The Pearl Book, 3rd Edition: The Definitive Buying Guide: How to Select, Buy Care for & Enjoy Pearls

Book Description

Finally! Everything you need to buy beautiful pearls with confidence.

The Pearl Book tells you everything you need to know about pearls to fully understand and appreciate them, and avoid any unexpected (and costly) disappointments, now and in future generations.

This easy-to-read, easy-to-understand, practical resource covers: The rich history and romance surrounding pearls; differences between natural, cultured, and imitation pearls: what they are, how they differ, and how to tell them apart; how to judge pearl quality, with tips on how to see differences with the naked eye; comparisons of all types of pearls, in every size and color, from every pearl producing country in the world; what to guard against: artificial enhancements and misrepresentation; how to wear and care for pearls; pearl prices: from affordable to astronomical; magnificent pearl jewelry--conversations with the world's leading jewelers; exclusive interviews with the world's leading pearl experts, who offer "insider" insights and advice; important resource information, including sample lab reports, a pearl glossary, and more.

Customer Reviews:

Great Educational Resource!.......2006-02-19

I bought this book for our store reference. My staff became hooked, the information is solid and written in a way that reads like a book built for leisure. One critique; There could be more pictures in her book, although a cliche - a picture is worth a thousand (descriptive) words. I will buy more books from Ms Matlins, she has established herself as THE DEFINITIVE WRITER for gems and pearls. Thanks for the great reading material. Veronica, Ali'i Jewelry - Hawaii

Another Winner by Matlins!.......2005-03-22

If you love pearls--or just want to learn more about them--this is the #1 book to buy. I have Matlins 'Jewelry & Gems: The Buying Guide' which is very well worn from use, so I decided to start learning more about pearls with this book.

Wow! Talk about bursting with information! Matlins covers everything from history and lore to famous pieces, moves on to explaining the differences/types of pearls, how to evaluate them, *and* what to look out for... she provides estimated value lists, gives advice on how to buy, wear and care for pearl jewelry. Whew!

Did you know a drop of salad dressing can ruin a pearl? I didn't!

The author also interviewed many pearl industry professionals and their thoughts are informative as well as (at times) entertaining. In fact, the entire book could be described as "conversational". It's not textbook in style, yet provides so much information it could be used as one!!

Do you sell pearls? The information Matlins provides can help you better understand and describe the charecteristics (and value!) of the pearls you sell. Are you looking to invest in pearls or start a collection? Add this book to your shopping cart--you might save hundreds or thousands in the long run.

But if you simply have a passion for pearls and want to learn all you can about them, this book is a "must have" for your library. It's comprehensive, loaded with tips, and easy to read. There aren't pages & pages of photos. It does have some good compare/contrast photos, as well as others of important or famous pieces. You may find yourself wishing there were more of the "educational" sorts of pictures, but overall that's a small nick in an otherwise glowing treasure. No doubt the binding will become worn from frequent use.
IN SUMMARY:I highly recommend 'The Pearl Book'. It's truly worth every penny. You'll know what to look for if you get this gem.

Fascinating! The Best I've Ever Read on Pearls........2000-02-07

This book covers everything anyone needs to know about pearls. It's filled with information that helped me finally realize what's important in selecting nice pearls, and why some are so much more expensive than others. I was so confused about them after talking to different jewelers that I wasn't sure what to buy (and they are too expensive to make a mistake). This book was a godsend. And I love the pearls I finally bought...and know they will stay beautiful! Also, I never knew there were CULTURED abalone pearls, but I plan to look for them for my next treat to myself!

GREAT JOB!.......1999-11-29

I've always admired the beauty of pearls, but never known much about them. The folklore and history explained in this book makes it as much an enjoyable novel as it is an informational source. The knowledge I have gained from reading this book is invaluable. (Remember, guys! We women just LOVE pearls!)

Read this first to save time and money for quality pearls........1999-09-06

A SUPER way to educate oneself before or during the process of selecting the right pearls.

Enjoy!

Average customer rating:

This is an excellent book for the beginning gemstone buyer

Great book for beginners

Great Book!

No More Mistakes

This Book Makes A Difference

Jewelry & Gems the Buying Guide: How to Buy Diamonds, Pearls, Colored Gemstones, Gold & Jewelry With Confidence And Knowledge (Jewelry and Gems the Buying Guide)
Antoinette L. Matlins , and Antonio C. Bonanno
Manufacturer: Gemstone Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Jewelry & Gems at Auction: The Definitive Guide to Buying & Selling at the Auction House & on Internet Auction Sites

ASIN: 0943763444

Book Description

Know What You Want, Know What You're Buying, Learn the Secrets to Get the Most for Your Money

Easy to Read • Easy to Understand Practical • Complete Instant Answers ... to All Your Questions Completely Updated & Expanded 6th Edition!

Purchasing gems and jewelry 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 jewelry confusing, intimidating, overwhelming, and costly.

To help you avoid the pitfalls and keep the magic, two internationally respected experts on buying gems and jewelry 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 jewelry with confidence.

Recommended by consumer and jewelry trade reviewers around the world, it is already in use in over 100 countries and has been translated into Spanish, Arabic, Greek, Hungarian, and Russian. Over 300,000 copies are now in print and this revised, updated, expanded edition covers even more: buying and selling on the internet, dazzling new diamond cuts, recently discovered gems … and new treatments and trickery to look out for. There are fascinating mythical and magical tidbits, and practical tips that could only come from an insider.

In simple, straightforward terms you'll learn about the four Cs and how to juggle them to get what you want, at the price you want to pay; what to look for, and look out for; all about gold and platinum, jewelry design, and some of the country's leading designers. You'll learn what questions to ask and what to get in writing, and even how to select the jeweler, appraiser, and insurer. The authors leave no stone unturned to give you everything you need to know—whether you are a novice or a connoisseur. With Jewelry & Gems: The Buying Guide, you'll find the experience can be a joy, and the gems and jewelry you select a source of lasting pleasure!

Praise for Jewelry & Gems: The Buying Guide

"Restores the magic! [Will] entertain and enlighten all its readers and save some from heart-break. Recommended reading." — Paul Harvey, Paul Harvey News

"Includes all kinds of fun facts to know and tell ... an essential resource for the gem buyer." — Art & Antiques

"Takes the guesswork out of this important decision ... obtain the best value for your money." — Modern Bride

"A book designed to build trust between jewelry retailers and consumers." — National Jeweler

"An appropriate book for the uninformed public, but more than that, it is a good reference book for jewelers and their staffs, gem collectors, students of gemology, travelers, teachers, and even those who know gemology but want a state-of-the-art review." — Lapidary Journal

"We have seen no work more practical and accurate than [this book] ... the investor, or engagement ring buyer, who follows the dictates ... which are well explained and illustrated, will surely avoid being burned ... the best of its kind and likely to be of enormous value to anyone." — Frederick H. Pough, PhD Former Curator of Gems and Minerals, American Museum of Natural History, N.Y.C.

"Most certainly achieves its aim of helping consumers buy gems and jewelry with confidence and knowledge ... highly recommended." — Asian Jewelry

"Especially useful to service members shopping overseas." — Financial Planning Guide Supplement to Army, Navy and Air Force Times

Customer Reviews:

This is an excellent book for the beginning gemstone buyer.......2007-08-13

Excellent! This is hands down the best book on the market for the beginning gemstone buyer.

Great book for beginners.......2006-12-08

If you are buying jewelry/gems for any occasion and don't exactly know what you are doing, this book is a great start. The section on colored gemstones was particularly helpful, as it is harder to find good information on them. The book is definitely a keeper as it can be used for many different purchases.

Great Book!.......2006-09-20

A friend recommended this book and I'm so glad she did! So informative and easy to understand--even for a novice like me! I now have more confidence when I buy jewelry and know what questions to ask a jeweler before I decide to buy. Great book!

No More Mistakes.......2006-09-03

With the help, guidelines and information from this incredible book I finally felt I could shop for jewelry with confidence and a "sense of experience".

This Book Makes A Difference.......2006-09-02

I am not a geologist or gemologist but I am very interested in gems and jewelry. After purchasing and reading several other books on the subject of gems and jewelry, this was the most informative! I could not put it down. I buy jewelry of all sorts for re-sale, and this book is the only book that tells me all my choices whether buying diamonds, colored gemstones, or pearls. It is also the only book that describes the many clever ways that one can be deceived. I especially like their price charts for diamonds and colored gem stones because they are organized in a way that focuses attention on the impact of quality factors on value. The colored gem stone charts are organized so that it is easy to compare numerous stones of the same color. For example if my customer wants a green stone this book lists all of the stones available, and how they compare to each other in terms of price, durabilty, and availabilty in different sizes. No other book does this. I could go on and on, but I will sum it up in three words: It's the BEST!

Jewelry & Gems: The Buying Guide--How to Buy Diamonds, Pearls, Colored Gemstones, Gold & Jewelry With Confidence and Knowledge (5th Edition)

Average customer rating:

Wonderful Wealth of Knowledge
Perfect Starter Guide
Book pays for itself many times over
Jewelry & Gems The Buying Guide
ALL THE TITLE

Jewelry & Gems: The Buying Guide--How to Buy Diamonds, Pearls, Colored Gemstones, Gold & Jewelry With Confidence and Knowledge (5th Edition)
Antoinette Matlins , and A. C. Bonanno
Manufacturer: Gemstone Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0943763312

Book Description

Completely Updated, Expanded, Revised.New edition of the "unofficial bible" for jewelry and gem buyers. Explains how to buy diamonds, pearls, precious, and other popular colored gems, gold, and jewelry with confidence and knowledge.This authoritative book includes new sections on design and style, pearls, gold, and platinum, as well as full coverage of recently discovered new gems to look for...and new treatments and trickery to look out for. Easy to read and understand, Jewelry & Gems: The Buying Guide covers every aspect of purchasing and enjoying jewelry and gems.Selected contents:Retail Price Guides for Diamonds, Colored Gems, and Pearls.Getting to Know Gems.Diamonds: How to Determine the Value of a Diamond.The Four C's - Treatments - New shapes & old - How flaws affect diamonds - How to read diamond grading reports - How to spot fraud & misrepresentationColored Gemstones: New Stones Add Exciting Choices.Mystery & Magic - Determining value - New treatments - Synthetics - Fraud & misrepresentation - Misleading names - Gem alternatives by colorPearls: Types - Factors that affect quality and value.Gold & Platinum.Choosing the Setting.Important Advice Before You Buy; Questions to Ask.Selecting a Reputable Jeweler, Appraiser, & insurer.Gemstone Investment.

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful Wealth of Knowledge.......2006-08-22

This book is a must have for anyone, novice or expert! I was looking for something that would educate me in my new "hobby" of gem collecting and ran across this valuable book. It contains sections from how to purchase great diamonds to colored gemstones (my favorites!). The first part of the book deals with examining stones, how to hold the stone when examining it, using a loupe (those round magnifying glass-type things that are used by jewlers), identifying the parts of a gem (yes, there are parts of gem such as a table, a girdle, a crown, a pavilion and a cutlet) , and the different cuts of stones (round, trilliant, pear, Marquise, oval, emerald, etc.). The second part of the book deals exclusively about diamonds, the importance of the cut and proportion, body color and grades, faulty cuts, girdle faults, popular and nonpopular shapes, desirable colors, diamond flaws, clarity and how it's determined, V, VV, S, I explained, weight, spotting frauds, and comparing diamond prices. Section 3 is about colored gemstones, determing value, gemstone treatment, fraud, purchasing colored gems, and pearls. Part 4 is about Design and Style and offers important advice before buying. Part 6, the final chapter, offers important advice after you purchase a gemstone. There's even a section that gives retail prices, by carat, on each type of gemstone! Lots of important diagrams too! My next book to purchase that will compliment this book is Gem Identificatin Made Easy by Antoinette Matlins and A.C. Bonanno. This book will explain how to use pocket, portable and laboratory instruments to identify diamonds and colored gems! Yeah, baby! No more guessing!

Perfect Starter Guide.......2005-07-28

This book is exactly what I needed to substantially increase my knowledge of colored gemstones. It contains several 4 to 5 page sections of colored gemstone pictures with identification and a very informative section that gives general price per carat ranges for a large variety of gems. I've just added loose gemstones to my retail stock and I've referred to this guide so often that I know many of the page numbers by heart.

Book pays for itself many times over.......2003-06-02

One thing that retail jewelers count on is that the public is unwilling to do its homework.

And if you've got tens of thousands of dollars to spend and don't much care where it goes, don't buy this book (but feel free to send me some of that money).

On the other hand, if you're like most of us, you want to get the best value for your money, and this book will definitely help by giving great tips when buying diamonds and other gems.

Not only that, this book can give you some creative ideas. Looking for something beyond the cheap "frozen spit" diamonds that are being sold all over these days? For the same money, you can buy a colored stone or cultured pearl that will look better and be a better value. Want a nice, bright green stone but haven't got $10k for an emerald? This book can give some affordable alternatives, like maybe a tsavorite.

This is a tremendous resource, written in an easy-to-understand style, and organized in a way that makes referring to it inviting.

Jewelry & Gems The Buying Guide.......2003-03-18

I have been buying jewelry for many years, and my biggest regret is that I have not taken the time to learn about the different types and quality of gems available. This book has certainly taught me a lot of things that jewelry store sales people never told me. I am sure that the information that I learned from this book will be of great help in my future purchases.

ALL THE TITLE.......2001-08-28

MY NAME IS ZARIS119 .I HAVE MANY COLLECTIONS OFF GEMS STONE, SOME OF THEM ARE POWERFULL AND SPIRITUAL THIS BOOK I THING TO MUCH GUIDING LINE.

Pearl Buying Guide: How to Evaluate, Identify and Select Pearls & Pearl Jewelry

Average customer rating:

The perfect Pearl Buying Guide book- the title says it all!
a book of woooows and aha!!!s
An absolute "must-read" for any consumer

Pearl Buying Guide: How to Evaluate, Identify and Select Pearls & Pearl Jewelry
Renee Newman
Manufacturer: International Jewelry Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0929975359

Customer Reviews:

The perfect Pearl Buying Guide book- the title says it all!.......2006-09-15

A wonderful sequel to the third edition, this new fantastic book is a must-have guide to learn, shop and enjoy pearls! With the fascinating ever-changing world of pearl culturing, the writer is always up to speed with the latest techniques, treatments, new types of pearls and latest jewelry designs. A perfect mixture of information and gorgeous photographs, this is another fine book from Renee Newman, definitively the best of its kind!

a book of woooows and aha!!!s.......2006-01-10

I had a number of wooow and ahaaa!! moments reading this book. Photos compliment the book nicely, and illustrate the main points wonderfuly. I have always been interested in pearls, but was never quite confident investing into them. This book covers everything you need to know before you go pearl shopping. Loved it. However, it also guided me away from buying an expensive strand of pearls. After all, pearl nacre is a living thing, it dulls kept in a box and wears away worn.

An absolute "must-read" for any consumer.......2004-07-16

Initially published in 1992, and now in a completely updated and expanded fourth edition, Pearl Buying Guide: How To Evaluate, Identify And Select Pearls & Pearl Jewelry is a handy, no-nonsense guide to purchasing quality pearl jewelry at an appropriate price. Written in plain terms accessible to the lay reader, and filled with color photographs, Pearl Buying Guide presents the wisdom and experience of a professional gemologist in its simple instructions on how to tell a fake pearl from a real one, how to select high quality pearls, how to compare pearls and prices, and much more. An absolute "must-read" for any consumer determined to invest his or her hard-earned money in fine pearl adornments.

Gem & Jewelry Pocket Guide: A Traveler's Guide to Buying Diamonds, Colored Gems, Pearls, Gold and Platinum Jewelry (Gem & Jewelry Pocket Guide)

Average customer rating:

Easy, helpful and fantastic guide to jewelry buying!
Invaluable tips for the non-specialist general reader

Gem & Jewelry Pocket Guide: A Traveler's Guide to Buying Diamonds, Colored Gems, Pearls, Gold and Platinum Jewelry (Gem & Jewelry Pocket Guide)
Renee Newman
Manufacturer: International Jewelry Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0929975308

Book Description

"Newman's guides are the ones to take along when shopping." Library Journal

The perfect pocket-sized companion for those traveling and thinking about purchasing jewelry or stones. Renee Newman, author of the highly respected gem and jewelry guides including Diamond Ring Buying Guide and Gold & Platinum Jewelry Buying Guide, has written a concise buying guide covering gems, gold and platinum that's a perfect handy reference.

Here's important information on how to select jewelers and appraisers; a chapter on notable gem sources and which countries are noted for specific gems; information on coral, ivory and amber; precautions one must take when buying from an unfamiliar source; and customs regulations, duties and how to use lab reports.

Gem & Jewelry Pocket Guide will become an indispensable resource that will be used time and time again.

Customer Reviews:

Easy, helpful and fantastic guide to jewelry buying!.......2001-05-23

The latest great book from Renee Newman: this is another wonderful book written to help acquire the right knowledge when making the important decision to purchase a special piece of jewelry! Bravo!

Invaluable tips for the non-specialist general reader.......2001-05-17

Profusely illustrated in full color, Renee Newman's Gem & Jewelry Pocket Guide: A Traveler's Guide To Buying Diamonds, Colored Gems, Pearls, Gold And Platinum Jewelry is the most concise, definitive, informative, authoritative, portable, and "user friendly" guide for travelers seeking to buy gems and jewelry while on their travels. This little pocket-sized compendium offers invaluable tips for the non-specialist general reader on quality evaluation, fake and lab-grown gems, custom-made jewelry, customs regulations, gem treatment, and geographic gem sources. Whether acquiring gems and jewelry for personal use, commercial resale, or as a collectible, first read through Renee Newman's Gem & Jewelry Pocket Guide.

Average customer rating:

A "Must Have" book for your pearl choice and information!
A great book for those shopping for pearls!

The Pearl Buying Guide
Renee Newman
Manufacturer: International Jewelry Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Jewelry | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

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Customer Reviews:

A "Must Have" book for your pearl choice and information!.......2000-10-28

Fantastic book with easy to read information & guide about all type of pearls. Also lovely photograps of fine pearl jewelry. A very fine book, definitively the best of its kind. Kudos to Mrs. Newman for writing with such knowledge, yet easy to grasp!

A great book for those shopping for pearls!.......1999-04-03

This book is a great source for information on pearls and a neccessity for those who are wishing to buy pearls. This will save you money as it teaches you how to determine value. It is a wonderful sequel to the 2nd edition. It discusses all types of pearls, pearl care, pearl quality, pearl value, and includes a quiz after most chapters. It discusses specific types of pearls like Misaki and Mikura as well as general types like black, mabe, akoya, cultured, and natural pearls. It goes into great depth about the new freshwater pearls like those from freshwaterpearls.com. This book should definetly be bought.

Average customer rating:

Guide to Buying Pearls

ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000CPM2AY

Jewelry and Gems the Buying Guide: How to Buy Diamonds, Pearls, Co

Average customer rating:

Jewelry and Gems the Buying Guide: How to Buy Diamonds, Pearls, Co
Antoinette Matlins
Manufacturer: GEMSTONE PRESS
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000WSIZCA

The Pearl Book, 1st Edition: The Definitive Buying Guide: How to Select, Buy, Care for and Enjoy Pearls

Average customer rating:

The Pearl Book, 1st Edition: The Definitive Buying Guide: How to Select, Buy, Care for and Enjoy Pearls
Antoinette L. Matlins
Manufacturer: Gemstone Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0943763142

Average customer rating:

The Pearl Buying Guide
Renee Newman
Manufacturer: Intl Jewelry Pubns
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000NRW7BK

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