Jewelry and Gems : How to Buy Diamonds, Pearls, Colored Gemstones, Gold and Jewelry with Confidence and Knowledge: the Buying Guide

by Matlins, Antoinette Leonard; Bonanno, Antonio C.

• ISBN13: 9780943763316
• ISBN10: 0943763312
• Edition: 5th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2001-09-01
• Publisher: Jewish Lights Pub

Summary

Purchasing gems and jewellery can be a magical experience, filled with excitement and anticipation. But lack of information, error, or misrepresentation can make the thrill of buying a gem or piece of jewellery confusing, intimidating, overwhelming, and costly. To help you to avoid the pitfalls and keep the magic, two internationally respected experts on buying gems and jewellery put their inside knowledge to work for you in this easy-to-read, easy-to-use guide. It is filled with practical advice and is designed to make it easy for you to have all the information you need to buy gems and jewellery with confidence.

Table of Contents

List of Price Guides	viii
List of Special Charts and Tables	viii
List of Color Photographs	ix
Acknowledgments	x
Preface to the Fifth Edition	xi
Introduction	xv
PART ONE Getting to Know Gems
Becoming Intimate with Gems	3	(6)
Looking for a Gem That's a ``Cut Above''	9	(8)
PART TWO Diamonds
The Magic of Diamonds	17	(4)
The Importance of Cut & Proportion	21	(14)
Body Color	35	(10)
Clarifying Clarity: How Flaws Affect Diamonds	45	(8)
Weight	53	(6)
False Claims & Costly Bargains: How to Spot Fraud and Avoid Misrepresentation	59	(22)
Comparing Diamond Prices	81	(8)
PART THREE Colored Gemstones
The Mystery & Magic of Colored Gems	89	(6)
Determining Value in Colored Gems	95	(16)
Colored Gemstone Treatment & Synthesis	111	(8)
Fraud & Misrepresentation in Colored Gems	119	(18)
Buying Colored Gems	137	(16)
Colorful Choices in Colored Gemstones	153	(36)
Pearls	189	(14)
PART FOUR Design & Style: Getting the Look You Want
Rare and Precious: Gold & Platinum	203	(12)
Choosing the Setting	215	(8)
PART FIVE Important Advice Before You Buy
What to Ask When Buying the Stone	223	(10)
How to Select a Reputable Jeweler	233	(4)
A Word about Gemstone Investment	237	(4)
Buying on the Internet: E-Commerce & Online Auctions	241	(10)
PART SIX Important Advice After You Buy
Choosing the Appraiser & Insurer	251	(20)
Appendix
Selected Laboratories	261	(1)
Selected Readings	262	(4)
Color Plates and Exhibits	266	(5)
Index	271