over 390 dazzling color images, this book shows turquoise from New Mexico to Nevada, China to Iran, and all the important localities in between, in its natural state, cut, polished and set into silver and gold jewelry. Detailed text discusses its values and many mines that have relinquished turquoise over thousands of years. This comprehensive guide introduces more information on turquoise than you have ever anticipated or seen before.

Chapter 1. The Mineral, describes turquoise as a mineral, the history of turquoise mining and trade in antiquity, and its spiritual significance in Native American cultures. Chapter 2. Gem of Beauty, explains grades and treatments of turquoise, and how turquoise is valued. Criteria are presented for classifying turquoise as very high grade, high grade, jewelry grade, good grade and chalk or bulk grade. Chapter 3. Countries of Origin, provides an overview and discusses historic and contemporary sources of turquoise.

Chapter 4. Turquoise Mines, Mineral & Wearable Art is by far most extensive chapter in Turquoise, presenting a lavishly illustrated 132 page photo gallery of rough and cut turquoise from numerous localities including Bisbee, Blue Gem, Blue Jay, Candelaria, Carico Lake, Castle Dome, Cerrillos, China, Cripple Creek, Damele, Dry Creek, Easter Blue, Emerald Valley, Fox, Godber and Burnham, Hachita, Indian Mountain, Kingman, Lander Blue, Lone Mountain, Manassa, Mojave, Morenci, Number 8, Orvil Jack, Paiute, Persia, Peru, Red Mountain, Royston, Sleeping Beauty, Stennich, Stormy Mountain, Timberline, Turquoise Mountain, and Tyrone. Many of the photos illustrate the turquoise as cut and polished stones incorporated in outstanding examples of Native American jewelry. Hundreds of the illustrative pieces incorporate current price guides useful to anyone involved in appraising and valuing turquoise stones and jewelry. A glossary, bibliography and index are also included.

Whether you are a turquoise fancier and appreciator, turquoise or Navtive American jewlery collector, or a jewelry maker interested in turquoise and Native American styles and techniques, Turquoise is a must-have working reference and dream book for your personal library.

Turquoise Unearthed showcases exquisite examples of rough and polished natural turquoise from more than twenty famous "classic" mines, including Lander Blue, Number 8, Brisbane, and Lone Mountain. Appealing to rock hounds and serious collectors alike, Turquoise Unearthed is a definitive, contemporary visual guide.

Here, too, are spectacular works by modern jewelers, along with fascinating ancient and historic Native Americian turquoise jewelry and cremeonial objects. Chapters include: Turquoise: The Sky Stone, Working With Turquoise, Buying Turquoise, Classic Southwestern Turquoise Mines, and Museums And Collections. An index and appendix of recommended reading is also presented.

We also sell Optivisors and loupes,  Dichroscopes  and  Stone Papers, Tweezers and Gem Displays!

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