Antiques & Collectibles

The first book devoted exclusively to the spectroscope and its use in gemstone identification.

Until 1933 the refractometer and the microscope were the two principal 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 worldwide to the importance of this instrument. Today its use is universal.

Anderson and his lifelong 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, and 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 in that favoured 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.

Know What You Want,Know What You’re Buying,
Learn the Secrets to Get the Most for Your Money
/Finally! Everything you need to buy beautiful pearls with confidence.

Easy to Read • Easy to Understand • Practical • Complete
Instant Answers … to All Your Questions

For people who want a reliable source of information to guide them in the fascinating and complex world of pearls—natural, cultured and imitation. Filled with “insider” tips and advice to help you get what you want.

The book couples in love have been waiting for. . .
revised and updated!

Engagement & Wedding Rings takes the fear and anxiety out of buying an engagement or wedding ring, restoring the romance and the magic of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Inside Engagement & Wedding Rings, you'll find everything you need to know to select, buy and enjoy ... to truly experience the wonder and excitement that should be part of finding—or creating that "perfect" ring.

Engagement & Wedding Rings;is filled with useful information to help you make the right choice, including:

• Romantic traditions behind engagement and wedding rings.
• How to select the right design and style for you.
• Tricks to get what you want on a budget.
• Steps to compare prices properly.
• How to select the perfect bridal pearls.
• The latest cuts, ring styles and designs.
• Secrets to differences in diamonds and colored gemstones that may appear to be the same quality.
• How to select your jeweler, appraiser and insurer.
• What to do to protect yourself against fraud and misrepresentation—what to ask and what to get in writing.

The premier book of its kind, revised, updated and expanded.

A comprehensive guide to the standards, procedures and ethics of appraising gems, jewelry and other valuables, Gems & Jewelry Appraising, 3rd Edition, contains expert practical guidance, combined with detailed descriptions, photos, case studies, pricing data, key documents and more.

This guide 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.

Newly updated and expanded, Diamonds gives you all the information you need to buy, collect, sell—or simply enjoy—diamonds with confidence and knowledge.

Whether you are buying a diamond for an engagement ring, anniversary, to commemorate a special moment or for personal pleasure, today it is more important than ever to understand what you are buying. There are new shapes and cuts, fancy colors, high-tech treatments and sophisticated frauds. There are new ways to buy—such as Internet auctions. Buyers need a source of expert guidance.

Practical, comprehensive and easy to understand, this book offers in depth all the information you need to buy sparkling diamonds with confidence, including:

• What is a diamond?
• An in-depth look at factors affecting differences in quality and cost.
• Diamond grading reports—why all the information is important, and what it tells you.
• How to compare prices.
• How to spot differences in stones that may appear to be the same quality.
• How to protect yourself from misrepresentation.
• Questions to ask when buying any diamond.
• What to get in writing.
• How to get what you want within your budget.
• Important information about buying on the Internet … and much more!

Written by an “insider,” this easy-to-read guide is the “unofficial diamond bible” for anyone who wants to get the most for their money and enjoy what they have purchased.

Newly updated and expanded, Diamonds gives you all the information you need to buy, collect, sell—or simply enjoy—diamonds with confidence and knowledge.

Whether you are buying a diamond for an engagement ring, anniversary, to commemorate a special moment or for personal pleasure, today it is more important than ever to understand what you are buying. There are new shapes and cuts, fancy colors, high-tech treatments and sophisticated frauds. There are new ways to buy—such as Internet auctions. Buyers need a source of expert guidance.

Practical, comprehensive and easy to understand, this book offers in depth all the information you need to buy sparkling diamonds with confidence, including:

• What is a diamond?
• An in-depth look at factors affecting differences in quality and cost.
• Diamond grading reports—why all the information is important, and what it tells you.
• How to compare prices.
• How to spot differences in stones that may appear to be the same quality.
• How to protect yourself from misrepresentation.
• Questions to ask when buying any diamond.
• What to get in writing.
• How to get what you want within your budget.
• Important information about buying on the Internet … and much more!

Written by an "insider," this easy-to-read guide is the “unofficial diamond bible” for anyone who wants to get the most for their money and enjoy what they have purchased.

All the information readers need to buy beautiful colored gemstones with confidence, now updated and expanded!

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!

Selected contents:

• The mystery and magic of colored gemstones
• How to evaluate color—and its impact on price •
• Clarity: How inclusions increase or decrease value
• Deciding between a natural gem and an enhanced gem
• Colored gemstone synthesis and treatment
• Fraud and misrepresentation
• Buying colored gems
• Colorful gemstone choices
• What to ask when buying the stone
• How to select a reputable jeweler
• Choosing the appraiser and insurer
• Price guides

Newly updated and expanded,
COLORED GEMSTONES gives you 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 … and new glass-gemstone compositions.
• 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.
• Important information about buying on the Internet.
• ... and 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.

Newly Updated and Expanded

Critical and up-to-the-minute information for the novice, advanced collector, jewelry dealer, curator and appraiser—for all who buy and sell cameos, or who are just fascinated by them.

Antiques Roadshow Book Club Selection

Since ancient times, cameo making has allowed artists of every era to capture and reflect on the history, literature and lore of their culture. Today, the allure of finely carved cameos is drawing a new generation of both savvy collectors and gifted artists who are captivated by their transcendental elegance.

This first and only comprehensive reference guide offers valuable information on:

• Where to successfully hunt for cameos
• How to separate old from new, imitation and newer synthetic materials from original shell and stone cameos
• How to differentiate between ultrasonically produced and hand-carved cameos

Richly illustrated with many new cameo photographs, this new edition will facilitate the recognition and evaluation of quality in cameos and increase your confidence in buying and selling cameos with:

• Key factors for defining value
• Information on how to buy cameos from retailers and antique dealers, via the Internet or at auction
• A clear explanation of The MasterValuer Program™ of Quality Ranking that serves as a vital guide for use when evaluating cameos
• An extensive review of outstanding contemporary cameo artists throughout the world, their style, subject matter, unique and identifiable techniques, contact information … and more

Learn Pottery, Create Art, Make Money

“… a great reference book for pottery basics, particularly if you’ve started throwing on a wheel…” ―Jackie Keer, Splash Magazines

#1 Bestseller in Pottery & Ceramics and Sculpture
#1 Most Wished for in Pottery & Ceramic Craft

Explore the satisfying world of clay sculpting, master pottery techniques, and delve into the business side of selling pottery, from functional everyday ceramics to exquisite handmade works.

Transform clay into usable artistry. Learn pottery and ceramics from the basic principles of pottery making to crafting your own mugs, cups, plates, and bowls. Discover the delight of shaping ceramic clay into practical yet beautiful pieces that enhance everyday life.

Profit from your pottery passion. Not only does this book provide instruction on creating functional ceramics, but it also offers insights into making a living from your pottery projects. Learn the art of marketing and selling your hand-crafted pottery and discover the potential of this timeless craft.

Inside, you'll discover:

• Practical, hands-on tutorials for creating a range of pottery projects, from mugs to plates and bowls
• Essential tips on pottery techniques, including throwing, hand-building, and glazing ceramics
• Valuable insights into marketing and selling your handmade pottery pieces
• Guidance on transforming your pottery passion into a profitable venture

If you liked books such as Mastering Hand Building, Amazing Glaze, or Sell Your Crafts Online, then you'll love Jon Schmidt's Practical Pottery: 40 Pottery Projects for Creating and Selling Mugs, Cups, Plates, Bowls, and More.