Gem identification made easy: a hands-on guide to more confident buying & selling

Book Cover
Average Rating
Publisher
GemStone Press
Publication Date
2013.
Language
English

Description

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.

More Details

Contributors
ISBN
9780943763903

Table of Contents

From the Book - Fifth edition, [updated & expanded].

pt. 1. Before beginning. Before beginning
pt. 2. Getting ready. Setting up the lab
Proper lighting for gem identification
pt. 3. The essential instruments
what they are and how to use them. The loupe and dark-field loupe
The Chelsea filter and synthetic emerald filter
The dichroscope
The ultraviolet lamp
The refractometer
The microscope
pt. 4. Optional instruments
when and how to use them. The spectroscope
The polariscope
The diamond-type spotter and blue diamond tester
essential tools for diamond buyers
The immersion cell
The electronic diamond tester
The carbide scribe
an essential tool for diamond buyers
The "synthetic diamond detectors"
pt. 5. Antique and estate jewelry. Antique and estate jewelry
the true test of gem identification skill
A new type of composite imitation
pt. 6. Appendices.

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