Product Description

The Dorling Kindersley Handbook of Gemstones is packed with more than 800 vivid full-colour 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-Encyclopedic Approach Each expertly written entry combines a precise description with annotated photographs to highlight the gemstone's chief characteristics and distinguishing features. Additional colour illustrations and photographs show uncut stones colour variations and a range of popular cuts while colour-coded bands provide at-a-glance facts for quick reference. Identification Made Easy For beginners and established enthusiasts alike the Dorling Kindersley Handbook of Gemstones explains what a gemstone is how and where gemstones occur what natural properties they possess and how they have been fashioned and imitated through the ages. To help you in the initial stages of identification a colour key illustrates the variety of colours found within natural and synthetic gemstones. A concise glossary explains the relevant scientific and technical terms.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #18557 in Books
• Published on: 2000-04-13
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 160 pages

Customer Reviews

A Good Start
This handbook is essential reading for any new jewellers and provides the basics needed for product knowledge. Well laid out information, multiple illustrations. A definitely GOOD starting point.

Informative and nicely illustrated
Like all DK books, this is beautifully illustrated and informative. It's the kind of book you'll probably find yourself dipping into now and again, rather than reading cover to cover in one go. User friendly and doesn't baffle with unnecessary science.

great book
this book is great for the beginner and those a little more expert