Gemstones: A Concise Reference Guide

Hansen, Robin

ISBN 10: 0691214484 / ISBN 13: 9780691214481

Published by Princeton University Press, 2022

About this Item

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Bibliographic Details

• Title: Gemstones: A Concise Reference Guide
• Publisher: Princeton University Press
• Publication Date: 2022
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0691214484
• ISBN 13: 9780691214481
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: Very Good

About this title

Synopsis

A richly illustrated guide to the gemstones of the world

Gemstones have been a source of delight and fascination for thousands of years, from the icy brilliance of diamond and the soft iridescence of pearl to tough jade gems once used in weapons and pink topaz that was popular in Victorian jewelry. This book covers every known type of gemstone, exploring each one’s unique beauty, rarity, and durability. It reveals how gems form, where they are found and mined, how to identify them, and more. With sumptuous color photos throughout, Gemstones offers dazzling insights into the world of the rare and the valuable.

• Covers every kind of gemstone known to exist
• Features a wealth of beautiful, full-color photos
• Discusses the natural history of gemstones and their physical and chemical properties
• Explains how to distinguish the real from the fake
• Discusses cutting and polishing techniques and their use in adornment throughout history
• Includes invaluable identification tips

About the Author

Robin Hansen is curator of minerals and gemstones at the Natural History Museum in London.