Packed with close-up photographs, this reference shows you how to judge diamonds on the basis of how they look, rather than just on how they are graded. This handbook expands on the information provided in Newman's companion book, The Diamond Ring Buying Guide and covers additional topics requested by the readers.

Prepare to be dazzled by this shining and sumptuous visual guide to the world's greatest treasures. Feast your eyes on glittering gemstones, kaleidoscopic minerals, and famous trinkets in this comprehensive exploration of Earth's finest jewels. Following a foreword from Aja Raden, hundreds of pages take a lavish look at precious stones, precious metals, and organic gems in all their natural wonder. From agate to zoisite, everything under the Sun is encapsulated in spectacular photography and accessible text. Trace the history of gemmology and get the inside story on our planet's most famous and fabulous gems, including the mysterious Hope Diamond, the stunning Koh-i-Noor of the Crown Jewels, and exquisite Fabergé eggs. Find out their physical properties, check the price tags, and discover the most remarkable record-breakers. This exceptionally extravagant book is a picture-packed, fact-filled celebration guaranteed to bring sparkle to your life and your library.

A comprehensive guide to the main varieties of birthstones, including their properties and structure. This volume features extracts from eight historical articles on the subjects of gemology and crystallography. This illustrative guide to birthstones is an ideal read for those who are interested in learning more about their spiritual connection to the natural world. Featured extracts taken from the following articles: - ‘Gems and Gem Materials’ Edward Henry Kraus - ‘The Natural History of Gems – Or, Decorative Stones’ C. W. King - ‘Diamonds and Precious Stones - Their History, Value and Distinguishing Characteristics’ Harry Emanuel - ‘A Manual of Precious Stones and Antique Gems’ Hodder M Westropp - ‘Precious Stones and Gems - Their History, Sources and Characteristics’ Edwin W. Streeter - ‘Gem Testing’ B W Anderso - ‘A Hand-Book of Precious Stones’ M. D. Rothschild - ‘Gem Stones and Their Distinctive Characters’ G. F. Herbert Smith

This handbook updates jewellery professionals and serious diamond buyers on the new developments in diamond grading, treatments, synthetic diamonds, fancy-colour diamonds and lab certificates. Using close-up photographs, it shows how to make visual judgements about clarity, transparency, cut quality and brilliance. The handbook also discusses how gem labs are incorporating brightness, size, scintillation and pattern into their cut grades, and it provides tips on detecting treatments and man-made diamonds. Topics include: quality evaluation; diamond recutting; branded diamonds; antique cuts and jewellery; diamond treatments; fancy-colour diamonds; synthetic diamonds; light performance; fluorescence; and, lab reports.