Gem Identification Made Easy, Third Edition: A Hands-On Guide to More Confident Buying & Selling

I am a beginning gemology student and have purchased quite a few books to help me with my studies. By far, this book is the most helpful. First, it has all the information I need in one place so I no longer have to look at 3 different books to get the info I need. Second, it is written with the beginner in mind. Ideas and equipment are explained in layman's terms and then used in professional terms so you learn the "lingo" as you go. Many idea and explainations were easily understandable in this book after digging other places. The color photos are great too. This book is interesting for hobbyists and essential for jewelry sales staff, students, and anyone ready to make a smart, informed purchase of a gem. I agree with the reviewer that said this should be mandatory reading for sales people.

The book certainly lives up to its title as I consider this book quite complete for a beginner in evaluating gemstones.I am a hobbyist with quite an extensive collection of semi-precious ( and a few precious) stones, most all of which have papers and specs from the dealers I've bought them from.Quite frankly, the acquisition of the stones was what drove me at the beginning as I had always wanted my own 'treasure chest' but after you've bought pounds of the stuff you end up being curious as to how to differentiate one stone from the other ( like nephrite from 'grass' jade, red tourmaline from ruby or garnet, Paraiba tourmaline from Paraiba citrine, blue topaz from aquamarine, etc., etc.)This book is great with this. It is quite comprehensive and not only lists the equipment you would need for 'on the go' evaluating ( at auctions in Asia ) or for the small workshop/hobby center you can set up for yourself in your home but also how to use said tools. It gives you instructions for basic examinations to different levels of more complete ones.I am not saying that you will become IGA or AGS proficient, but this is a great start for even that ambition.

Very good book written by one of most highly respected experts in the gemology field. This is a great reference, but it will take a lot of study and trial plus expenditures for equipment. The more you spend the better the results, but buying stuff wont make you an expert without study. not a fast read or a fun read but if you want to know if what you have is what you think it is, and an idea of value, this is a great book to start with.

I SEE THAT EVERYONE SEEMS TO THINK THIS BOOK IS THE BEST THING SINCE ...I DON'T KNOW WHAT. BUT I HATED IT AND RETURNED IT. THIS IS LIKE ONE OF THOSE AWEFUL, CHEAP, TEXT BOOKS THAT YOU HAVE TO BUY IN THE COLLGE BOOK STORE 'CAUSE IT'S BEEN OUT OF PRINT FOR 30 YEARS... THERE WERE MOSTLY ALL SMALL B&W PICTURES, JUST A FEW PAGES OF COLORED STONES...THIS, IN MY OPINION, IS NOT FOR ANYONE CREATIVE OR VISUAL. YUCK!

As Advertised. Great Product

Helpful information

I really wish this came with individual gemstone information. Mostly on how to use tools which is very helpful but I thought it would have gem info.

I have several books on gems and this one is a great addition to my others. It is another facet to recognizing stones. And, it is the same book that gemologists use so I am in good company.

In good condition as advertised but a bit more technical than i expected. It is abook more for the more serious gemologist.