Gems and Jewels

by Zucker, Benjamin

• ISBN13: 9781585674206
• ISBN10: 1585674206
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2003-10-13
• Publisher: Harry N. Abrams

Summary

Gems and jewels have, since the beginnings of civilization, been prized as tokens of love, as symbols of wealth and social status, or as objects endowed with magical or religious significance. In Gems and Jewels, internationally renowned gem expert and dealer Benjamin Zucker reveals much of the history and mystique surrounding these precious objects. Divided into chapters devoted to rubies, sapphires, emeralds, white diamonds and colored diamonds, pearls, amber, lapis lazuli, jade, turquoise, opals, and garnets, Gems and Jewelsfeatures compelling descriptions and insights into the chemical composition of these stones, the methods and styles of cutting them in different periods, discussions of outstanding specimen stones-such as the Tiffany diamond-and comparisons of key differences in shades of color within one type of gemstone-as in the case of opals from Australia and Mexico, and sapphires from Kashmir and Ceylon. A gorgeous illustrated book for lovers of gems and jewels and an important volume for professionals, this unique volume also provides the vital clues that enable the expert eye to distinguish between natural and synthetic stones, and between natural and cultured pearls, and also supplies guidelines on methods of grading and on relative market values.

Author Biography

Benjamin Zucker, a well known New York gem merchant, was born on the French Riviera, educated at Yale and Harvard Law School, and followed his grandfather and father into the family business. He travels regularly to the gem capitals of the world purchasing precious stones. He has lectured at the Smithsonian Institution and the American Museum of Natural History.

Table of Contents

Introduction	p. 7
Ruby	p. 13
Sapphire	p. 33
Emerald	p. 53
White Diamond	p. 73
Colored Diamond	p. 93
Pearl	p. 111
Amber	p. 145
Lapis Lazuli	p. 151
Jade	p. 167
Turquoise	p. 187
Opal	p. 207
Garnet	p. 223
Documentary Illustrations	p. 236
Bibliography	p. 240
Acknowledgments	p. 244
Index	p. 247
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